So, today will be the last day in Italy.
I’ve set quite clearly my challenge for today: Pass the Simplon and then go into the direction of Ulrichen (to the Grimsel).
When leaving Domodossola, I just took the direction of the mountain. I had a bad feeling from the last (first) time I passed here. At that time it was by car and I just remembered: you don’t want to cycle over her.
But it was a quite easy ride – not to much traffic. There some part where it is possible to take the old route.
About 7km before arriving at the Simplon-pass, I really felt the last days without resting days. After another stop at the last restaurant before reaching the top, I continued for the last kilometres.
Then, finally, I reached the Simplon pass. After something little to eat again and short discussion with two other cyclist, I needed to continue: I wanted to cycle as much as possible to shorten the next and last day.
The descend wasn’t as fast as normal: my big smile was not really aerodynamic well and I made some stops: I wanted to enjoy the view from the water cascade and see the bridge from the book “Der Blindgänger” which is a real story about an amazing guy.
Arrived in the valley, a nice breeze was waiting for me to push me in direction of Urichen.
Interesting: the last 10km of the valley, the wind is changing. Regarding the explanation of the locals, it is normal…
Finally, quite exhausted, I arrived at Ulrichen and started to look for a hotel. Unfortunately, my choice was wrong. Expensive, not really friendly… and cooperative. But I just wanted to eat and rest to be ready for the next and surprise my girlfriend on her 25th birthday :o) . I had a strange feeling about the room. Trash not empty, bed was not as usual… On top of it: getting out of the shower, the towel was just dirty. That was now to much. Worst experience of my trip…
Tomorrow will be another day, the last of the journey.
***
By Georges
http://tiny.cc/Georges