After Travesio I headed along Valcosa on the road toward Clauzetto. Shortly after Paludea there is a sharp right turn for Celante. It begins climbing immediately, winding up a small gorge at 8% to 11%. Eventually you reach Celante and have the option of climbing on toward Clauzetto or descending to Manazzons. I headed down the twisty road toward Manazzons intending to continue to Costa Beorchia, another fun climb in Castelnovo.
I stopped to take a picture of the chicanes on this little forest road when I noticed the bike seat was loose. I checked the bolt, it was tight, so I figured I'd keep an eye on it and continue. When I got ready to start the bike seat fell off. This was a first for me (I am up to 68Kg this winter instead of my usual 65Kg summer weight- could this be the problem?) Luckily it hadn't fallen off while descending at speed- the loss of balance could easily have resulted in a nasty crash. I looked at the seat mast cap and noticed the aluminum seat mount was cracked off. So I stuffed the seat in my jacket, turned around and rode home standing for 33km. This felt very strange of course; usually I only stand briefly when starting or when climbing a very steep hill. But I made it all the way home standing, and the time was about the same as my seated time on the way out. I could definitely feel the difference in my quads and hamstrings- this is good exercise!
I'll try the Manazzons - Costa Beorchia climb later on my Merckx, which has been resting for the winter. Also need to work on getting another seat mast cap (hopefully a stronger one).
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| Torrente Cosa, with Col Monaco in background |
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| Col Monaco with beautiful old church on top- there's a path from Celante to the church |
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| The twisty road descending to Manazzons |
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| My poor broken seat mast cap seat mount |
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| The missing piece of seat mount (under bolt head) |
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