202km, 13:45 elapsed time, 1700m alt gain, good conditions
Leaving Klagenfurt this morning was breathtaking. A massive lake ‘see’ which had fantastic cycle paths around it – and being a Sunday it was awesome to see so much active lifestyle on display by the Austrians – swimming, SUP, running, cycling etc – really making the most of their environment.
The only problem with my lovely morning was that the pain in my left quad was getting intense. Time for a plan – here’s the Whatsapp synopsis I sent home:
In Spittal after 75km. Quad is not looking good. Time for new plan. Strapping. But hey, not a single shop is open on a Sunday in Europe 😁. So found the Hospital, walk into emergency. 2 people in queue. Moves fast. Ask friendly receptionist does she speak English? Smiles ‘off course’. Explain race, quad pain and need for strapping. Says wait here. Not a minute later out she walks with a full roll and say ‘here you go, good luck!’ Europe 👏👏👏👏
So I did a roadside drumstick wrap job (prob a touch too tight) and set off with very mediocre expectations. This is however some reassuring about going through the motions of new solutions when things are down and out.
Soon my Kamoot made route put me onto some excellent cycle paths through the valleys between Spittal and Leinz. Really was bliss to ride made even better by my strapping have done a way better job that expected of masking the pain. My mood lifted and so did my pace !!
Another interesting development made itself know today:
Funny how holding bars for so long starts to effect nerves. My left pinky has decided it’s no longer mates with other fingers and just point out now permanently 😂
The last haul of the day was to come up the neck from Leinz valley in Austria up to the Italian Dolomites ski area of Dobbiaco. It’s was a 40km climb but fair gradient and managed to get in before sunset.
I am very happy to be here. Vultures were circling in Spittal – they have now been banished 👌