Gran Sasso d'Italia - Assergi

I climbed he Gran Sasso in Aug 2012 from Montobello de Bertone - Farindola - Rigopiano - across the plain and then to Campo Comperatore. 60 km, 2100 height meters one way. Very nice climb, typical Italian bad roads, pretty tough on the plain with lots of head wind, but very impressive scenery. Last climb to Campo very tough with the steepest inclines of the day.

My personal climb rating:

This was my first ever real mountain climb, but it won''t be the last.

I climbed the Grand Sasso in july 2011 starting in Camarda which adds aprox. 100 heightmeters. The climb was done in beautiful weather and was OK for a +40 year beginner.

I suffered a bit on the steepest parts, just before the small setback and especially shortly before the top on a few 10% sections - they hit me like a hammer.

The hotel at the top, Campo Imperatore, was closed, pretty disappointing, but the view and landscape is amazing. Beware of sheep, goats, cattle, they walk all over the road. The road standard is better than expected in Italy.

My personal climb rating:

In 2007 my 3 USA friends and I departed from Barisciano on a beautiful morning. We bike through the historic town of Santo Stefano and continued riding up in the glorious sunshine. About 5 miles from the town, the Gran Sasso came into view, and hail started falling as we reached the only crossroad on this high desolate plain. There was one small out building where we took shelter under a roof extention. After it clear we rode under steely grey skies to Campo Imparatore, where we had a great meal. We decend via Assergi, and headed back via a busy road. Round trip was 53 miles and 6200 feet of climbing per my Suunto altimeter.

My personal climb rating:

I know the Grand Sasso has a descent in its climb which may put the purists off but the unique dynamic landscape & the isolation made it one of the best for me. I did it in June in hot sunshine & the next day snow blizzards closed it off.