Stage 27 Venezia - Tramonti di Sotto

Radar Love

Hans Peter

Hans Peter (Rometsch) Germany, already to roll on a warm humid day. We are looking forward to today as we farewell the only flat section on La Bella, approach to and departure from Venice. Today we will reach the base of The Dolomite's, flat ride for 100 klm, then a climb to 400 mts in Tramonti di Sotto

Hans Peter is one of the pace setter riders, along with Trina who each day set a great tempo, not one for photos ice creams etc. Arrive at camp everyday early, pick of the camp sites, first at lunch and soup offerings.

Looking relaxed Steve

G'day Steve (Rogers) (USA), feeling great after his 17 Euro beer in Venice.

We follow the coast as we head east up towards Lido di Jesolo 22 klm from camp, this is the furthest point of the lagoon, from here we turn north towards the alps, passing through Crepaldo, Torre di Mosto, Torrate, (lunch) Provesano, & Meduno. 

Another puncture for Paul No 5 or 6?

After lunch we continue north and the first sighting of the alps emerge, we are both excited and nervous as it will be all climbing from tomorrow onwards over the next week.

Dolomites in sight (Alps)

The Dolomite's are a unique mountain range located in northeastern Italy. Their limestone rock formation give them a very distinct look with jagged peaks and sheer drops, clear water streams, waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
The are renowned for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, and Base jumping, as well as paragliding and hang gliding in summer and late spring/early autumn. The Marmolada Glacier is the highest peak in The Dolomite's at 3343 mtr.

The Maratona dles Dolomite's, an annual single-day road bicycle racing race covering seven mountain passes of the Dolomite's, occurs in the first week of July and is one of the most well known Granfondo rides

Meduno

We ride into Meduno with only 12 klm until the camp, a beautiful small town, there's a few bikes outside, it's David, Ype, Bob and Scott, we should stop for refreshments. It's Sunday 4th June and the Italian Moto GP is on, we have to watch this. 

Maybe an ale is in order. Good race Dovizioso wins (ITA) and Valentino Rossi finishing fourth.

As we head towards camp, clouds are increasing, possible rain. David, Ype join us for the final leg and as we descend into camp light rain is falling, so we pull into the site office /café for a hot drink.

Tramonti  is a small  but beautiful village situated on the Torrente Meduna River which flows through a number of lakes.

A special young visitor has joined us in camp tonight, Wilbert and his wife and daughter.

Campsite Valtramontina

The rains soon pass and Ype is soon into servicing and repair all the bikes that require attention after his own days ride.

How many bike riders does it take to change a ......?

The skies clear as we prepare to eat our evening meal, it has cooled down considerably, Wilbert has left crates of beer in the cool waters of the shallow fast flowing river.

Trina & David Hosmer

Trina is one of our two Olympic Athlete's riding in La Bella. Trina was introduced to cross country skiing by her then boyfriend David at university in the late 60's. Trina competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics in the 10klm event. She still competes in the Masters events and is a Nordic instructor. She also can ride very well.
Fantastic accomplishment Trina. Trina will be 70 next year and husband David is our most senior rider at 75. Wow!

Stage 26 Choggia - Venezia

Love is in the air everywhere I look around, Love is in the air every sight and every sound....

Venice here we come, the city of Love.

Only a short ride today, 25 klm Elevation gain, zero mtrs.

This involved three ferry rides across the Venetian Lagoon.

The first stage, ferry across to Pallestrina then ride 10klm to Santa Marie del Mare. Strict allocation of 10 tickets per ferry trip for La Bella riders as we had bikes.

Jim Cavanaugh (USA) ever the entrepreneur is not on the first allocation so negotiates with a local operator to take him and another group straight away instead of waiting for the next boat.

it worked, Jim left before us as they waved is goodbye.

 As this was a holiday weekend many of the other passengers were heading for the beaches. it was like we were back in Australia, towels, buckets, spades, chairs, drinks, umbrellas etc.

We disembark and ride the full length of the island that forms the outer barrier protecting the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea.

The Lagoon of Venezia is an enclosed bay of the the Adriatic Sea. This shallow lagoon consisting of many islands, tidal shallows, salt marshes and mud flats, has a network of dredged channels or canals as it is open to the sea through three main entrances. These are the Lido, Malamocco and Choggia inlets.

Venice is regularly flooded, the extreme being the spring tides. In previous times this gave a level of security for the settlers fleeing invaders. mainly the Huns. In later centuries this natural ecology protected the Venetian Republic. 

The Lagoon formed about 6-7 thousand years ago as a result of the last ice age. 

The present aspect of the Lagoon is due to human intervention in the 15th & 16th century. Venetian hydraulic projects prevented the lagoon from becoming a marsh land. From the 19th century pumping of aquifers has occurred. This has enabled many ares to be habitable.

Barrier to protect erosion on the dunes

No 2 Ferry Ride to Lido

Many of the islands are artificial or reclaimed islands. The islands on the outer lagoon bordering the Adriatic are basically dunes, such as Lido.

Rosario the Venetian for the day is ready to board. Slow down Rosario we haven't had our coke and gelati or is it an espresso today?

Pallestrina due to it fragile coastline has been strengthened by embankments (see above photo) The four main villages on the island are known for their colourfully-painted homes. Market gardening lace making and fishing is what makes the island viable.  

Espresso it is Rosario, what about you Peter?

Waggons roll onto Lido. This is an 18 klm long sandbar and is noticeably a more substantial settlement with about 20,000 residents. Buildings, roads, landscape give a very different feel. Italians move here every summer, traffic was like the mainland, busy. Many beautiful sandy beaches, many owned by the hotels to cater for the tourists. A wide main shopping precinct with many shops and restaurants.

Lido 

Riding on the lagoon side of Lido

Twisting by the Pool Punta Sabbioni

Big day for the Wonthaggi Boys Brian Martin Phillip Hanley

After setting up camp we head through the caravan park which has beach frontage for a swim. Also have a swim in the pool and have a snack and drinks with some of the group.

Chris Richards (USA) and Kristen Schneller (USA), The Boys from Wonthaggi, Calum Campbell, William Scott (Ausssies) Join us for a pleasant few hours. Salute! 

Stage 24 Firenze-Castel San Pietro Terme

Get your motor runnin' Head out on the highway, Lookin' for adventure And whatever comes our way Yea boys go make it happen Explode into space...Born to be wild

Phil Hanley from Wonthaggi copped a fine in Firenze yesterday for not validating his ticket. He was penalised E 42.

After a wonderful day in Firenze we left the camp for San Pietro on another hot day. The ride quickly started to climb up out of town to approx 500 mtrs. It surprised us as it was steep and narrow, and caution was called for as we navigated through traffic. 

 After a 10klm descent we passed through Olmo, Pratolino and Vaglia. We made our way past the Mugello Racing Circuit. This weekend was the Motor Bike GP, frantic last minute clean up, curbs being painted, grass cut, bollards being positioned etc. As we continued Valentino Rossi Racing entourage passed us, now he is Born to Wild, The Doctor 7 time world champion. 
Above is the Mugello Race Circuit.

Cool drink anyone...like lizards on a rock soaking up the sun

We start to climb up to 800 mtrs, 
views are stunning, heavily 
forested hills and mountains. A welcome cafe on the ascent. Steve joins us for an ice cream and coke. We set off again towards the top and at the 45 klm mark we stop and take in the views towards the flat coastal plains towards Bologna. 

The ride today was one of our favourites through this region of Tuscany. The rolling hills, fast flowing Fiume Santerno zig zagging on the valley floor as we rode beside it for 30 klm. Breathtaking

At the top...all down hill from here 

Next stop Kitchen Bench 

Pass through many quarries where marble has been extracted in the past and continues to this day.

On the descent there was a break in the hills of about 500 mtrs where the high speed trains pass through one tunnel, a brief respite and then back into another tunnel on the Firenze - Venice track. Whilst having a brief look we could hear a roar and whoosh it passed under us. Paul sensing an opportunity took this photo. 

High Speed Train..Trenitalia

Santerno River

 We continue to ride alongside the Santerno River which runs through this valley. People are swimming and sunbathing below, crystal clear waters make it very inviting, as it is an extremely warm day.

We arrive in Firenzuola at the 58 klm mark for lunch. We are enjoying a lazy day in the saddle admiring all that this region has to offer. 

Someone has left their arm warmers, I recognize them, these colourful accessories are Martins

The sun was beautiful in the valley and was matched by an appetising lunch with the crew.

Val who joined us in Rome and acknowledged her riding preparation was minimal, is adjusting slowly to the endless miles required each day. Gary Reid(US) is supporting Val along the way.

Firenzuola has an interesting history. In WWII the Gothic Line passed through here which marked the defencive line set by the Germans to halt the allied armies. It was heavily bombarded and thousands died. Two war cemeteries are a reminder of this tragedy. 

 This looks like a nice spot for a refreshment.
We stop for our afternoon tea break and mix with the locals

We stop for another break further on in San Clemente, we come across David from Broome playing cards with a local. St Benedict would be impressed with his community participation. 

David (White) Australia

Martin soon joins us and after the break we head for our San Pietro and set a cracking pace. We are in a the Hotel Parigi tonight so a welcome relief from camping. Freshen up and prepare for something to eat. This is a small town close to Bologna.
 

We link up with Calum (Campbell) Brisbane, for something to eat and we decide on an Irish pub. Calum has been conducting Yoga disciplines on tour, he originates from the UK but has had a full life in the military, and as well as his fitness and healthy eating disciplines is fascinating to talk with. Also in great shape for 70+ Rides a mountain bike for the tour and no cleats.

Stage 25 Castel San Pietro - Chioggia

We're all going on a summer holiday, no more working for a day or two, we're going where the sun shines brightly, going where the sea is blue.....

The last of the Tuscany Hills are behind us, as we reach the flat lands around the east coastal regions of Italy. Venice is close. Total distance today 147 klm with only 370 mtr of ascent.

Leaving Hotel Parigi

 This is predominantly flat agricultural region and is near, and at times at the edge of Commacchio lagoon wetlands. Most of this wetlands is a wildlife santuary, with Argenta being the home of the Marsh Museum. 

After a coffee stop in Argenta, we are feeling energised and the size of the group is large, so some big pelotons form. The Amigos set the pace and ride hard till the lunch stop at Marozzo 78 klm mark.

Many groups made wrong turns as the route was proving challenging to navigate. The roads were minor so enjoyable to ride on as traffic was almost nil, just used by local farmers. Then we hit a rough unsealed section of approx 7 klm. This enabled some of the peloton to catch up as their bikes were more suited to these types of roads unlike our TDF machines which required a measured approach.

Fiume Reno.Fishing anyone?

It felt surreal arriving at the lunch stop and we were first to arrive, so no scraps for us today, pick of the best cuisine Ype & Dino had to offer.

Normal stations resumed after lunch we decided to revert to our normal riding routine of stopping to smell the roses (Gelati). At least you see all the sights on the way at an easier pace.

Only 7klm up the road in Codigoro we did exactly that a coke and gelati right on the Po di Volano 

 

Po di Volano

We crossed many rivers, canals, wetlands and large flat farming areas. This is the food bowl of Italy.

Ross and David (Pegrem) Australia

 Finally arrive in Chioggia a lovely camp site and beachside resort. This was also a long holiday weekend with Republic Day and Whitsunday Holiday, and the campsite receives a steady stream of holidaymakers arriving late into the night in motorhomes and caravans. Some of our group are camped directly in line of sight of car headlights as they turn into the camp, testing the patience of some of our group.

Hans Peter (Rometsch) Germany, David Hosmer (USA) and David (White) Australia, relaxing after the days ride.