Questions on Italian climbs.

Mortirolo
Gavia
Stelvia
Madonna del Ghisallo

Anyone done these? - I have a pass to take my bike on holiday at the end of August and will be in striking distance of all of them.

Am I going to die on 39-27?

No, you're a strong climber.

I am distinctly too fat to climb at the moment. Going to have a 2 week beer embargo and load up on the spanish steak instead.

Middle bit of Mortirolo looks 'challenging' - might just stick 12-28 on the back and HTFU.

If an Ultegra compact (50-34) would be any use, I've got one knocking around that you'd be welcome to borrow.

If an Ultegra compact (50-34) would be any use, I've got one knocking around that you'd be welcome to borrow.

^gay*

(*OED June 2003 Draft Additions, final entry)

Mortirolo - steep, but wooded (shaded) from the north side. Tough, but not too long. Starts steep, gets steeper, and then a series of switchbacks.
Gavia - from the south, west. Tough, and keeps getting tougher, with some, long ramps, as well as switchbacks. A long climb, and you can feel the thinner air at the top.
Stelvio - just a great climb. Nuts at the top.

All marvellous.

I'd favour the 28 on the back...

Oh, and when we got to the top of the Mortirolo a family with kids on child seats on the back of their MTBs rolled up.

Reported for spam.

Mortadella - bland and homogenised, reminiscent of luncheon meat with a fancier name.

Great for brekkie with some buttered, crusty bread though.

12-28 it is then.

Going Bormio - Mazzo - Mortirolo - Ponte di Legno - Gavia Bormio by the looks of things. Will do some of the Falling Leaves route with the Madonna del Ghisallo on it early one morning if it looks like it won't end in divorce...

Brun, reserve the right to take up your offer if I remain a fat lazy bastard for the next three weeks.