Report from the ascent of Passo dello Stelvio from Prato allo Stelvio:

      The idea for my adventure on Stelvio arose during my vacation in the Dolomites. Wake-up at 6 a.m., breakfast, and a 120 km drive from Val Gardena to Prato allo Stelvio. According to mapy.cz, there were plenty of parking lots, but finding a spot was not easy at all. Eventually, I managed to leave my car near Eurospar Rungg - marked on the map. I planned to start at 9 a.m., but a slightly delayed departure and the search for parking set me back by an hour. While driving to Prato, I wondered if I would encounter any other cyclists along the way or if there would be heavy traffic. Just a few hundred meters into the journey, it turned out that I wasn't alone :-)
      The climb begins right on the main street in Prato, and practically from the very beginning, the gradient never drops below 6%, and it stays that way for the next 25 km until reaching the pass. The first 10 km follow the river to the town of Trafoi. This is basically the only place along the way where you can make a stop, which I had planned to do. However, it turned out that the roadside restaurant was closed, and the few cyclists I saw were stopping by the curb with energy bars and water bottles in hand. The lack of space and my own well-being were the reasons why I decided to continue the ride. Around the 15 km mark, there is the most challenging section, which reaches gradients of up to 12% in some places. This is where I experienced my first crisis. The hope of completing the route without stopping was shattered. Initially, I stopped for a few minutes. However, after another kilometer, I decided to take a longer break. Sitting on the curb with an energy bar and a water bottle in hand :-) After the rest, I could continue the climb. It's important to ensure an adequate amount of fluids and definitely refill in Trafoi. Just in case, there is a water source at the 20 km mark (marked on the map) where you can refill your bottles... You just have to get there :-)
The last 5 km are the most spectacular, well-known, and scenic section. Approximately 2 km before the finish, photographers are waiting - later, you can find your photo on their website - usually, there are several shots available - and order them in excellent resolution. The price of 9 euros per photo initially scares people away... In the end, I chose and bought 4 :-P The finale is all about endorphins. Crowds of cyclists eager to exchange experiences and thank each other for the shared effort create an atmosphere reminiscent of a grand tour. On the pass, on the left side, there is a square with tables where they serve sandwiches and beer - Ernstl's Bratwurst, marked on the map. I recommend taking a break there with a beautiful view of Ortler.

       I planned to return via Umbrailpass, Switzerland, and Val Mustair. The initial descent to Umbrail Pass is pleasant. Nobody checks anything at the border. Remember to turn off data roaming! I forgot about it. And Switzerland is not in the EU, so roaming costs a bit. The next part is a beautiful picturesque stretch with practically no car traffic. Not accustomed to such long descents, I ride cautiously and get overtaken by other cyclists. The descent - at times quite steep - ends in the town of Santa Maria. From there, it's mostly downhill, but I pedal to the border and reach the town of Mustair. The beautiful weather and thirst tempted me to make a stop for a Swiss Radler. It cost 5 CHF, but it was so delicious that I had two :-) - Restaurant Balcun At, marked on the map.
The finale is the ride back to Prato and returning to Val Gardena by car.