Day 8: Crossing over the top to Moltifao

We'd planned to ride via Monticello over to Belgodere, but when we checked out were advised to follow the valley route and what good advice !. So, back down into the valley and the climb up to Felicito. After that it was an easy ride along the contour line to Belgodere, with stunning views over to Santa and Monicello.

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Belgodere was a jolly place, gearing up for lunch but we were a little early and had many miles to go, so we had a cold drink and pressed on. Only to attempt a disastrous climb up a series of hairpins that ended in a dirt track. NO THANKS GOOGLE (& no thanks for the lack of clear signage) . We beat a retreat, completely exhausted and stressed. A recovery glass of orange juice gave strength to carry on.

The right road left the town and started to climb up into Lan Balanga proper, sweeping roads winding around the higher mountainous crags. Absolutely gorgeous but very wild and isolated. By the time we reached the unmarked split in the road that led to Montifao both our bikes were low in power. Fortunately, we were now mostly descending, though there were the inevitable 'stings' as the road climbed again over a ridge before Montifao. We swooped down finally into the village and found our AirBnB by chance - the owner Adrian happened to be passing by. He showed us round and broke the news that the cafe bar next door did not do food that day.

Huh. At the end of a very tough 57 Km ride only to learn we'd have to cycle another 10k for pizza. It was a lovely descent and an equally decent climb (having recharged the bikes) Good Pizza !

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