Today our day starts very rainy. The plan is to ride with our two groups until the coffee break and then decide which way to go. No sooner said than done. Once there, one group bravely turns off into the Dolomites while the other bravely sets off through the valley to explore the Dolomites as well.

Contrary to all predictions, the weather gets better the further we drive. It will be a great day with magnificent views and countless curves.

Today we ride:

Passo Tre Croci 1809m (5935ft)

Passo di Giau 2236m (7336ft)

Passo di Falzarego 2105m (6906ft)

Passo di Valparola 2197m (7208ft)

Passo di Campolongo 1875m (6152ft)

Passo di Pordoi 2239m (7346ft)

Passo Sella 2218m (7277ft)

Rest day on AMA Alps Challenge. 

Just a quiet, slow day then? 

Not with our group, it isn't! There were spectacular cable cars up to Soprabolzano. There were city walks. There was a northern loop towards Jaufenpass (and possibly the lunch with the best view ever) and Penserjoch (and possibly the decent with the wettest pants ever). There was a visit to Ötzi the Iceman himself. There was some ice cream. There was a southern loop with many, MANY more Dolomites passes. There was a swim in the pool. There was a funky dinner. There were some beers (in various amounts) at the bar and there was, most importantly, a whole lot of laughter, fun and genuine friendly atmosphere. 

All that, in just one single day. Edelweiss rest days can get just that little bit busy for those who want  

Although some, who live up here, just have an all-day nap

Bye bye Bolzano, let's go see Livigno. 

They rhyme, but they couldn't be more different. From the buzzing city of Bolzano down in the valleys, we head towards the mountain resort of Livigno, high up between impressive Alpine peaks. 

And heading into the mountains doesn't come without spectacular views, endless curves, splendid riding and, of course, a few challenging sections. This is called AMA Alps Challenge after all, right? 

Today we take a loop around Switzerland. 

Today we do al highlight of the Alps...the Stelvio Pass. The third highest in Europe with a mass of switchbacks and really difficult to ride. But we are lucky. We will go up the easygoing way from Bormio. After that we ride to Meran. Here in this valley growing a lot of apple threes. We get hungry and we are lucky again. A picknick is prepared for us.