Bormio, Italian Alps

Anyone been there/stayed there? Is there a bike shop? (repairs after Ryanair flight) Any tips for rides?

I've been there. Never found a bike shop but then again I never really looked as I was either riding, eating or sleeping.

It's a beautiful little town and the choice of rides is amazing. The obvious ride to do is to head north and straight up the south western side of the Stelvio, or east and straight up the Gavia.

However the classic sides to both climbs are the opposite side to Bormio. To do the north side of the Stelvio I'd recommend you ride up the south west side of the Stelvio as far as the Umbrail pass then head down that to the bottom, turn right then right again to Prato dell Stelvio and ride this.

To do the south side of the Gavia, head down the valley from Bormio towards Tirano, then at Mazzo head up the Mortirolo, the hardest Alpine pass I've ever done, or, for an easier route, pass through Tirano and head up to Aprica. Then head towards Ponte de Legno, and do the Gavia from the south. It's epic too.

You can also do the Bernina Pass from Tirano. Or from Bormio head up the Foscagno pass although this leads to Livigno which is a duty free shopping haven and the road gets very, very busy.

Hey AndyP - Thanks for the info. I'll take your advice on the Stelvio - the North side looks much more fun. I've heard that the Mortirolo is really tough. Is it the gradient?

It is partly the gradient, it averages 13% for 6 kms, but also partly the heat as it starts from quite low down so the heat tends to be higher later in the day.

http://www.salite.ch/10000/10877.gif

Both sides of the Stelvio are worth doing, it's just that the north side is famous because of the 47 hairpins. The southern side is also epic, with a hairpinned section and quite a few unlit tunnels.

Which reminds me, it's best to take a small rear light with you as both the Stelvio and the Gavia have sections of unlit tunnels.

Good tip for the tunnels. The Mortirolo gradient looks insane. Think I might have to give it a go but maybe in the morning.