Leo Gheza Bike to Climb: 150km by bike + Opera Buffa at Arco rope solo

From my house at Esine to Arco, cycling plus climbing. I was curious to see how my mind and body would react after cycling for 5 and a half hours, especially since I'm not a cyclist...

It turned out to be an excellent, really complete physical and mental training for future projects in the mountains. Climbing alone is a way to put yourself to the test and never take anything for granted. I do it because I'm motivated to do so from somewhere deep within, not because I lack a climbing partner. Every now and then I need a bit of an introspective journey.

On Monday 29 April I left home and, after 5.28 hours of cycling and a painful bum I reached Arco. Unfortunately, along the entire 150 km journy I didn't meet a single cyclist; I'd hoped to take advantage of a bit of their windbreak, but it wasn't to be.

Magda was there waiting for me with our Van, thanks! I took a break for an hour and a half in order to eat and rest, then at 3.00 pm I was at the base of Colodri ready to climb. I put on my shoes with slightly swollen feet and set off. I needed maximum concentration, optimised everything as much as possible given the usual and demanding "process" of the self-belaying, climbing up, abseiling down and then up again.

The objective was Opera Buffa, a beautiful multipitch established by Alessandro Beber and Matteo Pavana, perhaps the last on the wall which weaves an independent line up demanding slabs on beautiful rock. A great route, congratulations to the first ascensionists! Everything went smoothly, even the crux pitch went well, a beautiful 40 meter 7c+ across a grey technical slab. From here another 4 pitches then led me to the top.

It was 7.52pm, perfect with the times I had set for myself, I enjoyed the last lights that ended a beautiful and intense day. A project or a workout, or maybe both? Regardless, it's really nice to be motivated by combining different sports.

by Leo Gheza

BIKE TO CLIMB
Bike: Esine - Arco 150km /800m+
Climbing: Monte Colodri Opera buffa (280m / 7c+) in push only 12 hours 52 minutes