2023 Munich to Venice

Ride report contributed by one of our riders.

This year was the seventh edition of One More City, starting in Munich where we finished last year and ending in Venice. The only hitch was that in between those two locations lie the Dolomites, which it appears are quite spikey. The 36 riders came armed with kit for all occasions, with recent snow on the high passes and heavy rain in the forecast much talk was on layering combinations and the need for a decent jacket.

We set off from Rapha after no-faff coffees, no time for fancy latte art with our schedule, accompanied by Rapha’s Pauline and RCC Munich member Ben. We were treated to rolling Bavarian countryside and the most beautiful lakeside lunch stop before the only significant climb of the day where Reeta’s sweets made their first appearance. The descent into Telfs to the hotel marked the end of day one and never seen before on OMC – recovery stretching and foam rolling. Madness.

A 55km climb greeted us on day 2, practically from the hotel door. Following Reeta’s bikepacking route recce we were told that there were no climbs she had to walk up with a fully laden steed, but to bring spare cleats ‘just in case’, so it was fair to say pre-climb anxiety was high. Lunch was near the top of the relentless Timmelsjoch climb, meaning more pain with fully lined stomachs. The summit, at 2509m above sea level marked the first high mountain pass for several of the peloton, a feat which was rightly celebrated. Next followed the Passo del Rombo leading us into Italy, which seemed to be a procession of supercars, motorbikes and roadworks. After the first of many gelatos a few groups merged to form the Mo Express, leading us along the river and into stunning Bolzano, our stop for the night.

After a testing day two, we still had the queen stage on day three to come and what it lacked in length at 107km it delivered on punchy climbs with approaching 3000m of elevation. The climbing came in two main parts, with lunch in the middle. The second of these was the Pordoi in the Sella Ronda which was the gift that kept on giving with 27 switchbacks. The promise of ‘only 4 more Box Hill reps’ was repeated multiple times and delivered us to an altitude of 2239m where nothing but sweat and emotion were left at the summit. After the most sublime hot chocolates came the dreamiest descent, and we’ll just gloss over the closed road situation we soon found ourselves in. There was zero chance of climbing back up to retrace our steps so the walking around the barriers and hoping for the best approach was adopted – it worked! From here we spun into Alleghe and many enjoyed an aperitif on the terrace enjoying the sunset over the mountains. One person, however decided that there wasn’t enough climbing and as he was in the area a little spin up the Giau was in order, unsurprisingly he was on his own. For this he was rightly awarded the polka dot dress, which was to be worn with pride on the final day.

Day 3 madness was replaced with day 3 suffering and the relief the tougher days were done was palpable. Day 4 started in buoyant mood, mostly due to kicking off with a long descent before coffee. Following an epic lunch of pizza and the obligatory gravel section it was the final long, straight road into Venice. Sort of. Bike paths are mandatory in the city and were designed by someone who doesn’t like cyclists as they crossed from one side of the road to the other at will, which was a joy as a growing peloton. Christine’s friends Sean and Cal joined us in full retro regalia following the Eroica, including custom OMC jerseys, for the final stretch to the finish.

Crossing the Pont della Libertà allowed reflection all round as to what we’d achieved. The collective effort, camaraderie and team work towards a common goal is what makes OMC. A group of people drawn together by the cause, all with their own motivations and their own ‘why’ for putting themselves through the 600km and 9000m of climbing. The celebrations in Venice will be tough to follow, with a dancing-filled prosecco reception in front of bemused tourists. The survivor’s photo featured a well-timed gondola and we can all agree that the pictures Saskia took are out of this world, so thank you.

Massive thanks must go to the staff without whom OMC couldn’t happen – queen of logistics Reeta, ride captain Helen and ride leaders Aleda, Carolyn and Christine F, driver Andy who met us at the end of each day with snacks and chocolate milk and mechanic Oli for any sticky situations and of course Saskia. Much will be said about the lack of ‘true OMC weather’ but the suffering on the high passes absolutely made up for the lack of rain andwall to wall sunshine. Honest.