Dolomites - The Post Mortem

Overall verdict on the 5 day trip (in comparison to the Alps which, as a group, we've been to quite a bit) is that the Dolomites provided shorter, sweeter and more frequent climbs, as punishing in parts, but with an absolutely stunning back drop. The geography of the mountains out there made for breathtaking scenery.

There are a couple of items to deal with as a follow-on from the final Dolomites report. Namely:

Postscript to events on Day 4:

Further to events in the long-drop half way up the Col du Telegraphe in May 2011,to which only Mark was witness, Mr Flynn once again excelled himself on the final climb in the Dolomites. Having tried to relieve himself of some excess air whilst climbing the Falzarego he managed to 'nip one to the wicket keeper' in quite spectacular fashion. Certainly the big red monster wasn't designed for this sort of incident and the true extent of the problem was worsened by a white saddle on the new BMC bike that quickly changed colour. It was at this point that Doug decided not to join us for a beer afterwards despite Flynn's desperate attempts to remove the evidence from his saddle with the contents of his water bottle. 

Awards:

Biggest Bonk: Beard

All the gear and plenty of idea: Pat Hoy

Maratona Route Completion: Hoy and Kirwan

Late Arrival: Flynn

Worst Attire: Pugh

Best Crash: Pugh for getting such extensive air as he flew over the handlebars. Beard and WJD share second place and plenty of road rash scars to show for it

Ladies' Plate: HCD [Jen, you were sorely missed] with Beard coming a close second

Logistics Legend: Mark (even if no one was listening to a word you said)

Moaning Myrtle: Beard (NB Gibson was not even a nominee for this category)

Compilation of best quotes from the trip:

"Mr Flynn? No bag!"

“Which one of those guys do you reckon is the Italian Durden?”

“Flynn has cracked and sh&t himself.  His saddle is now brown”

"Not again?!"



Next year:

Mallorca (where Mr Wiggins practices his trade). If you want to join this madness next year then please send applications FAO The Secretary, TGS, 4c Aristotle Road, London. Places are limited.