KH set about assembling the bikes (only partly destroying the hotel room this time) while I headed off to the airport to hopefully obtain maps thar would get us out of the busy precinct and on our way to the Italian Lakes.
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| About to try and navigate out of the Airport area ! |
With both missions accomplished it was a lateish start on a fine morning before we jumped on our bikes. I nearly made it out of the hotel car park before realizing KH hadn't tightened my head stem, "it's not important he said"! Another 200 meters and KH's bush mechanic skills came to the fore when he used a small piece of discarded electrical conduit to fit through the head of my brakes split pin which was annoyingly catching on my rotating spokes - it now matches the cable ties holding my pannier arm and the occy straps holding my panniers and front handle bar bag in place !
The maps were perfect and soon had us cycling beside an isolated river / loch past nearby forest and towards the lakes as confirmed by a helpful 1000 word to the minute Italian cyclis
We hit Lake Maggiorgore at the 25km mark and what a site it was with a never ending sea, hills with villages hanging on precarious high points on the hills, mountains in the distance and a great hazy smog that I remember so well when journeying this way 20 years ago.
The cycling took in roads with little traffic right on the lake which made riding an absolute delight. The numerous tunnels though were a different matter with noise amplified even a 1 litre citreon sounded like an approaching b double !
A side tripe to a cliff hanging monastery gave close up views of this beautiful lake.
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| Magnificent lake panaorama ! |
Famished we raided the local supermarket (this time KH did weigh his fruit) before going out for yet another pasta meal "don't they serve anything else in this country" quipped KH missing his salad sandwiches!
After dinner we took in the old town and it's narrow dark alleyways with even KH a but nervous before marvelling at the night time view of the lake - what a beaut spot !
Mega Mike, I've never met you but as an associate of Kevin Henley I must congratulate you on your stamina and perseverance. The constant flatulence, aggression, and other personal characteristics you have had to bear over this protracted period in strange lands must have some reward.
ReplyDeleteI trust that at the very least, you should be nominated for an Order of Australia, but more deserving is the “Australian of the Year Award “ for your heroic effort “in achieving so much with so little”.
Well done and I’ve enjoyed your Blogs. Terry R.