Jim, from Cupertino, CA,  returned from a bike tour of the Dolomites in Italy, starting in Venice and taking in some of the dramatic mountain scenery in the Cortina-Alleghe-Marmolada region. I had the opportunity to hear his presentation on this trip in Los Altos, CA (outfittertours.com) and he sent me some outstanding photos, three of which are shown here. 

Venice is the archetype must-see Italian city, and the usual approach for tourists is by train. The train station is right on the Grand Canal. You leave the platform and step outside on to a water taxi that carries you to the city and permits stop-overs to all the famous bridges, canals, and buildings. That the city still exists astonishes visitors. It has fought off the sea and tides for hundreds of years and from all we are told Venice architects, builders and the Italian government  will ensure the integrity of the city for years to come. This jewel of the Mediterranean with its artistic treasures will remain intact to enchant us all.

The little village of Alleghe, 3000 ft up in the Dolomites, has a population of only 1500. Before a landslide blocked the river Cordevole in 1771, and  inundated the valley that now is Lake Alleghe, the few hamlets that existed as Alleghe were essentially a remote and undiscovered part of the province of Belluno.  Its beautiful lake at the foot of some of the region's great peaks, and its access to summer and winter sports, now make it a mecca for outdoor activities.

Jim described the bike leg to Lake Alleghe as one of the highlights of the trip. Lying at the foot of the Gruppe di Sella, a group of four of the famous passes that the Giro d'Italia follows in the annual bike classic, this lake is less than 250 years old. Mountain climbers will recognize the Marmolada, a magnet for those who challenge Europe's steep climbing faces. At 10964 feet the Marmolada is the highest Dolomites mountain. Its south face is 2700 feet high and reputably has the most difficult climbs in the Dolomites.