Cycling in Asia

One of the great things about these cycling trips is that you meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds with the common interest of cycling.  Well similar to our experience in Vietnam we have met all kinds of great people on this trip and have really enjoyed their company.  Today's ride was a variation of the Almond Cookie Ride since we had done part of that before and George wanted to keep things fresh and exciting for all the riders.  Today we planned to climb the Asiago Plateau which included an enjoyable 12km climb...though others say longer.  Today we were joined by one of George's local friends named Franco. Franco is a 78 year old retired cardiologist who is still out pounding the pedals.  Each year on his birthday Franco climbs Montegrappa (a 28km killer climb) and George had told us of his climbing skills when we met up with him that morning.   Sheldon, who is also a cardiologist from the USA, was powering up the climb as per usual.  He quickly ascended the beautiful climb and dropped most of us at the very beginning.  He later reported to hear someone behind him and thought I was sitting on his wheel so he continued the quick pace up the climb. Finally he glanced back to get a look for himself who was chasing him and realized it was not me on his wheel but it was fellow cardiologist Franco who was leading the way up the climb.  These two cardiologists beat the pack by a wide margin and it made me wonder if they had some special advantage by being cardiologists!  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/234105 is today's ride on the Garmin.

Franco and George at the top of the climb having a drink.

Cary and Jenny climbing with ease.

Nice climb!

Great views

A picture perfect day - group photo after the climb

Once again Kim went on another day long ride that included no crying and a train ride. She is getting to be a better rider though and one day will be able to keep up with Franco (78) and George (76).