Passo di Monte Giovo / 2.094m

The most epic day of our alpine adventure started extremely early. The plan was to conquer the summit of Passo del Rombo at 7 am, sunrise time, from the Austrian side. Alarms were set for 5 am so we had enough time to ride to the foot of Passo del Rombo and ascent in full darkness.

As soon as the summit was visible we knew it could be a risky one that day because really dark clouds covered the top of the mountains. We ignored the dark clouds and decided to go ahead and descend the Italian side of Passo del Rombo, down to Mosso from where we would be able to go up to Passo di Monte Giovo. Quickly checked the weather forecast if there was any chance of rain in the next few hours. None was in sight so we began to ride up Passo Giovo.

Located completely in Italy, Passo di Monte Giovo connects Brenner Pass and Passo del Rombo. After Kuehtai and Brenner Pass it's the third challenge of the Oetztal cycling marathon. Starting at 663 m above sea level it's 21 km ascent leads up to almost 2100 m with an average gradient of 7% and ramps up to 12%.

Before this whole alpine trip, we made one thing clear. The worst weather conditions ain't gonna stop us having the best time of our lives riding the best alpine passes the region around Tirol has to offer but if the slightest sound of thunder is noticeable we turn around and go straight back down.

No matter how long we've been riding up this one mountain until this moment. No matter how far it's from the turning point until reaching the summit. We are going to turn around immediately because I don't want it to be our last epic trip.

How could it be any different ... that specific day should be the day we wanted to climb Passo del Rombo and Passo di Monte Giovo. We did the first few hairpins in the sunshine until I felt the first raindrops hitting my face. At first, I didn't want to believe it so we kept going but the further we went up the more increased the rain.

Put on our rain jackets so we didn't have to stop if the rain would become heavier. And further, we go. Four kilometers before reaching the summit we had to turn around and go back down due to a thunderstorm that was rolling in.

As soon as we entered the center of Mosso again the rain stopped and of course, the sun came back out. After a short break, we went back up Passo del Rombo.

As the day proceeded the traffic increased more and more. We were overtaken by so many motorcycles and old-timers that it wasn't that much fun anymore to be out there climbing major alpine passes. But don't get it wrong I'm not complaining about it!

We finally arrived at home after 6:15h, 106 km, and a total of 4.100 meters of elevation.

I hope we'll be able to accomplish this ride next time. Fingers will be crossed.