As the crow flies we’re only 6 miles from the Italian border.

Just because we’re that close doesn’t mean we’ve been visiting a lot. Since Sölden is tucked into a high valley of the Alps, winter lasted well into May. Timmelsjoch Pass, our way into Italy, sits atop the highest road in the Ötztal region at  2509m/8,231 ft. With the snow, it was more or less the situation “you can’t get there from here.” Once I knew the pass was open, I was scheming about when to make a break for it. It finally happened last weekend.

Because once wasn’t enough, I actually twice, both Saturday and Sunday. I’d like to say that the coffee is much more amazing and the food is so much better. Honestly, entire South Tirol region has all of the things we like. Borders removed, the pizza, coffee and pastries are always available (and in large quantities!) If there’s any difference between where we’re staying in Austria and the other side of the pass, it’s the weather. Things are warmer and drier when you get to Italy.

On Sunday, we ventured out as a group to the city of Merano. Chris and I have been there before while pedaling our ’round the world bike tour in 2008. It was really fun to return and see some places we remembered from almost a decade ago. Although we didn’t find the campground we stayed in, we did reminisce about one of the worst meals we ate while touring. You can read all about the “Hot Dog Pasta” meal on the original Bicycle Geography blog.

Now that the pass is open and we’ve done a reconnaissance mission, Chris and I are very excited to explore on bikes. We think it might be a good candidate for an overnight adventure.