Not an unusual occurance

Some bloke on a tractor towing members of the village band to the pub. They oompahed their way to Flora's cafe, walked around the terrace busking for beers, then got back on the tractor and oompahed off down the high street. Quite normal behaviour in rural Austria.

Roßfeld

Probably too early in the season to attempt 15km long climbs in the middle of a 115km training ride, but the descent was well worth it. At 1560m above sea level (the climb starts at 450m), the road was intended as a symbol of the superior skills of the Third Reich. Construction began in 1938, but during the Second World War building was halted with just 800m to go.

Finally completed in the 50s, the road is now extremely popular with tourists, and offers incredible views to Berchtesgaden and the Kehlsteinhaus (Hitler's Eagles' Nest) as well as back into Austria and the Salzachtal.


Due to this season's large snowfall, the road was lined with walls of snow, in parts over 3m high. There is a small ski area at the top, which the road runs past, providing a unique scenario with cyclists sweating their way up as skiers swoosh down the piste.



View Roßfeld in a larger map

First rides for 2009

The snow is melting, and although it's a bit chilly in the mornings, it's a beautiful time to rediscover old training routes.





View Larger Map