This ride went from BAD to INCREDIBLE! Ride Across the Dolomite Day 1

[@tubojan]

Fantastic. Near the emerald lake, which is called Cornino, you drove past the monument to cycling legend Ottavio Bottechia, where he had a fatal accident in 1927. Next to the lake, there is also a reserve of griffon vultures, which are wonderful to see. And when you rested in front of the shop and admired the mountains, the higher one is called Monte Amariana. I'm not from those places, I'm from Slovenia, but I'm there very often, in the mountains or on my bike, it's my second home. You have cycled through beautiful places, even more beautiful ones are waiting for you. Enjoy.

[@fiddleronthebike]

accident? Wasn't Bottechia killed?

[@Francesco_M.]

We Italians, we have definitely not completed a full transition to a bike friendly country, as a matter of fact we are only just getting started; we're not scandinavian in that regard, nor swiss, however it is my personal hope that one day we will get there. You will have found that the most known alpine passes are laden with cyclists who are generally well respected and looked after by drivers, not quite the same can be said on everyday's busy roads, especially the highways. _Culture isn't there yet_ , not quite. Though northwards, nearby the borders especially, it does typically get better; sadly, the more south you get, the more alienated you feel on a bike, even though that is starting to change. Agreed, the flat does get on your nerves especially if you're in it for an extended period of time; but that was merely commuting to them mountains! I'm glad you came here and I sincerely hope you got to live and see what your own heart longed to experience. _I feel privileged_ and _happy_ myself to support you, your channel and witness yet another glorious series like this _ride across_ one has been. Please be safe, take your time, find your spots to decompress from time to time, I just hope our _bella Italia_ has been treating you well ! 🙏 🌝🌞 🇮🇹 😊👋 = ]

[@fiddleronthebike]

it's strange... there is hardly any other country where people are so passionate about bicycle races (ok, Belgium...), how doesn't that not convey into normal traffic?

[@SignorLuigi]

Lovely comment and your English is very good. 👏👏👏🇮🇹🇺🇸

[@bettyjones8363]

Switzerland is not bike friendly regarding cars. There is no legal limit that cars have to be away from bikes. I was hit by a car overtaking last month. Beautiful road surfaces and scenery but you have to be very aware.

[@Francesco_M.]

@@SignorLuigi Thanks! Unfortunately learning a language is like climbing endlessly; but I'm hanging in tough!

[@Francesco_M.]

​​@@fiddleronthebikeThe love of cycling is very intense among certain circles of people but it is not _widespread_ nor evenly distributed in Italy; Just about the same goes for other sports, hobbies and activities in general, football being the only real exception... though we all know that has not been a commendable inheritance for the most part in many countries during the last decades. _Tennis_ is gaining traction lately for obvious reasons, which is marvellous to see!

[@RoyClare]

Just love the infectious enthusiasm! Fabulous vlog 🎉😊

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks so much Roy 😊

[@paulwales3506]

Lovely to see you back , we have missed you over the last 2 weeks Now time to sit back and enjoy sharing your adventures

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yassssss thanks so much Paul. Well you have 7 videos to come from the trip editing my way through them now :) next one up is Weds woop woop!

[@paulwales3506]

@@KatieKookaburra 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@AnnEatsPlants]

Katie girl ! You are absolutely GLOWING ! I can feel your excitement. I am fairly new to your channel. I have seen some of your past videos. Like you... I am plant based so I am always interested in what you are eating. I am getting a new bike tomorrow.... but not a road bike. I would never be able to do the kind of mountain rides you do because i LOVE fat bikes. lol I dont think they are meant to climb like that. I am here n the US... and I will be enjoying all your videos that are coming. Be safe and have GREAT fun !

[@leonoggi]

i can totally understand you excitement about the mountains! i also hate hate hate the total flats. i am not a climber body type but i love it, slow as a snail when i ride uphill so i can watch them pass by 😂 BUT the best thing at the end of the climb is the reward that you made it to the top AND can ride it down WOHOOOOO😂😊

[@Neilhuny]

This is what cycling is about! Joy, seeing new places and people, great views, exercise and doing it all at the "right" speed and "connected" with the world. There is something about cycling that is good for the soul, deep down.

[@hapepollak3823]

The Monte Zoncolan is a real beast. I hope you can enjoy it. I recomend the Sella Ronda, which is not a big challenge, but there you have the best views of the dolomites.

[@VickyO12]

So excited to watch your videos thank you 🙏 I’m heading to Bormio on Friday to do Stelvio pass and some others. Can’t wait to see those mountains 🏔️ I think I will want to stay there forever ❤

[@KatieKookaburra]

Have fun! But... check this before you ride up....pirovano.it/en/webcam-stelvio/ It's a webcam of the top of the climb so you can see if there's snow etc. I just love looking at it haha

[@biking261]

I did a similar trip back in 2006 with a group of friends, flew into Venice airport and then stayed in a hotel on the mainland and then caught the train to the mountains cutting out the plain. We then had a week in the Dolomites and then caught the train back to Venice to travel home. It really is a beautiful area and should be on everyone's bucket list of places to visit. I look forward to the rest of the videos.

[@Infinitesimal-ho7it]

You seem especially happy. That campground and lake did look both refreshing and awesome at once. Happy cycling!

[@ProfRCook]

Found your videos just before riding in Switzerland with my brother and 20-something kids. Inspiring and helpful. You're putting the Dolomites higher on my list! Thank you!

[@bobtavener4824]

Wow Katie, another brilliant epic adventure, Chapeau. Can't wait to see the other videos. When I did an Italian cycling holiday a couple of years ago I was advised that drivers will often pap their car hooters as a 'warning' that they are there as opposed to being aggressive. Not sure if that is similar to what you've experienced on day one but hope it gets better. Much kudos, and it's only video 1 🥰

[@justanotherbrewer2115]

Great video as usual, and will be in Trento on Wednesday to cycle the Dolomites, tonight start packing. We are going to Canavei and aiming to do Pordoi and others, the weather forecast is looking good. We're not touring more day rides from a hub, the climbs are going to be deadly but fit and raring go with a 34x34 gear.

[@andygolborne5747]

Canazei? It's a brilliant town to stop in. Was there last September. A great base for cycling and Via Ferata.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

As always, stunning scenes and a lovely video. Dolomites are filled with perfect roads and sights.

[@th.a]

Mid of August we crossed the alps by mountainbike and had unbelievable luck with the weather. During 7 days ride we experienced more or less no rain. Only on two short occasions we had a little bit of drizzle for a short period of time. However we also had some days with temperatures up to 37° Celsius which turned biking into a quite hard and unpleasant job.

[@stephanieangers9702]

Oh! Wooooww! Your videos are so inspiring. I got a gravel bike this summer and I am planning to ride my first bike trip in a few weeks. So exited ❤❤❤ thanks for sharing, it make it feel so much more accessible and not to scary to go ride!

[@wolfade89]

I’m just jealous, it all looks amazing. I’d be over there myself if not for injury upon injury. But I get to see the place through Katie’s filming. Doing a great job, I bet it took a long while to edit,and deciding what to leave in or out.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Rest up buddy :) you get to ride through my videos :)

[@th.a]

There some mountainbike TransAlp that end in Venice and nearly everybody considers crossing this plain before you reach the mountain range as extremely boring and not worth it.

[@stevenbird1431]

Looks amazing, looking forward to the journey🚴🏼‍♀️💨

[@knitrundig4663]

Definitely a Disney villain house! Thank you for sharing your adventures, it's inspiring me to start my (gravel) cycling journey ❤

[@daniele_go]

I know so well those places, and I always go for buying food in the big supermarket in Villa Santina! We could have bumped against each other..... And the CAVAZZO lake is definitely gorgeous!

[@expat1416]

I always loved biking in Italy.. esp around the dolomites and gardssee... :-)

[@arvinl]

Cool storage bag! Enjoy your trip & safe travels. Beautiful lake & mountain views

[@andygoldensixties4201]

Glad to see how you reacted to two major issues today, boredom for the flat and anxiety for tomorrow's climb. A good start. One clarification: tomorrow you'll be cycling in the "Alpi Carniche", an eastern range of the Alps. The real Dolomites are more west than these. The Monte Zoncolan is hard, we'll be pushing you spiritually, you'll survive in a way or another: in the worst case you'll be walking for a couple of miles and enjoying the beautiful panorama. Have an easy restful night.

[@JoeCincotta307]

Such a beautiful place to ride. Enjoy the journey!!

[@DanEscapes]

love the Dolomites!! Looking forward to the rest of the videos and good luck on your climb! You'll smash it!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks so much!!

[@stefis6]

Yuss… those Fruitella ribbons are ~78% pure carb goodness! They are sooo good on the bike in the mountains!

[@DTeazee]

im doing an alps tour next fall that is all the famous climbs, 100km per day, 20000m total climbing, so quite interesting to see this series!

[@theskiesandme]

Happy to see you happy😊

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank yooooou

[@damjankrulc7686]

Great adventure. Keep making such a good videos. I wish you a lot of fun on the ride and of course, be careful and safe on the road. Greetings from Slovenia.

[@tonyvanhout2394]

The Hills Are A Live With the Sound of Katie, thats a place I want to see thanks

[@BP-nn7tq]

OmG that lake! Reminds me of the one in Geneva ❤❤❤

[@martinsteele3259]

You are simply awesome! Love your adventures!

[@RedHeadAgent]

91* is HOT riding! Stay hydrated and be careful. Heat is nothing to mess with. You rode yourself happy! So glad that you walked into the lake.

[@GoSeaKayak]

Ooooh, you keep teasing us but I think the word on the tip of your tounge is Zoncolan. Sooooo jealous, good luck!

[@Bandyrobs1]

Enjoy the Giau. It’s a beauty.

[@darrellcarter1163]

Amazing vlog u brave lass enjoy urself

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you 😊

[@pauljukes2156]

Thanks for this, just added to my bucket list.

[@fiddleronthebike]

Dolomites are beautiful! Will be a great ride tomorrow... btw: what cameras dare you using?

[@kevinlyon9501]

Well there's always got to be a bit of transition to get to the mountains, nice to get looked after too, onwards and very much upwards.

[@MrCyclist]

Just lovely. Cannot wait for more,

[@alienaudaxer9827]

I thnk my first proper ride in Italy was a Tour de Friends event in 2017. Was getting a bit annoyed with the frequent honking of horns until someone pointed out that's just the Italian way of letting you know they're about to pass. Very careful route planning is required though. Busy roads feel pretty deadly.

[@cruachan1191]

Feeling the nerves myself, not about the ride, I'm off to do the 5 Ferries tomorrow which I am really excited about, but it's an early start and a lot of public transport just to get there and a lot that's out of my hands. Think I'm going to have to ask Santa for one of those Apidura bags, seen a lot of people using them and they seem ideal for carrying shopping etc short distances.

[@svedr2]

You heading up Zoncolan? Good luck with that one :)

[@aidanmasterson50]

Every Italian has their own interpretation of how to get through a roundabout. No two methods appear the same to me. Glad you made it away from Venice airport intact.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hahah is that right?! Well it’s very different to what I’m used to even with British driving.

[@Fruity-Amy]

Have fun!

[@markwoods2050]

You are out of this world - checked on strava what you done in 7 days. No small feat. Just wondering will you do a video on the logistics side of things. As it seems you are carrying a lot less than the Pyrenees on your bike this time. Keep up this excellent work

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

Stunning 😊

[@nickoneill8600]

Incredible journey!

[@th.a]

Crossing the alps is a fight you have to stand day by day. While doing it might not be pleasant from time to time, but you will remember it the rest of your life.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Welcome back Katie, looking forward to the series. Stelvio next vid ? 🤔 Hope you shed many Happy tears going through "Rock Central" Dolomitri Land 🐿 ☀️ 🇮🇹 🗻🗻🗻

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks John, ahhh you will have to wait and see 🙃🙃

[@johnmcnulty1129]

@@KatieKookaburra Know what your beautiful soul's like ! 🤍 🎵 Stop crying your heart out🎵 😎

[@timgreenhalgh2016]

Beautiful ride, amazing climbs … but “don’t like flats”? 😅That’s just mental 😂 thanks for sharing.

[@th.a]

I can't see any junk on the the bed. It's simply how if looks when you are on a bike ride over several days. It looks exactly like our rooms when we did our TransAlp mid of August. So nothing to excuse for or complain about.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

What is it with you and climbs, beginning to think your a bit of a mascercist, best bit about them is when your descending on the other side !! 😆 Great blog very enjoyable 😊

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Busy roads are no fun. Our best climb here is one of the busiest roads in the area and the downhill has no bicycle facilities.

[@ericthered.147]

Taillight? I have found that riding with one makes a big difference. I like my Garmin Vario. It has radar, and you get an indication of cars and closing speed on your display. I can't recommend it enough. Bright clothing helps to.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yup I have a rear flashing light on all day. That’s not the issue though, they can see me and just still drive closely.

[@andygolborne5747]

Ah, the Dollies. You lucky thing. It's just plain fucking gorgeous.

[@drl232]

Always be careful when travelling in the mountains a wonderful and strong woman

[@kornenator]

Oh, that lake is gorgeous! On my first tour in the Dolomites last year we stayed at the campsite just next to the lake, it's brilliant

[@Luca_erre]

I rode mi bike this Summer at noon with 40°C in northern Italy, Summer can be so hot. But you drink water. Stop complaining because It's 33°C... This Is Cycling, you take the weather as It Is.

[@malcontent_1]

I was glad to see that "bad" wasn't _that_ bad, more like ugh, annoying. Altogether your latest "Ride Across ..." is off to a good start, KB.

[@paula.596]

Mt Zoncolan, i am curious

[@joelberman5981]

Falzarego?

[@chrisjoyce5539]

Hope you brought some cash with you this time. Have a good time 😊

[@KatieKookaburra]

😋😛

[@Purplepigster]

Gotta be Stelvio :)

[@KatieKookaburra]

😉😉

[@ronfeldman4386]

Unfortunately you experienced something every American deals with every time they go for a ride. The law's are so bad in the United State, People just don't want to be another statistic . I think that is why so many switched to mountain biking or gravel riding. Just remember, a bad day on the road bike is better than any day in an office.

[@sandybaysurfer]

Monte Zoncolan

[@phil5888]

Watch out for the Italian drivers. They are always on the phone and not looking where they are going.

[@KatieKookaburra]

I haven’t seen that but have noticed they can be a little… chaotic. Not all but some….

[@bettyjones8363]

Stelvio or Passo Giau

[@ForKnFifties]

OMG you talk a lot !

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Too bad about the initial commute in less than bike friendly traffic but it really came good with that delightful lake and your B&B. Welcome back and ta very much! 🚴⛰️🌞

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank yooooou :)