I arrived here in Italy on Thursday evening. From my rear window I can see Monte Grappa and maybe even the road the Giro TT will go up. Race HQ (for Friday’s stage) is a just a few km from my home. Giro fever is everywhere, pink is everywhere! On Saturday several thousand cyclists showed up for Monte Grappa Bike Day, a ride up the climb that will be used in the TT, with the road closed for the occasion. I was in no condition to do it but showed up anyway and did part of the climb, just because I couldn't not be there. It’s a monster climb for a TT. Tomorrow night is "Notte Rosa," Pink Night in Bassano, with stores open late and various events and performances all around the city. Tomorrow morning I’m going to Vittorio Veneto (where in 1988 Andy Hampsten was crowned the overall winner) to get my press pass, then catch the race at some point(s). For those of you who have ridden in this area, the riders will go up the little Primolano climb where the wrecked WW1 fort is, through Feltre, down the Piave River, and through the Prosecco wine area. Thursday I’ll go to the start in Belluno, then probably head towards the finish while the riders go up into the Dolomites. Or not. Haven’t decided. Though I can drive on closed roads, it’s not something I enjoy doing: too many cyclists, many of them weaving all over the road, make it stressful going. And I feel a bit guilty besides. But Friday is the big day, and the plan is to hike part way up M. Grappa with some Alpine Club buddies. Most people around here agree that on foot is the best way to go. Four hundred thousand spectators are expected, so it will be total pandemonium. Rain and even thunderstorms are predicted. That would be a real nightmare. Anyway, enjoy watching. I’ll get photos up, eventually.