Passo Manghen (2047 m.) turned out to be one of the most challenging mountain passes I’ve ridden in quite a while. The route up from Castello Molina di Fiume rides steeply through a forest of tall pine trees. The road is narrow and the hairpins tight. The south road is more open but still steep and scary.
On to Passo Broncon (1616 m.), disappointing scenically but some fantastic riding. A route to keep the rider guessing: no stacks but number of 270° hairpins amongst a challenging variety of curves.
And homeward bound via the Passo di Sommo (1341 m.). Afternoon clouds and haze taking the views. A straightforward main road with the usual traffic obstacles but a reliable surface and plenty of overtaking opportunities. Plus the expectation of being block-passed by the local riders.
So great day out on the Z1000SX without the paniers.
I’m getting to the end of the tyres provided so it’s getting urgent to find a workshop to replace them. Unfortunately, passing by the Kawasaki dealer in Trento shows they are on annual holiday...
Fab handmade ravioli but awful internet back at the hotel: this is rural Italy!