By mountain bike through the breathtaking landscape and solitude of the Alps

I kind of puzzled it together. I walked the Pfunderer Höhenweg four years ago and it was incredibly beautiful and deserted. I just love it when I have the mountains to myself. I'd also spent a night with a friend at the Pfitscherjoch-Haus and found it just so magical up there. I got some tips as well from a few farmers in South Tyrol, where I have been volunteering as a helper for 7 years. Recommendations were also given to me by biker friends who have done individual day trips in the area. By joining this information with some research of my own using Outdooractive's maps, the satellite layer, and looking at Community photos, the puzzle was complete and the route fixed. The adventure could begin!

I really wanted to include Monte Grappa, which is steeped in history.

During the First World War, the front line ran through the Alps, and there are many places where you can still see traces of it. Monte Piana near the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) is one example and so is Monte Grappa. It was the last bastion before entering the Venetian plain and there is even a memorial up there. I just find it fascinating and even talking about it now gives me goosebumps. It's crazy to think about the war being fought in such a place and how it was a matter of simply trying to survive for these soldiers. At the Averau Hut, you can still see pictures of the cable cars and mule tracks - a place where people go nowadays to do downhill rides. It's weird. 

Funnily, we met a group up there that was also doing a crossing of the Alps, just on a different path. It was amusing to meet some fellow masochists! Those weirdoes who punish themselves in pursuit of solitude. 

The downhill flowed through blooming alpine meadows, gravel hairpin bends, technical passages with steps, and then an incredibly long descent down into the valley of Bruneck. It was a great finale after the long schlep to the top. 

A lot of the uphills were actually really testing, but what I found hardest was the thought on the last day of it all being 'over'. I would have loved to be able to ride back. Being on the saddle all day, that wonderful tiredness in the evening, and then sleeping like a log is great, but then all of a sudden it ends and yeah, you know you have to be back in the office the day after tomorrow.

Regarding your other point, yes, 6 days in the saddle in such terrain is a lot and you have to ensure you manage things properly. All I can say is save your energy! Keep the pace down, so you can enjoy it for longer. We always set off very early too so that we had a time buffer. That peace of mind is important because if something comes up, it's good to have some breathing room in your schedule.

If you stay in a hotel, my tip is to look for one with a sauna to relax the muscles, and also ensure you apply plenty of cream in the morning! Your behind will thank you when you have to sit on the saddle for so long. 

My first downhill was at Reschen. My friend gave me some protection and put me on a bike. I started to ride and smacked into a rock straight away, so it probably wasn't the most elegant way to start the sport. Though I don't recommend the trial-and-error principle, I was hooked.

The key is to have good confidence and balance. There are a lot of courses available that teach you this and if you can, ride key sections regularly to build your confidence. Take your time and just try it out. In my case, practice made perfect! And of course never ride without protection, something that continues to literally save my butt as well as other parts of my body.

My bike is a Nero, has 2x10 gears and full suspension. It is an old Giant Trance,  but has been tuned with Shimano XT brakes with four brake pistons to add that sensitivity I need. Needless to say, it also has a dropper seat post, which is an absolute must on the trails.

Nina will be moving to the Pyrenees this fall, where she will be exploring new routes. If you want to see more of her adventures, why not follow her profile on Outdooractive!