The tour that was going to be Orvieto – Bolzano turned into the tour Orvieto – Trento.
At precisely 8 a.m., we sit over the “small” Italian breakfast in the Monte Balde at Bhorgetto. It is another delicious meal, very thin bacon, wonderful marmalade. No “piccolo”. We hurry up, because we want to make an early start. The descent down from the Brenner beckons.
First we go in the direction of Ala. From there, we leave the highway to follow the Etsch valley cyclist’s trail, crossing over the river Etsch. It looks like a dream and reminds me of the time when I stood at the Augsburg Lech embankment.
If you want to go from Ala to Trento, I can very much recommend the Etsch valley cyclist’s trail. You can really speed up here. We meet numerous cyclists, sometimes a whole pack at a time. Mostly, they are Italians wearing really beautiful bike outfits and riding on bicycles that really look fast.
We pause to eat our remaining cherries. Our second break is at a proper bikers’ meeting point, but then we speed up towards Trento. We arrive at 12.30 p.m. The train to the Brenner is scheduled to leave at 12.58 p.m.
As always, it is difficult to buy tickets. The ticket machine only returns coupons if you do not have the right change (maybe this would be something the Deutsche Bahn AG should imitate ;-). Both machines for the bike tickets are, (of course) out of order.
But we do not really mind. We make do without the bike tickets and instead pin the coupons to the bicycles. The conductor is welcome to them, although he will not be interested. To make up for it, we sit at the very front of the train with our bikes and have a beautiful view of the way.
Then we arrive at the “Brennero”. The train to Trento arrives (of course, it is late by five minutes). Its bike compartment is crammed. With cunning, we manage to get our bikes in. Those behind us must remain outside. We sympathize with them.
The same is true for other cyclists who want to mount the train at later stations. An authoritative “Basta” is all our conductor says. But – people are egoistical – we are glad to be inside.
On arrival, we have to choose – should we take an ÖBB train to Innsbruck? Or should we go by bike? We take the bikes – and we do not regret it. 40 fast kilometres, but far from a time of relaxation, are the reward.
It is a super descent. We cross the Europe Bridge. I remember driving underneath it in the 1960ies when we were on a family vacation. In those days, the bridge was still under construction – and made a huge impression on me.
We arrive at Innsbruck Central Railway station with 15 minutes to spare before the train to Munich via Mittenwald, Garmisch, Weilheim etc. leaves. It is just enough time for us to buy the tickets, two Döners and some beer. The train departs on time. We are happy.
Less than 45 minutes later, we are 20 minutes late. This looks like a German-Italian railway fraternity. But so what? It cannot do us any harm. I finish writing this article and then enjoy the prolonged train ride.
So here are my greetings from the train! See you tomorrow!
RMD
(Translated by EG)
P.S.
Now I am back in Riemerling – near Munich – where I live. I remove the last (?) from my article and wish you all a good night.
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