The Austrians are following us

This is almost the end of the Transalp. We completed stage 7 today. It was only 40 km. Sonia and I were in good shape and climbed very comfortably the 900 meters pass. Tomorrow we will arrive in Riva del Garda the final destination. We will have took 10 days to do the 8 stages. We also added two bonus stages for a total of 12 cycling days.

As we are finishing our trip, many of you are probably asking why we like doing something this? It is not the typical vacation and for some this is the opposite from a vacation. I will try to explain.

1) It is an adventure - We are all by our self and we try to go from point A to point B. The GPS is guiding but we are discovering remote areas that we would never discovered without this.
2) We like the outdoors - We like spending our vacation outside. The Alps is a wonderful décor.
3) We like the challenge - The Transalp is not easy. Every stage is difficult and we get a feel of proud completing each climb.
4) It is a a complete cleanup - In our regular life we don’t have much time to train. This two-week training is a complete reset. I don’t know how much pounds I will loose but there is no two-week training more efficient than this.
5) We like good food - Everywhere we stop, food is delicious. Even small village bistro serves good food. This year we discovered more Tyrolean local food.
6) None of us are reasonable - No one is stopping and trying to resonate each other. When I’m tired; Sonia is pushing me and when she is I’m the one doing it.

Last night we were surprised to see the Austrians that we have met earlier this week arriving at the same hotel. They are not doing the same course as we are doing but the ended up in the same small village. I’m sure that when they saw Sonia this reminds them bad souvenirs (being passed by a girl). They speak little English and were impressed to hear about our trip (km and elevation gain). Respect… They are ending up in Riva too. One big advantage they have is that two of their parents are carrying their luggage in a van! So we carry at least 45 pounds more.