Leaving Bled, we will soon encounter the Mangart saddle road. This is the highest road in Slovenia. From there we cut across to Cortina to ride the Great Dolomites Road over four passes into Bolzano.Original and alternate route was cut through Italy back to Austria via Nassfeld Pass after which traverse the Pustertal High Mountain road back into Italy, and along it take several detours time permitting, in particular the Pustertal Sun Road (Sonnenstrasse). Was 50km longer and missed the dolomites. But still an alternative in case of road closures.
Daily Highlights
- Mangart Saddle (5 Euro toll) The Mangart Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2072m (6,798ft) above the sea level, located in the Julian Alps, on the border between Italy and Slovenia. It’s said to be the highest-lying road in Slovenia. Mangart is the name of the mountain range between the Koritnica Valley and the Mangart Valley, with the highest peak Veliki Mangart (Big Mount Mangart), 2,679 m (8,789 ft). This impressive toll road is a50km loop, starting in Bovec (Slovenia) at an elevation of 450m and has many switchbacks, tunnels, and a high gradient in some sections. The dead end road climbs by the small towns of Log Pod Mangartom and Strmec na Predelu, and arrives to the peak of the Mangartsko Sedlo. The road is narrow, with no protections and rustic unlit tunnels: nothing dangerous, but you might have strong nerves and good control of the vehicle.
- Bolzano Bolzano is a city in the South Tyrol province of north Italy, set in a valley amid hilly vineyards. It’s a gateway to the Dolomites mountain range in the Italian Alps. In the medieval city center, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology features the Neolithic mummy called Ötzi the Iceman. Nearby is the imposing 13th-century Mareccio Castle, and the Duomo di Bolzano cathedral with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Daily Video Highlights
Daily Blog
We woke to another beautiful morning & a view of Lake Bled. Some were a little dusty. Everybody is tired.We headed off from Bled along a number of tracks which took us through forests & along creeks. Initial euphoria turned to pessimism. As we forged onwards, these tracks appeared to become more suitable for a bicycle than a motorbike. We had to turn back. Hydro later explained that he had in fact mistakenly uploaded the bicycle tracks to his navigational device.Today was all about riding the Passes. There were three main highlights:
1. Coffee at Log Pod Mangartum where we prepped for the assault on the Passes;
2. Mangart Saddle or the Mangart Pass (Slovene: Mangartsko sedlo or Mangrtsko sedlo) is a mountain saddle in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It has an elevation of 2,072 metres (6,798 ft). The Mangart Road (Mangartska cesta) that leads over Mangart Saddle, with its elevation of 2,055 m (6,742 ft), has a number of turns and is the highest-lying road in Slovenia. It was built in 1938. The Mangart Pass offers a picturesque view towards the Log Koritnica Valley in Slovenia to the south and the Lakes of Fusine in Italy to the north. Mangart Saddle is also known as the finding place of manganese nodules from the Early Jurassic period.
We climbed into the mountains, up through the forest line & into the snow. Not content to stop with all the other tourists, Hydro breached the snow barrier covering the road & shot up to the summit. Aghast, we followed him up the ‘most dangerous road in the world’. We slushed through water & skated across loose gravel. Topped off by a 5 point turn in the slush.
3. The Dolomites are incredible. Craggy lumps of granite hanging high in the heavens. Every turn on the road brings an amazing view. We scramble through the mountains accompanied by maniacs on super powered bikes who ride without regard to preservation of life.
Finally we reach our magnificent hotel in Bolzano via the lagrein vineyards that circumvent the city.The road up is the size of walking track, but given where we have been today it was a mere bagatelle or whatever the Italian translation is. Dinner on the patio, gazing over the Dolomites and conversing on the days we have had. They are now characterised as HARD, HARDER, HARDEST.
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 