Russell Fisher
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Walking on the moon
En route to Rifugio Biella we traverse another stunning alpine limestone landscape. Layers of ancient coral reefs compressed, tilted, twisted and uplifted over hundreds of millions of years. Milky grey rock hardened through oxidation. Split and worn down through constant… Continue reading
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The forests that float Venice
The majestic forests of the Dolomites have been an important source of timber for thousands of years, and are still an important part of the local and national economy. Antonio Stradivari handpicked Norway Spruce trees from the Dolomites that he later crafted… Continue reading
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Kingdom of the Fanes
Our next two days are wonderful walking. Over the top of a snow dusted rock plateau. A long, long descent through a deep narrow gully into tall stands of conifers. An equally long ascent through the forest to an amazing… Continue reading
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About the bike
Hoffy turned 40 last year. A light and sturdy steel frame built for me by Eric Hendren in Brisbane in 1975. I was studying part-time in Canberra and a mate convinced me it was a good deal. I saved up… Continue reading
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Walking the Pale Mountains
For a long time, they were known only as the I Monti Pallidi, the Pale Mountains. Home of the Ladin people, squeezed by German and Italian speakers much like the great squeeze of the African and European tectonic plates that created… Continue reading
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The Big One
Bormio to Bolzano The big one. The iconic Passo dello Stelvio (2758m). From Bormio (at 1,225m) to the pass it’s a 21 km of climbing and an ascent of 1,533m. Then it’s a 111km and 2,496m descent to Bolzano (262m). How… Continue reading
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Passo di Mortirolo
Bormio to Bormio via Passo di Mortirolo The Passo di Mortirolo (1852 m.) is a high mountain pass in the Italian Alps. The road from Mazzo di Valtellina is one of the most demanding climbs in professional road bicycle racing,… Continue reading
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Raspberries and chasing cars over Passo Gavia
Madonna Di Campiglio to Bormio Another perfect day for cycling. Today, the mighty Passo Gavia (2652m). And meeting up with Sue, Alexis and our friend Toni. A short climb to warm the legs, followed by a long, cool and rapid… Continue reading
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