So again the usual ritual preparing for the ride and a large breakfast. Thereafter we all set off towards the lake - a 30 km or so on mainly busy roads.. And suddenly -after a long descent there she was. Shimmering the sunlight from the (as always so far) blue sky., steep banks with pretty villages clinging to the mountain sides. We stopped for coffee in Lecco and then continued to Varenna from where we took the ferry to Bellaggio . We were accompanied on the small ferry by a pristine MGA fresh from the Mille Miglia classic car race - yes there was a time when cars were as pretty as bicycles.
Once on shore the road led us "up, up and away" ( but no beautiful balloon to assist) to Vignola with its chapel decorated with bikes. The rest of the group continued inland but I was suffering from conjunctivitis (sunlight, road dust, hay fever) and decided to return down to the lake for a large ice cream and a boat ride along the lake visiting multiple little picturesque villages Long the shore. It was by now late afternoon, the sun was setting, the church bells chiming and calling for evening mass and the world ( including my legs and back side) appeared to be at peace.
What a lovely way finish to approx. 2000 km of riding from the bottom to the top of Italy. A beautiful country populated by lovely people. Yes there had been lots of ups and downs (about 20 km of ups I think , but not counted them yet) but it had been a fantastic experience. But in 40* heat? If anyone is mad enough to consider doing this may I suggest late April or May, take 3 (or more) weeks and do stop to smell the roses, taste the regional food and wine. The "slow food " movement was pioneered in Italy. Slow food and slow cycling will certainly be more enjoyable.
On Saturday evening we had a lovely meal in a beautiful lakeside restaurant in Torno, watching the lights flicker from the opposite shore as darkness set on the lake.
It was a steaming hot evening and after dinner the van was for the final time loaded with all our goods I decided to sleep on the balcony overlooking the lake hoping for a gentle cool breeze. Three hours later thunder awoke me, followed by torrential rain, lightning and gusts of gale force winds! At least it cleared the air - and also the balcony: towels went flying lake-wards whilst the mattress and I sought shelter indoors. The weather forecast for the whole of next week is rain and lightning so it seems as if "someone" thinks we have done enough and suggests that we can go home.
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.
(JRR Tolkien, The Return of the King)
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