88 | Cycling World
With the formalities over we drove three and a half hours north past the shimmering waters of Lake Como to the Hotel Palace in the picture perfect mountain town of Bormio . Once checked-in we were equipped with a bike and furnished with clothing from the new rh + AirX-Change range which we would test on the climb of the iconic Paso di Gavia the following day . This is remarkable kit , beautifully made and exquisitely detailed . I thought that I might overheat in the long bibtights , thermal jersey and jacket I had been provided but the rh + team had called it just right . When I woke in the morning it was to forecasts of chilly conditions . I have reviewed the rh + AirX-Change range earlier in ths is sue but suffice to say I could not have asked for better equipment in which to ride the Gavia .
The Passo di Gavia and its sister Passo dello Stelvio sit between two provinces , Sondrio in the north and Brescia in the south . During the winter months this area is an established destination for skiers and snowboarders but in the summer the region is quiet . Despite being one of the world ' s most perfect destinations for cyclists most stay on the French side of the Alps . One innovative idea to attract more cyclists to the area is the proposal to close the Gavia Pass to cars and trucks for one day a week during the summer months . This sounds like a great idea to me and would make a real difference to the enjoyment of the ride . Don ’ t get me wrong , this isn ’ t a busy road but it ’ s always nice to know that you won ’ t meet a truck when rounding a blind bend at 65kph .
The Passo di Gavia climbs skyward from the pretty