1st Warm Up Ride In Europe

Started a little shaky. Just before setting out for the first ride on European soil I managed to break off a stem bolt when making a minor (and unnecessary) adjustment. Visited the local bike shop and was given free reign in the shop. 45 minutes, two broken drill bits and one bloody finger later, problem fixed.

Today called for a 2 hour easy ride. We covered the first 30 km of the Day 1 course and then returned to Mittenwald. The ride started with an easy 15 minute climb. That was followed by 30 minutes of relatively flat riding across a raised valley before dropping 600 meters via a switchback decent into another valley. Roads were narrow throughout. Based on today's reconnaissance, we figure the race organizers will neutralize (control the speed and prevent passing) all 1100 riders along this entire stretch to start the race. There's no selection (course challenge that will break up the pack) to spread out the group and 1100 racers all fired up on Day 1 trying to scream down a steep decent is risky. Interested to see if we are right.