Getting here was ... let's say, an adventure. Once I started climbing the pass (from 2,000ft in Martigny) Rocinante began to find the going harder and harder. The road becomes increasingly steep, and as the air thinned she got slower and slower. It took us an hour and a half to cover the 40km or so to the point where the road forks, going left through the tunnel to Italy or right up to the pass. I turned right. Rocinante spluttered and coughed but soldiered on.
The huge question in my mind was: is it actually possibly to get a little 50cc scooter over the top of the Alps? Turns out the answer is yes, if (a) you've got a lot of time and patience, (b) you're prepared to get very wet when the day you choose to go over it's raining, and (c) when the bike finally can't manage any more, you're determined and stupid enough to push it up the last 5km while making a climb of 1,300ft.
Yes I did that. Yes, I'm that stubborn and idiotic. Yes, it was exhausting and wet. Yes, it took hours. And yes, I now feel awesome and heroic and on top of the world. We did it!
The brothers here at the community were astonished and have kindly given me lodging for the night for nothing. Just for tonight I am a (little) legend!
Ooh, look: another apt What3Words link:
Well done! You couldn't have turned around with 5km to go, could you? But that sounds like hard work.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard work, but Rocinante brought me so this way; pushing those few km was the least I could do ... 😉
DeleteYes, you are a fruitcake indeed but a very lovable one. Just looked up Denver’s height above sea level - 5280ft…you’re a little over that! Well done you, all down hill from here(!) if you can get Rocinante started again…it’s a long push to Assisi!
ReplyDeleteOh, she starts ok. Just can't get any puff to go up. But downhill now, that's a different story!
DeleteIf you believe something is achievable, and it is humanly possible, your belief will make it achievable.
ReplyDeleteThere are no doubts in your beliefs in what you are attempting to achieve, belief in yourself (and to some extent your means of transport) is equally as important. Onwards and upwards (or downwards as may be deemed necessary terrestrially) is the order of the day! Considering the number of places you have visited the distance you have covered thus far is quite remarkable.
I am in awe - what an amazing achievement! Already you have seen and experienced so many wonderful things, people, places. You are an inspiration and I can’t wait until the movie of your trip comes out 😋 But maybe the book, first?? Keeping you in our prayers
ReplyDelete"Blessed are the (little) legends... for theirs is the mountainous summit (and free lodging)."
ReplyDeleteSo well done , I agree with Sally, a fruitcake but you, your bike and your travelling companion (autism) have achieved so so much and I'm so very proud of you x
ReplyDelete