Hunting for Gelato in the Alps

Will there be gelato at the bottom of this 4500' descent. One can only hope. Francesco Gozio and myself on the hunt in Italy. #followcamfriday

After last week's episode, everyone should be comfortable with riding on the edge of a cliff. You, me, Francesco, everyone.... When gelato is the reward, men will do things that they otherwise may not. The brain works in strange ways at elevation when the gelato reserves become dangerously low. 

After spending the previous night at the Refuge Walter Bonatti, we were greeted with a 3000' climb to begin the day. After a fair bit of hike a bike, we found ourselves perched atop the Tete De La Tronche, a classic overlook on the Tour Du Mont Blanc route. There were easier ways to get to the gelato stand from where we slept, but that just wouldn't be very interesting, now would it...

The descent from the top of the Tete would begin as an exposed ridge-ride in the alpine, before steepening up sharply as we approached tree line. We were treated to epic views in every direction. If I am being honest,  my concentration may have been broken once or twice by the managing figure of Mont Blanc, looming in the distance. Once entering the trees, we were served some of the smoothest and fastest sections of singletrack I had ever seen. 

The lower third of the descent became steep and technical, giving us a taste of fall colors and slippery dirt, before ending on the paved road to Courmayeur. 

Surely there would be gelato where we were headed. 

This cafe did not have gelato. We did however eat a ridiculous amount of pasta and sandwiches. And espresso... Don't forget the coffee. Everyone looks at me funny when I order coffee before my meal. I have one after too... Never to much. Never not. 
So, about that gelato... As it turns out, the gelato shop in town is closed, much to our dismay. I almost quit right there. The feelings I was experiencing were almost too much to handle. This was only the first half or our day. We still had one climb to go to get to the next refuge on our tour. What were we to do without gelato? I hope we make it.
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The hunt continues.... Iv'e been in Europe for three days and have yet to have proper gelato. Punch my face. 

If you are looking for a guide in Italy, my man Francesco Gozio is your guy. He may not be able to find gelato, but I can assure you that he has the trails on lock. Hell of a guy, he gets my strong endorsement, gelato aside. 
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