Alps to Adriatic: A Wild Ride from the Peaks to the Sea (Eight Days, Endless Stories, One Unforgettable Ride”)
There’s something special about riding the Alps to Adriatic. The scenery is simply epic, the terrain always challenging and diverse, and there’s usually a surprise or two waiting around the corner. But this particular trip? It had a little extra spice.
9 riders all from the USA were set to take on the eight-day adventure from Salzburg to Grado — some on E-bikes and some on trekking bikes, all with panniers for the entire 400km journey. In the lead up it was shaping to be an awesome tour with plenty of inquisitive minds and enthusiasm, but before a single wheel even turned, the universe decided to keep things interesting.
Firstly, one rider broke her ankle just a week out and had to pull out of the tour. Then came more chaos — a wild storm hit northern U.S., grounding flights and leaving three-quarters of the group stranded across the Atlantic.
Cue frantic messages, sleepless nights, and contingency plans. One of our guests, Jane — our fearless organiser of most of the rest of the group and unofficial tour mum. The guiding team tried to sound calm (“Don’t worry, everything will be fine!”) while quietly wondering how to start a tour without majority of the riders.
But fate had it that the stranded crew landed in Munich at 6 a.m. on the first day’s riding, raced for a three-hour train to Salzburg, and somehow managed to unpack, assemble, and roll out that same afternoon. We like to have themes for each of our tours and articulate this through theory and story to our guests. The theme for this tour was connection and resilience, and it felt like they had already delivered that in spades.
Day 1: Planes, Panic, and Panniers
The first day was… unconventional. With most flights delayed, only four of us made it to Salzburg early enough for a short guided ride. The rest followed the next day, a little bleary-eyed but full of excitement.
By lunchtime, we were finally all together — a full team at last. Spirits were sky-high as we set off along the mighty Salzach River, the water running fast from recent rain. Tom, our calm old statesman, pedaled steadily at the front; Brian zipped past on his e-bike with his usual enthusiasm, and Jane kept an eye on everyone like the seasoned leader she was.
Lunch was a classic cycling tour affair — supermarket picnic on the go — before heading toward a nearby gorge for our first taste of Austrian scenery. Somewhere along the way, Cigi dropped a bottle, but nothing could spoil the mood.
Dinner was a sweaty but joyful affair: schnitzel, schnapps, and laughter echoing through what might’ve been the second-hottest restaurant on earth. Tom’s wine and Coke combo was the highlight of the table.
Day 2: Castles, Conductors, and Climbs
The morning started strong. Tom took an early start while the rest of us visited a nearby castle — straight out of a fairy tale. Steve, ever the history buff, gave us a running commentary that could’ve rivaled a professional guide’s.
We cruised peacefully along the Salzach until, inevitably, the climbs arrived. Chris powered up every incline effortlessly, while the rest of us caught our breath and admired the views — Steve’s jaw was practically on the ground.
Lunch was a casual affair by a lake — Alex ordered two salads (because why not?), and when the bill came, panic struck: cash only. Thankfully, Ty saved the day by finding a secret card reader.
In the afternoon, Jane and Cigi decided to “cheat” a little and hopped a train between Dorfgastein and Hofgastein, giggling the whole way. Tom briefly detoured off-route but redeemed himself with a heroic live-location pin that led us right to the hotel.
That evening’s dinner was hearty, authentically Austrian, and well-earned. The post-ride jacuzzi felt like heaven.
Day 3: The Great Train Scramble
Morning yoga in a tiny hotel room might’ve been a comedy act in itself. Then came the mad dash to the train — elbows flying, panniers everywhere, and one very grumpy rival tour guide handing out dirty looks.
Once aboard, laughter replaced chaos. When we finally hit the trail again, we followed a gentle off-road path toward Obervellach. “Flat all the way!” promised Alex. It wasn’t.
The scenery was stunning: rivers, meadows, and peaks that looked painted against the sky. Steve pointed out bits of history along the way, while Natasja chatted happily with locals we met at coffee stops — her warmth and friendliness winning everyone over instantly.
Lunch was Thai — spicy and unexpected — but soon the weather turned. Thunder cracked, rain poured, and we dove for cover. “They’re dropping like flies!” someone laughed as we scrambled under awnings and trees.
Eventually, most of us hopped a train to Villach, while four brave souls — Chris, Ty, Ash, and Brian — powered through to the end. When they arrived, soaked but smiling, we greeted them like heroes.
Dinner at Harry’s was chaos in the best way — steak debates, hunting stories, and laughter echoing until closing time.
Day 4: Rain Delay & Kirchtag Cancellations
Day four was meant to be a rest day in Villach — ideally spent enjoying the famous Kirchtag Festival. But the weather gods had other ideas. Rain poured all day, the festival fizzled, and we found comfort instead in bratwurst, pork knuckle, and early bedtimes.
Jane declared it a “spa day,” and no one argued.
Day 5: Soaked, Soggy, and Still Smiling
The rain stuck around, but so did our spirits. Tom decided to rest his legs while the rest of us geared up and headed out, determined not to let a little water ruin our ride.
We followed rivers and winding forest paths, occasionally drenched but laughing through it all. Ty kept morale high with stories, while Natasja’s good cheer was contagious.
A supermarket stop turned into an impromptu party thanks to Tyler’s find — chocolate liqueur treats and cold cans. Then came the infamous 25% hill at the border. “Who designed this?!” Ash shouted between breaths. But when we finally reached the top and saw the “Benvenuti in Italia” sign, it was all worth it.
In Tarvisio, we were lured into a pizza joint by a man who clearly “knew business.” The pizza took forever but was heavenly. Then came a hiccup — “Hanger’s broken!” — as Ash and Ty’s bike drama unfolded. Calm, cool, and unflappable, Ty worked his magic, and with some quick thinking (and trains), we were back on track.
We ended the day in the valley with terrace wine, laughter, and that golden Italian sunset.
Day 6: Churches, Cold Plunges & Medieval Madness
The morning began with a bit of spiritual cleansing — quite literally — when we stopped by a lovely little church in Pontebba. Ash led the way, stepping inside for a quiet moment before the day’s climbing began. Her grin afterward said it all: she might’ve been dragged on this trip, but she was loving every minute.
The route from Pontebba to Gemona was one of the most spectacular of the trip — so beautiful it took us almost an hour and a half to ride seven miles. Tom’s steady pedaling kept us rolling while the rest of us stopped constantly for photos.
After coffee, we lunched in Tolmezzo and turned the break into an impromptu cold-plunge challenge. Ty and Chris dove straight in, Natasja cheered, and the rest of us screamed and laughed our way through the icy water.
The afternoon was straight out of a movie — €2.50 pizza slices eaten on 600-year-old stone steps, then a spontaneous ride into a medieval festival full of drums, costumes, and chaos. Brian nearly joined the parade. Dinner at the “Kebab Bros” — aka the tray of meat — capped off the day perfectly. Tom raised his Coke and wine combo in a toast, and we all agreed: life was good.
Day 7: Palmanova Songs & River Mermaids
From Gemona to Palmanova, the day was sunshine and silliness. Early on, we discovered the Palmanova Song, which Cigi immediately remixed with her own lyrics — catchy, hilarious, and slightly off-key. It became our anthem.
Midway through the ride, we stumbled across the “magic pools” — crystal-clear rivers that looked too good not to swim in. Chris and Ty dove right in, while the rest of us cooled off our feet and joked about spotting mermaids.
Steven was in his element that day — our history-loving guide to all things ancient and fascinating. His stories gave every town and ruin new meaning. Somewhere along the way, his friendship with Alex blossomed into the group’s favorite running joke: the “Alps to Adriatic Love Story.”
We reached Palmanova’s star-shaped square just in time for golden hour. Jane declared it “Aperol time,” and for many of us, it was our first — definitely not our last. Natasja clinked glasses with everyone, beaming.
Day 8: The Final Leg — From Ruins to the Adriatic
The final morning felt different — excitement mixed with that bittersweet realization that the end was near.
We set off toward Grado, the scent of salt growing stronger with each mile. Our stop at the Archaeological Area of Aquileia turned into an unexpected highlight. Steve came alive, giving us a private guided tour of the Roman ruins, his passion spilling over into every word. We couldn’t have asked for a better finale.
From there, we rolled through quiet countryside and shimmering lagoons. Tom kept a steady rhythm at the front, Chris powered every rise, Brian whooped with joy, and Jane, calm as ever, guided us through the final miles. Ty and Cigi documented every moment, while Natasja chatted happily beside whoever rode nearest.
And then — there it was. The Adriatic Sea.
We rolled into Grado together, the sun warm on our faces and the air heavy with sea salt and satisfaction. We hugged, laughed, sipped spritzes, and, of course, sang the Palmanova Song one last time.
From alpine peaks to seaside cafés, from schnitzel to spritz, from chaos to camaraderie — we’d done it. Together.
Looking back now, it’s hard to believe how much fit into those eight days — the climbs, the laughter, the rain, the songs, and the endless supply of pizza and Aperol. What started as a cycling tour quickly became something bigger: a journey that tested our legs, lifted our spirits, and forged friendships that will outlast any sore muscles.
We each brought something different to the road — Tom’s steady rhythm, Steve’s endless curiosity, Jane’s leadership, Cigi’s joy, Ash’s mischief, Ty’s calm, Chris’s strength, Brian’s booming laughter, and Natasja’s kindness. Together, we turned detours into adventures and setbacks into stories we’ll be retelling for years.
The Alps to Adriatic gave us all the views and challenges we’d hoped for — but what made it unforgettable was us. The shared jokes, the teamwork, the quiet moments between the miles. Because at the end of the day, the real destination wasn’t the Adriatic.
It was the friendship we found along the way. 🚴♀️🌄🍷