Reschen to Meran - Thunder storms into the Vinschgau valley

When the hotel's boss mentioned there would be thunder storms, I didn't think he meant 5 minutes later. Hardly had I set off, there was that worrying rumble bouncing off the mountain peaks - and it wasn't my belly for a change. I didn't like the idea of being so exposed (arf, arf) cycling along the lake as the thunder storm encroached (I seemed to be the only idiot doing so), so I hastened to the info point opposite this famous church spire sticking out of the lake - the result of some criminal industrial planning in Fascist times.



As you can see, the storm passed as quickly as it came. The next storm scared me a bit because I was on the top of a hill and could see the lightning strike into the cliffs not too far off. But there was nothing to do but continue as fast as possible, since the descent was not far off. The other problem with thunder storms is they can be rather wet and sure enough, I had to tackle with some aquaplaning on steep descents (19% and 20% were the worst) as the water washed diagonally over the cycle paths.

But things looked up as I reached Burgeis, where a fantastc cycle route began and continued along the River Etsch/Adige (as I discovered later) for the best part of the 200 km towards Lake Garda.



The third thunder storm was fortunately in a stretch of forest, so I decided to use it for a lunch break - fruit bars and gummibears again.

Eventually, the sun came out around 3ish and the Vinschgau presented itself in all its glory. I had been told it would be a lovely stretch and was not disappointed. Beautiful medieval castles and towns, endless apple groves flanked by impressive snow-capped cliffs...



When we were in Meissen, we stayed in Joerg's hotel. I promised to meet his daughter Lisa near Meran when I was passing by, so now it was time to keep my word. It meant fighting my way up a long, steep hill to Schenna, a picturesque town overlooking Meran. It really is a stunning part of the world - lush vineyards, mountains and almost a mediterranean climate.



Lisa found me a cheap and cheerful room and I had a nice drink with her and her boyfriend. (Werde Fotos schicken, Joerg!)

Today's distance: 97 km
Total s far: 1434 km