Fantastic breakfast buffet to start another sunny day - and a bit of grey fluff in the sky is a welcome sight. It does not amount to much but at this latitude all shade is welcome.
I decided to head off early i.e. at 0800. It is great cycling in a group but there are drawbacks! Starting in the "morning": Cats would be easy to organise! "We aim for an 0830 start. Be ready!!". At 0845 some are considering packing, others still in the shower. As you may know, I am a surgeon - I like my list to start on time and I like a plan, like to to make the appropriate incisions , sort out the problem and get on to the next case. Any delay in the morning will scupper the whole day. So I decided to head out ahead of the pack at 0800 - wearing different bibs (not to sneak out unnoticed but by now 400+ kilometres can be felt where the body connects with the bike!). The other advantage about an early star is so elegantly expressed by Noel Coward "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun". So gtting some miles or even kilometres in before noon is a bonus. And another thing - it is actually quite nice to enjoy the scenery on your own (ie on my own). Most my working days are spent talking and however much I enjoy talking to patients it is great to have some solitude. So the bike and I were just steadily rolling along at a comfortable pace (17-20 mph) with the legs doing their business whilst the head was enjoying the scenery, the blue sea, blue skies, rolling dry landscape up and down hills, and for once I listened to music - only one earphone in the ear closest to the kerb so all traffic sounds were loud and clear. The track that propelled me on was Gianna Nannini "Io che non vivo Senza te" . To which you will probably say Who?what? Well most of you will know Dusty Springfield and her hit "You don't have to say you love me". But did you know that it is an Italian song and amongst others Gianni Nannini has a great version. Check it out!
By 1300 hrs before the thermometer reached 40* I had done around 60 miles - and soon arrived at the hotel before (!!)the support vehicle. When it arrived Sam and Neil (N is down with a virus and therefore was carted along) had a great lunch. Neil by the way amongst his many other activities helps rehouse and look after refugees in Thessoliniki - far more efficiently and humane than the official agencies (Charity: Family to Family - check it out on Facebook). But therein lies another story. Now off to the pool! Ciao.
Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Tuesday, 13 June 2017
Day one and two revisited
It would appear that in spite of my literary skills the blog ended up in cyberspace. Maybe it does not like prose and photos - or is it the people on the photos that fail to meet the quality requirements?
Anyway we left Palermo yesterday morning ( the night before we had celebrated Sam's 23 - I seem to recall that I was that age at some point but maybe I'm mistaken) with our bellies full (and the jerseyrear pockets stuffed with nutrition) and the spirits high. Various photo shoots in the harbour to prove that we had been there - and were now no going.
Once we were outside the big city the roads were scenic, quiet and generally covered with a smooth black material which I seem to recall a Scotsman invented a while back. The Highway Agency really could learn a thing or two about road maintenance.
We stopped for pasta in a pretty coastal town and made it to our 1st destination in time for the usual kit washing (yes kit), followed by showering, ice cream eating and restaurant hunting. And ok'ish pizza in beautiful sunset setting was downed and then bed. Well before that a bit of surgery required my attention- my bottom bracket ( for the non-cyclists: something on a bike) was squeaking and Darren performed a lifesaving procedure - squeak gone!
This morning's ride out was delayed by Michaels front wheel dropping into a grill in the road and buckling(wheel not grill). Fortunately Sam and the van was nearby and a new wheel was procured.
Our ride today followed the coast to Messina with a rather nasty sting in the tail - a 500 metres ( that'sa lot of feet) climb in 32* heat. I had pressed ahead solo in the morning as the others set a somewhat challenging speed and I expected them to rein me in ( they are between 5 and 39 years younger - Justin excluded!!) but 125 kms later I rolled into Messina to receive the yellow jersey. The others arrived 2 hours later but I bet they'd had some long pit stops.
So so far 260 km done and more than 3000 metres of climbing. I think we yet again have earned a pizza or two.
Back home our yellow Lab Woody made it to 16 1/2 but was failing rapidly, he is now chasing squirrels with his brother Skruff in the big hunting grounds in the sky. We will miss him - and so will the two black labs that kept him young for so long.
Anyway we left Palermo yesterday morning ( the night before we had celebrated Sam's 23 - I seem to recall that I was that age at some point but maybe I'm mistaken) with our bellies full (and the jerseyrear pockets stuffed with nutrition) and the spirits high. Various photo shoots in the harbour to prove that we had been there - and were now no going.
Once we were outside the big city the roads were scenic, quiet and generally covered with a smooth black material which I seem to recall a Scotsman invented a while back. The Highway Agency really could learn a thing or two about road maintenance.
We stopped for pasta in a pretty coastal town and made it to our 1st destination in time for the usual kit washing (yes kit), followed by showering, ice cream eating and restaurant hunting. And ok'ish pizza in beautiful sunset setting was downed and then bed. Well before that a bit of surgery required my attention- my bottom bracket ( for the non-cyclists: something on a bike) was squeaking and Darren performed a lifesaving procedure - squeak gone!
This morning's ride out was delayed by Michaels front wheel dropping into a grill in the road and buckling(wheel not grill). Fortunately Sam and the van was nearby and a new wheel was procured.
Our ride today followed the coast to Messina with a rather nasty sting in the tail - a 500 metres ( that'sa lot of feet) climb in 32* heat. I had pressed ahead solo in the morning as the others set a somewhat challenging speed and I expected them to rein me in ( they are between 5 and 39 years younger - Justin excluded!!) but 125 kms later I rolled into Messina to receive the yellow jersey. The others arrived 2 hours later but I bet they'd had some long pit stops.
So so far 260 km done and more than 3000 metres of climbing. I think we yet again have earned a pizza or two.
Back home our yellow Lab Woody made it to 16 1/2 but was failing rapidly, he is now chasing squirrels with his brother Skruff in the big hunting grounds in the sky. We will miss him - and so will the two black labs that kept him young for so long.
Day 3 - Messina to Tonnara
We are getting into the routine now - food, padding and "nappy rash cream", load the van on off we go. We left Sicily (soundtrack: Sicilia you're breaking my heart) a 40 minute ferry journey and we are on the "toe" of Italy. The weather as always (??) glorious sunshine. Again following the windy coastal road with fishing boats far out and early summer swimmers/ sun worshippers. After 10 miles the hairpin loops were on us - 10 miles of steady - sometimes slightly unsteady - climbing. For me it is a matter of just following my own rhythm and disregard the whipper snappers racing ahead. Keeping an eye on the heart rate monitor is advisable!! Coffee and sugar at the top. Then a beautiful fast (40'ish mph) descent over 6-8 miles followed by another b.... Climb of same height and length. At the top a charming cafe were the food was free (!!) if accompanied by drinks (free and non-alcoholic as another long race to the bottom (getting a bit sore by the way) followed.
The scenery is pleasant - a bit run-down as it is the poorest part of Italy and the drivers are courteous - the fact that we are in rather professional matching Italian blue outfits may help. A sad sight is the (mostly) young girls looking for customers along the main roads mainly close to towns but also occasionally in open countryside. What a sad sad way of making their existence.
The day finished with a rather strong - but warm - head wind over the last 30 miles. Our hotel is right on the beach - I had an early evening swim - lovely salty warm water.
Tomorrow's ride will be slightly shorter which I will believe when I see it- today was hard work - rather harder than I cared for!!
The scenery is pleasant - a bit run-down as it is the poorest part of Italy and the drivers are courteous - the fact that we are in rather professional matching Italian blue outfits may help. A sad sight is the (mostly) young girls looking for customers along the main roads mainly close to towns but also occasionally in open countryside. What a sad sad way of making their existence.
Tomorrow's ride will be slightly shorter which I will believe when I see it- today was hard work - rather harder than I cared for!!
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Day 1 Palermo to St Stefano il Camastra
The last participants, Paul and Michael joined us yesterday evening (Sam's birthday , cake and lots of kisses from the waitresses at the evening's restaurant)
I cycled my bike back through the pre-breakfast empty corridors and after a voluminous breakfast - which as always involved preparing the on-the-road snacks - we were on the road by 9"(ish).
Once we had heft Palermo we progressed along a lovely deserted coastal road - in places with perfect tarmac of a quality never encountered in the UK.
Sam had driven the van to our destination and then headed back by bike and met us for lunch halfway. Pasta and gallons of water at a lovely seaside place. We reach 
Saturday, 10 June 2017
Ciclitalia 2017
We're off!
The magnificent (???) Seven headed off to Palermo yesterday to be reunited with our bikes and luggage which Mark Dykes had already carted here via a hockey tournament in Verona.
The rest of the gang will arrive tonight making us 12 in total (some connotations!)
We're lodging in a grand Hotel in the centre of Palermo - reminiscent of the setting of the 60's movie The Leopard (Burt Lancaster and the gorgeous Claudia Cardinale) - at a time it was very grand but the beauty has faded slightly ("sic transit gloria mundis" applies to hotels - and the rest of us).
The bikes were dislodged from the van, assembled and for safety taken to our rooms; mine on the 4th floor is so far down a corridor that I cycled there dragging the luggage - fortunately traffic was only light at midnight (3 blind corners!) and in spite of a gigantic Sicilian pizza and a large beer I made it safely to my room!
As seen below the bike is now safely parked next to me - and don't worry - I did check that the lace curtain was clean before I leant my precious against it !
The day will now be spent on foot( feet, surely? ) exploring Palermo's cathedrals and markets.
Not a thought about the election chaos back home - will there be another election by the time we get home? Maybe we should have one every week? Although our present PM seems to have engineered her own downfall (sic transit - am I repeating myself?) I am pleased that our excellent local MP did well.
Anyway - after an excellent breakfast with great coffee I explored Palermo - as much as 30*C allowed! Il Duomo di Mon Reale was magnificent. Certainly worth the bus ride into the almost unknown. After that the local churches and cathedral paled somewhat!
So whilst I explored the spiritual side of Palermo my companions stumbled over a beer festival -
But did they stumble before or after? We may never know! Anyway regardless of vicious accusations I have kept to a strict diet ( coffee, acqua and ice cream) - even here I keep to the Dove's opening hours! But the night is young!! And tomorrow the "fun"starts!
Ciao
We're off!
The magnificent (???) Seven headed off to Palermo yesterday to be reunited with our bikes and luggage which Mark Dykes had already carted here via a hockey tournament in Verona.
The rest of the gang will arrive tonight making us 12 in total (some connotations!)
We're lodging in a grand Hotel in the centre of Palermo - reminiscent of the setting of the 60's movie The Leopard (Burt Lancaster and the gorgeous Claudia Cardinale) - at a time it was very grand but the beauty has faded slightly ("sic transit gloria mundis" applies to hotels - and the rest of us).
The bikes were dislodged from the van, assembled and for safety taken to our rooms; mine on the 4th floor is so far down a corridor that I cycled there dragging the luggage - fortunately traffic was only light at midnight (3 blind corners!) and in spite of a gigantic Sicilian pizza and a large beer I made it safely to my room!
As seen below the bike is now safely parked next to me - and don't worry - I did check that the lace curtain was clean before I leant my precious against it !
The day will now be spent on foot( feet, surely? ) exploring Palermo's cathedrals and markets.
Not a thought about the election chaos back home - will there be another election by the time we get home? Maybe we should have one every week? Although our present PM seems to have engineered her own downfall (sic transit - am I repeating myself?) I am pleased that our excellent local MP did well.
Anyway - after an excellent breakfast with great coffee I explored Palermo - as much as 30*C allowed! Il Duomo di Mon Reale was magnificent. Certainly worth the bus ride into the almost unknown. After that the local churches and cathedral paled somewhat!
So whilst I explored the spiritual side of Palermo my companions stumbled over a beer festival -
Ciao
Monday, 9 May 2016
The last , felt-like-the-longest, day
finally we have reached the journey's end.
We had a leisurely breakfast in the Apartrmento Bolognese - it was a DIY affair with all the calories provided. Afterwards we strolled the streets around the Piazza Maggiore (Bologna is certainly worth a return visit - not least as I later discovered that my wallet was gone and someone must be having a good time!!) then packed the bikes ready for the last leg - with Paul safely on his way home only the three of us left. For once we did not get lost (no I do NOT blame you, Paul!!) but the route was boring and rather tedious - not really improved by a strong headwind which left me without much puff and the others often without me!! It was a 105 km ride along busy roads - and always with the wind smack in our faces - just like when we started in France a Century - or was it only a week- ago. We reached Hotel Riz in Cesenatico by 1730 - just in time for the drinks reception and a warm welcome from our Wheeler friends (fellow CYCLISTS - a German along the route asked me if I was a triathlete - he almost needed a nose job afterwards!!) and from the lovely staff. Is it a sutprise to hear that it was good to get out of the saddle??!!!
Our evening meal was the usual for Riz - a multitude of courses providing all a cyclist needs to face the next day. When one of the waiters topped up my plate he said " you always cycle to here, don't you?". Not necessarily in style but it would seem that I do!
Lessons learned ? Not many apart from bring as little as you can get away with - and preferably less than that. Choose a comfortable saddle and shorts. Go with some good friends as companions - you will spend a lot of time together.
Plot the route electronically but bring a map (paper) just in case. And bike-mounted devises are not good at giving a general overview.
And do take time to stop and smell the roses (botanical, bricks'n mortar and human!).
Life is like a long cycle ride - no point in racing along and suddenly realising at the finish line that you have missed having a good time. So enjoy!
PS some stats/ we cycled approx 1050 km ~700 miles) and climbed 5200 metres ( approx 20,000 beer bottles stacked on top of each other - but don't do this at home - you'll get a puncture and so will everyone else in the neighbourhood !). 🇩🇰🇬🇧🇫🇷🇮🇪
We had a leisurely breakfast in the Apartrmento Bolognese - it was a DIY affair with all the calories provided. Afterwards we strolled the streets around the Piazza Maggiore (Bologna is certainly worth a return visit - not least as I later discovered that my wallet was gone and someone must be having a good time!!) then packed the bikes ready for the last leg - with Paul safely on his way home only the three of us left. For once we did not get lost (no I do NOT blame you, Paul!!) but the route was boring and rather tedious - not really improved by a strong headwind which left me without much puff and the others often without me!! It was a 105 km ride along busy roads - and always with the wind smack in our faces - just like when we started in France a Century - or was it only a week- ago. We reached Hotel Riz in Cesenatico by 1730 - just in time for the drinks reception and a warm welcome from our Wheeler friends (fellow CYCLISTS - a German along the route asked me if I was a triathlete - he almost needed a nose job afterwards!!) and from the lovely staff. Is it a sutprise to hear that it was good to get out of the saddle??!!!
Our evening meal was the usual for Riz - a multitude of courses providing all a cyclist needs to face the next day. When one of the waiters topped up my plate he said " you always cycle to here, don't you?". Not necessarily in style but it would seem that I do!
Lessons learned ? Not many apart from bring as little as you can get away with - and preferably less than that. Choose a comfortable saddle and shorts. Go with some good friends as companions - you will spend a lot of time together.
Plot the route electronically but bring a map (paper) just in case. And bike-mounted devises are not good at giving a general overview.
And do take time to stop and smell the roses (botanical, bricks'n mortar and human!).
Life is like a long cycle ride - no point in racing along and suddenly realising at the finish line that you have missed having a good time. So enjoy!
PS some stats/ we cycled approx 1050 km ~700 miles) and climbed 5200 metres ( approx 20,000 beer bottles stacked on top of each other - but don't do this at home - you'll get a puncture and so will everyone else in the neighbourhood !). 🇩🇰🇬🇧🇫🇷🇮🇪
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Day I-have-completely-lost-count Firenze to Bologna
The usual 3 croissants, 5 rolls, yoghurt and muesli and several coffees for breakfast and we were off.
And boy did we have our work cut out! After the usual 10km of finding our route we unfortunatrly found it - first a short sharp steep hill then the first proper climb with approx 600 metres of vertical ascend - 10-16% gradients. A long (not long enough!) descend let us to climb no 2 - up to about 800 metres with the same gradients - and the b... Mountain was called Monte Piano(Ital for flat,easy, mild ....) nothing flat or easy about it. The only similarity with a piano is the old Laurel and Hardy film with them carrying a piano up a 100 metres staircase - I certainly felt as if there was one in my panniers!! We feasted on a great lunch (what we thought we ordered was pasta but we were served delicious lamb chops - so much for our detailed knowledge of Ital. cuisine terminology!). During lunch the heavens opened - and it got cold so I did the descend in jacket arm and leg warmers gloves and overshoes (yes - and bib shorts - ah there's another story - halfway up the first climb I noticed that my Rapha stripe had moved from one leg to the other and also changed colour (yellow to white) - and my bum was getting sore. Yes - the shorts were inside out - a quick change behind a bush made life much less uncomfortable- apart from the greenery I later had to remove!!)
We zoomed on to Bologna riding on the hard verge of main roads and reached our destination- a lovely old flat ( but no piano!!) in the town centre. 70+miles done 1350metres of ascend - that complimentary Lambrusco will taste lovely.
Tomorrow Paul will wave goodbye - we others won't as he is leaving at 0400 - but we will miss his company. The rest of us will head to Cesenatico where cycling may not be on the agenda for the first day or two. But then again....
It has been a great trip in wonderful company and stunning setting (land-and seascape, bar-maids, restaurants etc). And we have had very little beer -must do it again!!!
And boy did we have our work cut out! After the usual 10km of finding our route we unfortunatrly found it - first a short sharp steep hill then the first proper climb with approx 600 metres of vertical ascend - 10-16% gradients. A long (not long enough!) descend let us to climb no 2 - up to about 800 metres with the same gradients - and the b... Mountain was called Monte Piano(Ital for flat,easy, mild ....) nothing flat or easy about it. The only similarity with a piano is the old Laurel and Hardy film with them carrying a piano up a 100 metres staircase - I certainly felt as if there was one in my panniers!! We feasted on a great lunch (what we thought we ordered was pasta but we were served delicious lamb chops - so much for our detailed knowledge of Ital. cuisine terminology!). During lunch the heavens opened - and it got cold so I did the descend in jacket arm and leg warmers gloves and overshoes (yes - and bib shorts - ah there's another story - halfway up the first climb I noticed that my Rapha stripe had moved from one leg to the other and also changed colour (yellow to white) - and my bum was getting sore. Yes - the shorts were inside out - a quick change behind a bush made life much less uncomfortable- apart from the greenery I later had to remove!!)
We zoomed on to Bologna riding on the hard verge of main roads and reached our destination- a lovely old flat ( but no piano!!) in the town centre. 70+miles done 1350metres of ascend - that complimentary Lambrusco will taste lovely.
Tomorrow Paul will wave goodbye - we others won't as he is leaving at 0400 - but we will miss his company. The rest of us will head to Cesenatico where cycling may not be on the agenda for the first day or two. But then again....
It has been a great trip in wonderful company and stunning setting (land-and seascape, bar-maids, restaurants etc). And we have had very little beer -must do it again!!!
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