Dhe shore road around Lake Como is narrow and meanders through small towns, over medieval bridges and through alleys that were once intended for horse-drawn carriages. Today, SUVs, mobile homes and buses dominate the road, every encounter with oncoming traffic becomes a duel, a struggle for centimetres. In the midst of this battle, colorfully dressed racing cyclists make their way, undeterred and unimpressed by the chaos. Reckless and fearless, they cavort like goldfish in a pike pond between trucks and limousines and obviously trust in a guardian angel who will guide them through this hellish hustle and bustle unscathed. And there really is, not far from here!
If you turn north off the main road in Erba, you will suddenly find yourself in a quiet mountain landscape. The Ghisallo Pass runs through pleasantly green forests, accompanied again and again by torrents. It goes steadily uphill in numerous curves, it is not surprising that we overtake several cyclists who are pushing their beloved vehicle. The 17 km long route, which was often a stage of the Giro d’Italia, is popular and feared by cyclists at the same time due to its steep incline. Anyone who has managed the 511 meters in altitude and arrives on the ridge is grateful for a break.