This day continued in the mountains with another climb of about 500 meters and a smaller climb of about 200 meters. 

 

We followed the S357 as far as Santa Maria Maggiore for our first climb of the day.  The road is relatively quiet and has some great views, generally better over your shoulder than looking forward.  We then cut southeast on the S631 towards Cannobio on Lake Maggiore. 

 

This road crosses another pass which has been nick-named Passo Marco Pantani, after the late, great Italian cyclist.  After the pass, the road is more of a paved mule track, just a little over one car length wide.  Fortunately, we saw little traffic and coasted nearly the entire way to the lake.

 

Try to time your day so that you can stop for lunch in the picture perfect village of Santa Maria Maggiore.