Surprise snow fall

That gap in the mountains in normally filled with the Madeleine

So the rain I expected to fall yesterday and overnight was delayed unfortunately, and also carried with it a lot of snow. The kind receptionist informed me this morning that snow had fallen to 1,400m overnight. No problem, over breakfast I make a quick change to the plan got dressed and ready. 

All the weather on the internet suggested it would still be snowing for most of the day, but I thought if I keep lowish, I can always turn back if it is too cold. I decided on Col du Mollard followed by La Toussuire (made famous by Floyd Landis bonking (running below empty) as he climbed only to make a miraculous recovery the following day).

So I got all dressed up and ready to go, got the bike out and then had a reality check as the cold started to creep inside my clothes. It was also raining. I thought the cold I could deal with by pedaling hard. The wet I could combat by wearing a jacket, until I sweat and then I would still be wet. Then I would be wet and cold. And then I would have to descend.

It was then I recalled my hands and the Stelvio and decided the mountain will still be there tomorrow, and I will conqueror it then. Feel a bit lazy and weak for not braving it but I think it was the wiser decision based on the conditions.The rain has stayed off and on all day, and I have had a glimpse or two of the Madeleine from my window, now absolutely covered to below the tree line.

So tomorrow I will run with todays original plan, except tomorrow there will be the added bonus of snow to look at.