Day 2: Cannobio to Locarno (Lake Maggiore)

On May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 By Sharron YaxleyIn Europe2 Comments

Today was to be our first climbing challenge. Passo dello Scopello is a mountain pass that unites Val Cannobina with Cento Valli – and includes a memorial to the great Marco Pantani at the top of the climb.

Alice, our accomodation host, was most concerned about us doing this climb. Maybe she thought we looked too old! She indicated it was dangerous…narrow, winding and lots of cars.

I smiled and nodded, knowing we were doing it anyway weather permitting. Sunday morning hopefully would be quieter on the roads.

Our bike computer flashed the climb data only 200 metres up the road. A 20.5 km climb, climbing 925 m ascent. That’s a solid climb particularly on a loaded bike.

We rose quickly and looking back down the valley towards Cannobio and Lake Maggiore.

Looking up the valley it was misty and hazy. The gorge below was impressive but the photos do not show the depth of just how far down it was to the river.

At various intervals signs would indicate higher level villages, up steep and winding roads.

There were lovely bridges, greenery, occasional old structures.

This cyclist stopped at a lay by just to the rights, as did I. He photographed the sale sign and wandered around having a good look.

Up we climbed. Here is the graph for the day showing the climb. it shows that the top of the climb is just after the 20 km point, and that we reached 964 m above sea level.

Narrow roads really just wide enough for one car. Most motorists tooted their car horn at blind bends.

The occasional two lane section. Snow capped peaks, and that’s me climbing….

A war memorial near the top of the climb,

Bliss and a feeling of satisfaction reaching Passo Pantani as it became known by cyclists and now appears on many maps.

Marco was an Italian road racing cyclist legend, and regarded as one of the best climbing specialists in the sport. In death he is revered, despite his hedonistic lifestyle that caused his early passing.

People wrote and added pictures and memories

The best I could muster with shaky hands after the climb

The climb was tough but doable. We were passed by many super fit and very skinny male cyclists hammering their road bikes. Only one e-bike today and his was an mtb. I only noted two females heading up.

A pack of cyclists stopped at the pass for a recovery break, but they likely needed less time than us. We collectively all acknowledged a flying solo feat from a young cyclist who was flying up the last climb, clicked his watch as he crossed the top, then immediately streamlined into a super aggressive descent.

Tony checked Strava later. That young 18 year old got the KOM on a popular climbing route. He does ride professionally for an Italian club team, Overall. Watch out for Fabio Crespi in future years!

Down we went to Malesco, in the Vigezzo Valley, surrounded by the Val Grande National Park. Lots more greenery.

Found the lizard on a rock. This photo is taken for my Zwift friend Peta ‘smugpie’ Faragher.

We followed a shared pathway through the edge of the Val Grande National Park, pulling out at Druogno to find food,

A nice gentle slope down the main road took us through Santa Maria Maggiore and back to Malsena.

Santa Maria Maggiore was once referred to as the “valley of the painters”, but these days is known for its Chimney Sweep Museum.

In Malsena many buildings have pictures with an information board that is a trail you can follow and learn more about 18th century life in the village.

Heading out of town on another shared pathway that went through multiple water streams, it eventually joined back to the main road.

Re is picturesque and only 7 km from the Swiss border. It is a site of pilgrimage to its imposing sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of the Blood.

Hard to miss the Sanctuary/ basilica as you ride into town. To the left is the older church built in the 1600’s. The newer basilica to the right is 1900’s

I went inside starting with the older section. It is quite dark, but lovely paintings on the ceiling. The adjoining basilica features domes and stained glass, so light and airy and colourful.

Heading out of town, there is a better view looking back.

We did not ride very far before we came to a road closure. The narrow road has been blocked. With the motor bikes grouping at the front of the queue we went to have a look.

A truck had broken down and was jacked up. Not the best place for a flat tyre.

Descending gently down the valley towards Switzerland the train tracks cut a path through majestic scenery,

The closed border crossing. We are now in Switzerland

This view was very peaceful as we pulled into a lay by.

The house on the other side of the river intrigued us. They had a cable pulley system in place to send goods across.

Another incredible train bridge.

Getting closer to Lake Maggiore at the end of the valley ahead.

We have arrived in Ancona, on the shore of Lake Maggiore, not the far from where we spent last night in Cannobio.

I negotiated excellent overnight accommodation for our bikes here. They are in a locked out of order room and we have the keys. I was super impressed with the staff here.

Walking down around the lake front in search of food we found a nice Italian restaurant with a view.

We tried hard to get a clean shot of this sign, but always someone else would just cruise in and stuff it up, without any awareness of other people. We gave up.

How is Tony? Here he is at breakfast today. His lips are healing but still swollen, his left hand little finger not yet scabbed up. Worst is the huge hematoma on his upper thigh and what is causing him the most grief.

So day 2 done and dusted. 66 km and over 1100 m climbing. A good warm up for some of our rides in the Dolomites.

The Polizia were not on our list of things to see and do.

On May 11, 2024 By Sharron YaxleyIn Uncategorized11 Comments

I will fill you in on that shortly but first things first.

We arrived at our accomodation by 10.30 pm and jumped into bed, arising around 5 am as neither of us could sleep and out backs were complaining.

The bike bags fitted nicely into our rooms and Tony got cracking on putting them together, outside.

As we unpacked the bags, quickly there is stuff everywhere, and we have to carry it all in our bikes.

It is very noisy in our room as there is a mini river outside out door, quite literally just half a metre from our door.

The view from the bedroom door as Tony commences working on my bike

I wandered around before breakfast to check the site out. We are in a rural area some 14 km from Milan airport. Our accomodation is an Agriturismo accomodation place.

Another water course out the front of the home

I like donkeys and there are half a dozen here, along with some horses.

Tony did a great job with the bikes. They were finished before we headed off to breakfast at 8 am.

After breakfast we headed off to check out the surrounds leaving on a pot holed dirt road heading to the local village of Oleggio.

We rode to this church, but were far too close to photograph it. we did. We did not venture inside as a funeral was taking place.

Crossing the Ticino River, we followed a canal. There were many people walking and cycling. The ducks enjoyed the sun. There is significant engineering infrastructure and water diversions.

It was very peaceful, bar the sound of jets departing nearby busy Milan airport every few minutes.

I liked this sign as we are going to all three places on our bikes…well Lido vs Venice bikes are banned in Venice.

We climbed away from the canal just after the Panperduto water edifice to the town of Somma Lombardo. A 2 km steady climb and a nasty polished river pebble cobble finish up the steeper section.

I jumped off ( vs falling on slippery cobbles) and pushed and admired Castello Visconte, parts which date back to the 9th century. An interesting fortification that you can tour.

Over the road is this monument to the carabiniere’s, the Italian police.

A well positioned restaurant over the road had a 15 euro lunch deal. Two courses, sparkling water and coffee. Far more food than we needed but decided that would be our main meal, and we would have a light dinner.

We then went looking for a supermarket but many shops had closed for their siesta so we had to ride heading out of town on a busy road, finding a large shopping precinct, and my least favourite supermarket Lidl.

In every country their shops are a messy muddle, and now Italy was no different.

I eventually came out intact with some dinner provisions.

As we headed back to return to the river canal route, a car was reversed straight into Tony on the busy road.

I was behind him and saw it all unfold in seeming slow motion. The car knocked him over and he face planted the road.

I was immediately cranky with the lady who admitted she could not see past the larger car next to her.

Tony was dazed and I feared a knee injury the way he staggered, blood poured from his face.

Getting him off the road, looking after him, the car driver, then the police arrived at my request.

The local polizei were super nice, spoke minimal English. I had to write Tony’s statement as his left hand had skin off three fingers and he writes left handed.

Cleaned up the left cut runs deeper into his mouth, likely tooth did that.

Tony did not want to get checked out for a stitch…there was a hospital just up the road. He did not want to wait and wanted to see to his buckled wheel, as the bike could not be ridden.

If not fixed, the touring trip was a non starter.

We walked our bikes to the local bike shop.

The guy at the one shop was on siesta, so we waited. The lady car driver came with us.

After my initial annoyance with her, I decided I actually liked her. She spoke excellent English and was married to a Scottish born avionics engineer working for Lufthansa, currently based in Frankfurt. Her mum lived just above the bike shop. she arranged to pay for the bike repair. We have her insurance details.

The bike shop guy was not confident but trimmed the wheel beat he could, adjusting and tightening and checking each spoke. Tony thought he did a pretty good job. Let’s hope it lasts. It will be replaced, but this size, number spokes etc, not a quick and easy replacement touring.

An uneventful ride back to our accomodation stopping at a cafe at the Panperduto to buy a cold icy pole to place against his swollen mouth, then he ate it.

Back along the river flats this is the local road. Pot holes like this feature along the 2 km.

What started as just going for a shorter, chilled ride did not go as planned. We are super lucky it was not worse though so need to be thankful for that.

It is the first time Tony has been hit by a car and let’s hope it is his last!

Today’s route was 52 km, with just over 300 m ascent.

Transit

On May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 By Sharron YaxleyIn Uncategorized9 Comments

We are on our way…I got up at 4.30 am as I had to lead a Zwift ride for Trek, called “Ride Bikes, have fun, feel good”.

By the time I hit the sack again, over 51 hours will have elapsed.

Next task was the hardest. Khaleesi. The guilt and sadness I feel is huge. She was keen to get in the car with Tony, as the word ‘car’ is one of her favourite.

Once at the kennels, she turned and grabbed hold of her lead in her mouth not wanting Tony to leave without her. It cut him up. I was glad that I was working as I would have bawled.

My last photo as she sat next to me working not necessarily unaware that we were heading away as she’d been a bit ratty the last few days.

I worked until 3 pm, with a maxi taxi scheduled for 3.30 pm. It was late….we started to pack our car either gear…it turned up. Things like that annoy me….

First flight was the short hop to Melbourne with a few hours to kill before boarding the big bird.

When my four kids were young, their dad and I lashed out and purchased dual Qantas Club lifetime membership. It cost $11,000.

It was super handy travelling with the kids as we could pop in and feed them. Three of the four kids were happy with that arrangement. One wasn’t. He wanted Maccas!

You can’t buy these life memberships anymore. Mine now has an end date too. My membership will cease when I am I. my 90’s so I do hope Qantas has some insight knowledge I do not!

Now I am sans children but still travelling it is still beneficial. I get extra weight limits meaning we can travel within our 72 joint kg without penalty. We can manage that with two bikes.

It also means we can get into Emirate lounges and here we are now, sitting in Dubai in one of their many lounges.

We have a killer 10 hour wait after the 14 hour leg from Melbourne.

I am not a big fan of the Melbourne to Dubai leg. It is to be endured, and you just have to suck it up.

I did watch a movie on Napoleon, as we will be on Elba Island, where he was exiled to at one point. Bit slow moving, but an interesting perspective on his relationship with Josephine.

We have found a quieter section away from where most people seem to congregate. We have showered and had a nice breakfast.

Pushing two chairs together, Tony is chilling.

On a nearby TV there appears to be a Zwift esport competition on.

The food choices are huge, catering for various cuisines. There is a dessert bar at 6 am, along with an operating icecream bar.

I’ve taken only one photo in this food area due to guests and their privacy, even more so when you are in an Arab country.

This Moet and Chandon bar is nearer our seats, you can help yourself. Not something either of us would partake in, but just one part of the offering that seems popular for many. I stick to Perrier sparkling water.

The board near us shows 112 flights leaving in a seven hour window, with 56 of those within a two hour range. That gives you some idea of how busy this airport is.

This map is interesting, with the blue dot showing our location at the airport. Offshore are the manmade islands created by the UAE.

We will leave this lounge after lunch and head to an Emirates lounge closer to our next departure gate on Concourse C.

Sleep evades us.

Next I will practice some Italian…time is passing s.l.o.w.l.y……

Just after I published the blog To y returned with this selection.

The missing corners are me…I don’t think the calories count when fragmented this way 🤣🤣. I just take a sample. I won’t touch the two outside ones though…he’s safe there.

Counting down the sleeps

On May 3, 2024May 5, 2024 By Sharron YaxleyIn Europe19 Comments

Time is flying by at a seemingly incredible pace – and I cannot believe that it is only three sleeps until we head off on our next international cycle touring adventure.

The bikes are packed – both have new brake pads, chains and tyres (42 mm).

We carry various spares including the ‘never leave home without them’ rear derailleur hangers. They are small but if you break one it can bring your trip to a screaming halt without a spare. Bike companies tend to make them unique for each model so not easy to find a replacement at short notice.

$33 each and we are taking four with us. We both ride Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes touring and this suits both our bikes.

You can pretty well guarantee any spill off the bike is likely to result in cracking the hanger…they are designed to do that to protect the larger, more expensive derailleur. It can be as simple as not placing your bike securely enough in the wind when off the bike…wind gust blows the bike over.

Tony went to replace the cleats on my touring shoes – but the cleat screws would not come out – and closer examination showed that the rubber around the recessed cleats had substantially worn down with the many trips done, impacting the screw heads.

I needed to rush purchase a new pair. Thanks to Adam Hartley at West Beach Cycles who did some research on wider boxed, leather and available shoes interstate. $350 later this is what I have:

My most expensive shoes are cycling shoes. These have mtb recessed cleats meaning you can walk around without waddling like you do with road cleats.

Then I noted my ipad I use to prepare the blogs on had a small crack on the lower left screen. That certainly is not ideal for touring with the amount of bouncing around over 3,000 km. The quote to repair and was $650!! So I decided to buy a new one direct from Apple as a well known national retailer said that there were none of this model in Tasmania and 2-3 weeks to get one in. Credit to Apple – got it within 48 hours of ordering.

Then I had an accident involving my bike, my hand and a bollard. Bollard 1, Sharron 0. I needed get a ring cut off to allow healing. This photo is the following day all cleaned up. Being on blood thinners made a big mess at the time. Healing ok now.

The finger was very swollen and the ring needed to be cut off to allow blood flow and healing. My hand looks like I’d jobbed someone.

That aside, what are the plans you say? Where are we going?

Here is the map – fairly set in stone, with a few possible variations on given days depending upon the weather and inclination.

The straight line is a train from Lucca to Milan

We fly to Milan and will cycle to famous Italian lakes including Maggiore, Lugano, Garlate, Como, Iseo, and Garda. We are planning on seeing my daughter and her family, Hannah, Rory and Willow at Lake Iseo.

Lake Garda is a firm favourite and will be my third visit there, having also been there in 2016 and 2018.

Lake Garda 2016 en route London to Venice

Climbing out from Lake Garda we are doing a slight deviation to check this church out that we saw on our 2016 trip. We were on the other side of the river but I was amazed by the structure seemingly hanging off the cliff. It is only open on a Sunday but we will see how close we can get.

From there we head up to the Dolomites and if the weather is suitable, aim to complete the Sella Ronda, a famous classic ride.

Just over 50 km with over 1900m ascent is going to be a challenges. Given the height, peaking at 2213m Passo di Sella, a ride that will only be done in good weather.

We continue through the Dolomites to Sappada where we hope to catch the finish of that day’s Giro d’Italia.

Towns go out of their way with their pink Giro decorations,

From there, it is off to Slovenia for a week via Kranska Gora, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, across the mountains to the Soca Valley and more mountains.

Back into Italy we cross the Venetian Plains, heading below Venice (Lido) and crossing down to the Republic of San Marino. Multiple ferries are required around the Venetian Lagoon.

With our bikes, we are avoiding Venice. Bikes are banned in Venice, even pushing them is illegal. Hence our route via Lido and Pellestrina islands. It is possible we may get the ferry across to grab some dinner. Time will tell.

Tuscany awaits and my birthday will hopefully include lunch at Radda in Chianti – a gorgeous village we visited back in 2016 after we had completed London to Venice.

We undertook a three day self supporting ride through Tuscany, starting and finishing in Venice. That was our very first time carrying all our gear.

We found a wonderful craft store in the village and purchased this piece, which we had posted home as we were touring and could not possibly transport this.

We then work our way towards Elba Island, located off the Italian coast towards Corsica – famous as Napoleon’s exile location. We have three nights in Elba giving us time to explore the island.

Back to the mainland, up via Volterra to Pisa and Lucca – then back to Milan, Pavia and where it all started close to Milapensa airport.

We are cycling over 35 cycling days. Plus getting there and back, we are way for just under six weeks….my poor boss 😁

Phew.

I look forward to having you join us vicariously on our 2024 odyssey adventure – it will be a corker!

Day 1: Oleggio to Cannobio (Lake Maggiore)

On March 24, 2024May 12, 2024 By Sharron YaxleyIn Europe2 Comments

First question…how is Tony?

He slept ok but I could tell he was in pain with various sounds during the night. Apart from his sore and swollen lips, missing skin on his left hand, he also has significant swelling and bruising on his upper thigh. Those upper leg muscles were going to get a workout today, so not ideal for him with a 100 km ride ahead.

Tony’s bike ready to leave our accomodation.The irrigation channel flows directly from Lake Maggiore, our destination today.

Leaving our accomodation it was back up the pot holed, dirt and muddy in places road heading to Oleggio, where we had visited yesterday.

We were on predominantly quieter rural roads for the first 30 km or so. We did pass through a few nice villages. A few shots from the early km’s.

Small village promoting their Gorgonzola cheese

We were in a wine growing region promoted by their Citta del Vino signage. This sign welcomes us to Suno, bids us farewell from Mezzomerico.

Church of Saint Bartholomew, Borgomanero commenced in 1225, but the current facade is baroque from the 1600’s

We commenced our descent to Lake Orta and what a beautiful view. The lake is 13 km long and 2.5 km wide. I had read is was less touristy than the neighbouring Lake Maggiore and added it to our route.

Lake Orta. Snow capped mountains are just coming into view.

Orta San Giulio is a very picturesque village, with narrow cobbled lanes, old stone walls and numerous little piazza’s (squares) dotted with craft and antique shops and cafes.

We could see it ahead, jutted out on a peninsula.

We turned off the main road past the ornate building, which is an expensive hotel boasting a three hat Michelin star restaurant. Only 20 rooms for guests, I had a look to see how much a room would set you back. The cheapest room in the next few days is around 1000 euro. Sure….

Villa Conti. If I had a spare 1000 euro for the room, doubt I could afford the meal. Where would the bikes go?

The tourist buses and cars park near Villa Conti. People either walk down or catch the mini motorised tourist train.

At the base of the hill, by the waterfront is a piazza dotted with cafes and a range of tourist shops.

Nice frescoes on this structure in the middle of the piazza

Boats take paying tourists out to the island Isola San Guilo, housing an old basilica and seminary.

Getting out of this village was not easy. I had tried to,route a traverse route but could not and once in the village could see why. Steep cobbled walk ways and steps were necessary to,find an upper level road. So we pushed our bikes up a 16 percent cobbled gradient until we found bitumen and headed back out to the main road.

The main road goes around this far shore section.

Back on the main road we were heading to the biggest lake town of Omegna, passing through this roundabout, which is my roundabout of the day award.

Not sure what these represent, but they intrigued me.

Omegna was a busy town and we were on a just as busy arterial road out of town heading to Lake Maggiore. However we detoured to ride around the quieter Lake Megozza.

Two pictures of Lake Megozza.

Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake and is 64 km long by 3-5 km wide. We were now on a shared pathway filled with cyclists of varying capacity, walkers, families out and about as it was Saturday.

The hardest part were some of the older e-bikers who had no sense of their surrounds nor bike handling skills to match the electric power output, and weaved around the whole narrow path, somewhat a menace to other users.

We stopped in the main piazza in Verbania shore side to enjoy some cold refreshments.

Lake Maggiore has many lovely photo opportunities. Snow capped mountains to the rear.

We missed the right alley way to turn left and got caught up in a myriad of alley ways trying to get back on route.

From the alley ways we had to take our bike up 52 steps…..yes, I counted them.

The remains of Castelli di Cannero, near Cannero Riviera are ancient fortifications from the early 1500 ‘s, built over the ruins of an earlier castle.

Houses are built onto the high side of the road, with impressive access roads. I imagine they would have brilliant views.

More lakeside views as we edge our way closer to Cannobio.

Cannobio is a nice lakeside town with an old history. Many of the waterfront buildings are over 600 years old.

We rode through but headed straight to our accomodation as the number of people walking around the piazza made cycling difficult. After showering, we walked back to see the town and more importantly find food.

We ate early at an Italian restaurant on the shore front and we were in bed by 8 pm still adjusting our bodies post jet lag.

Photos from around town post dinner.

Looking towards Switzerland. The border is a few km away.

We used this clock tower as our geographic reference to find our way around the alley ways.

Not sure what the go is here, but there are large plastic frogs hanging from buildings too.

An old church that was plain on the outside but amazingly ornate inside. The Minister was just leaving his confessional box,

So here we are, done, 100 km, 542 m ascent done. The weather conditions were ideal. A mixture of roads and surfaces, many beautiful vista’s. For Tony less than ideal but hopefully tomorrow his leg will be more comfortable.

Memories

On November 3, 2023November 4, 2023 By Sharron YaxleyIn Calais to the Mediterranean, Europe, London to Venice20 Comments

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember
The time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

We have booked a “big” trip for 2024, flying in and out of Milan, arriving early May 2024. I am researching and mapping in my spare time and lots of excitement as to the route that is unfolding.

So far it includes the Italian lakes Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda, the Dolomites (Corvara through to Sappada), a finishing stage of the Giro d’Italia (catching up with some of the Italy Bike Tour crew), then into Slovenia (Triglav National Park, Julian Alps) then Croatia (Istrian Peninsula).

Lake Garda is a firm favourite – that will be my third time there, and I cannot believe that I have to climb a shite hill for a third time to get out of there – first time I said “never again”, second time I said “you have to be * kidding me”), and I have mapped it to leave Torbole, shaking my head in disbelief that we will climb it with a loaded bike.

What makes it awful? You climb 100 metres in the very first km, with cold legs, with 14% pinches – no warm up, just straight up – but the view from the top is beautiful (see the video below London to Venice), plus photo taken in 2016.

The most affordable accommodation was at the top of that hill too – and that would mean multiple more climbs (as planning two nights) and I just laughed and said “that is not happening”.

Dolomites and Slovenia we have done before, but not around Corvara (maybe Sella Ronda too) and not Triglav or the Julian Alps.

Lake Bohinj (Slovenia) should be a highlight – and then the ride across to the Soca Valley. The Soca valley is super nice.

The Istrian Peninsula – rode through there in 2019 but from Trieste (Italy, on the coast) so looking to differ the route as we head to whichever port.

I need to stop mapping now as I impatiently await ferry schedules to be announced for next year to cross the Adriatic and back into Italy (hence do not know re Pula, Rovinj or Piran, and whether we will transfer to Pescara or Venice).

Leading towards Pescara as we’ve been to Venice at it is illegal to even push your bike on Venice island. We’d need to immediately ferry to Lido and ride from there….anyway all will fall into place.

Once back in Italy I am thinking Tuscany (again, but some different places and routes), the microstate of San Marino and then unsure which way we will head back up to Milan – but definitely not the Venetian plains.

We are starting near Milan airport and have secured an anchor point accomodation where they will keep our bike bags used on the trip from Tasmania. we will return there for our final night to disassemble and pack the bikes.

This process is not without frustration. I had a place identified but the owner contacted me privately requesting funds above and beyond the stated rate in Hotel.com. It was a non refundable booking, so a bit of a bind really.

It was resolved by Hotel.com in my favour, and they gave me a $250 aud voucher as a bonus!

Research continues and in that process I stumbled across two pieces of our cycle touring history:

London to Venice – 2016 (England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Lichenstein, Italy) 2200 km
Calais to the Med – 2015 (England, France) 1500 km

I used to do a video montage to music of our trips – put a huge amount of time in doing it and stopped in 2017 (Bordeaux to Barcelona) as I had some music copyright issues (but did not know which song!).

We did these predominantly for our memories, but for those that like cycling, like Europe, like music (well my kind of music that is), maybe these maybe of interest to you.

Warning – you do need some time, but you can stop and start the videos.

Both of these trips were before we did self-supporting trips. We used Bike Adventures, an English based company, who provided the route notes (yellow sheets in those days with a series of turn by turn instructions), transferred luggage, provided back up support and pre arranged accommodation.

We made many lifelong friends on these trips – and enjoy staying in touch, and catching up with some of them as we can including Graeme (recently in England), David and John (in Sydney and Tasmania), Graham (in Sydney), Geoff (Italy, Tasmania), Tony (Canberra), Brian (England, Tasmania) and of course, our wonderful friends John with whom we recently stayed with in England (and his gorgeous wife Val)and Alan and his lovely wife Sue in Wales(who have also visited us here in Tasmania….and I’ve likely forgotten someone with my post pumphead brain.

Facebook enables us to stay in touch with others including Helen, Neil, Phil, Jerry….great memories that we treasure and enjoy more and more as we get older, and have felt, firsthand, life vulnerabilities.

The links:

PS. I have not told my Director yet about the next BIG holiday – I am sure she wont mind ha ha ha. We can keep it secret can’t we?

The final curtain

On August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 By Sharron YaxleyIn England, Europe11 Comments

The curtain has closed, we made it. 2750 km, 22, 550 vertical metres (2.5 times the height of Everest), four countries later we have returned to Benson, England.

The last 45 km or so we were joined by our friend John, who guided us home. His wife Val was waiting, camera in hand, champagne on offer.

I was teary. Happy, sad, thankful blurring together. To achieve this just 12 months after open heart surgery is truly incredible. Only Tony and my cardiac team really know and understand how hard that journey has been.

Big thanks to that team. Tony for having faith and patience with me as I recovered, supporting that process so that we could continue doing what we love doing.

To Val and John for hosting us and being our daily check in that we had arrived okay each destination. The love and hugs from Val and John are appreciated beyond words, love you guys!❣️

To Alan and Sue for hosting our two nights in Wales and seeing your local area, it was great renewing our friendship and sharing the way we did.

To Alison, Catherine, Graeme, Chris and Marion for taking time to catch up with us, thereby enriching our holiday. Kind thanks.

To family including Hannah and Kay for the regular updates and words of support and encouragement.

To the over 3,000 viewers of my blog, those that commented on Facebook or WordPress, thank you.

We have a full day today and do not leave London until later tomorrow. It will be a long few days, about 54 hours from waking up tomorrow to bed on Sunday night at home.

So, we did ride yesterday, about 85 km. Here are some photos.

We left our hosts in Thames Ditton after a great two nights staying on the island.

We rode maybe 20 plus kmh on the Thames pathway, predominantly dirt/gravel, sealed around the locks. We rode past many locks,

Think this is Molesey, water birds on the dam spillway

Some incredible house boats on the Thames River

Our first port of call was Windsor Farm Shop, adjacent to the castle, owned and operated by the Royal Estate at Windsor.

To get there we took the road to Old Windsor, passing by Runnymede, the site being where King John ( brother of Richard the Lionheart, son of Eleanor of Aquitaine) was compelled to sign the Magna Carta.

Runnymede, the memories, is under the trees. We visited there in 2016 en route from Benson to London the day before we started London to Venice.

In 2001 the the Duke of Edinburgh conceived the idea of selling produce from the Royal Estates and the shop opened later that year.

The Royal Farm at Windsor operates as a mixed farm including 200 jersey cows, Sussex beef herd, 149 breeding cows, 1500 hens, 1,000 acres of arable land, 2,000 acres of grassland mainly used to feed the livestock.

I noticed plants for sale that had been propagated by the estate, with a sign saying, from our garden to yours (ours is just over the wall).

The farm shop. I noted Balmoral grouse for 12.95 (sterling). Not a cheap feed as there is not a lot of meat on a grouse.

As we left, this is one of the rear entrances to the castle grounds. I have always liked the gatekeeper cottage here.

Roundabout award for the day goes to the triple crowns, with Windsor Castle just behind.

The Long Walk to Windsor.

On the outskirts of Windsor along the Thames is this old plane.

We knew we would find John in the next 10 km as we had passed messages when we left the farm shop. Here he is, having just turned to join us.

As a trio we moved onto the town of Twyford, where John knew of a cycle cafe. Velolife is a great cafe with bike shop at the rear.

The bike shop at the rear. Glad we did not need a third spoke replacing! Spent a few $ on spokes.

I was checking out the local ladies club cycle clothing. Very tempted, but I need to carry it, plus we are on our flight maximum weight limits.

We followed John from here, and went home his preferred way through the Chilterns (1,700 sq km area of outstanding natural beauty).

In Stoke Row (a village) is the Maharajahs Well. In the mid 1800’s a little boy was beaten by his mother for drinking the last of the water in their house during a drought. The story was shared with the Maharajah of Benares who decided to fund the sinking of a well in the village of Stoke Row.

At last we were nearing Benson and our epic journey was coming to a close as we followed our dear friend John home.

We have started thinking about what is next. We like goals and having something to look forward to and keep our fitness levels up. After 28 days riding we are quite fit and strong and it does goes backwards a bit when you return and not keeping up the same level of activity.

We have been riding 6-8 hours a day for 28 days. Head home and it’s back to our desk based jobs, but I still manage 3 hours a day fitness activity as I prioritise it!

Thanks for joining us in this journey. Over 3,000 views so far. Kind thanks 😊❣️

Tour of London

On August 30, 2023 By Sharron YaxleyIn England, Europe4 Comments

Today we did a 95 km tour of London, but not before joining Tony (English Tony from our accomodation) who offered to take us around the island in his boat.

One side of the island is the original Thames river, and this side was dug out during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Hampton Court Palace is upstream by maybe 500 plus metres. The river near the palace was described as more of a broad and twisting stream, subject to the tidal influence still. The main channel was dug out and made straighter providing a grander entrance and providing some flood relief to the local village.

The island is great. Private access, brilliant views, and a lifestyle unknown to many city dwellers.

Tony and Karen’s home, we spent two nights here in a seperate room.

A broad outline of our cycle ride today. We covered a lot of ground. At times we were on busier roads, particularly in inner London. Often there were cycle lanes.

We mixed it with the famous London black cabs, red double decker buses and some super crazy food delivery people on bicycles.

We followed the Thames path on sealed and non sealed sections.

We rode through wonderful open spaces such as Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

Some photos of our day.

We arrived at Kensington Palace gardens. There are specific routes you can ride. Very popular spot.

We then scouted through Hyde Park and on towards Buckingham Palace and the Mall.

Queen Victoria, outside Kensington Palace, sculpted by her daughter.

Riding down the Mall was great, quite traffic free, smooth. This road is so often seen in Royal ceremonies including the more recent coronation of King Charles, and funeral of Queen Elizabeth.

It is also a road on Zwift’s London course, with a reverse sprint section here, but I did not sprint 🤣

Then we arrive at Trafalgar Square, and it is fairly busy from here around to the Tower of London, predominantly on roads and cycle lanes. We walk at roundabouts crossing at lights where possible for safety.

At the Tower of London we cross Tower Bridge. It is super busy here on the bridge between vehicles and tourists crossing.

We then headed north to cross the Thames again and head to Westminster.

Richard the Lionheart statue, Houses Parliament

We then headed up through more parks, gardens including Battersea.

Past the Trek shop, popped in, popped out.

Onto Wimbledon, and we thought about having lunch in the cafe there, but the security guard insisted the bikes not be within our visual sight and out of sight around the corner. We moved on.

In the neighbouring Wimbledon village, up a hill, we found a nice pub with outdoor seating, next to our bikes, and had a lovely lunch. As I ate, this is the sign I could see that made me smile.

This one is for you Rodney V, they needed you!

Through Wimbledon common area and heading to Richmond Park.

Richmond Park is one of eight Royal Parks in London. It is around 2,500 acres in size with over 600 free roaming deer. It is an extraordinary oasis in a big city where you can walk and ride.

Popular with cyclists doing very large blocks, there is a speed limit of 20 mph, but many capable cyclists ignore that using it as a training, racing circuit. I was climbing one hill and had a guy straight line the bend towards me and he was moving more like 70 kmh plus.

The park will be closed this Sunday for a duathlon. Great location and many thousands are competing including our friend Chris.

Some view of the park.

Hampton Court Palace was next, famous as a residence of King Henry VIII having ‘acquired’ it it in his usual style from Cardinal Wolsey.

Back onto the Thames River beside the palace grounds.

Onto Bushy Park another Royal park in London. About half the size of Richmond it is still extensive and provides amazing walking and cycling for locals, and also the deer that breed well. Signs were up re the annual cull.

Dinner with Chris and Marion completed another wonderful day.

I’ve know Chris through cycling (Zwift), when we were both with the same club and would do the same events.

We enjoyed our dinner together, lots of laughs and grateful for the opportunity to meet friends face to face.

Some closer up maps of our route.

One more day left riding.

Thanks for reading 😊❣️

Day 21: Dinan to Mont St Michel

On August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 By Sharron YaxleyIn Europe, France18 Comments

Today was an interesting day that did not go quite according to plan. It started off fine. We enjoyed our breakfast and catch up with Christophe who insisted on taking our photo in front of Patricia’s house (his multi-talented Tasmanian friend).

We also both like the song Caberet (Liza Minnelli) and enjoyed remembering the words…..I used to gave this girlfriend known as Elsie, with whom I shared a flat in Chelsea….that song was to play in my mind a lot of the ride 😊. We both said we’d felt like we’d known each other for year, so a lovely holiday memory.

Tony at breakfast, some of Christophe’s eclectic collection behind him

Tony and Christophe in front of Patricia’s house

Hugs and goodbyes and we went around the corner to grab these photos of the chateau. Check out how thick the walls are.

We descended down the hill and crossed the river, climbing up and down. About 15 km in, I heard a loud noise on one climb like a gear drilling back and missing cleanly. Thought it might be a cyclist behind me, but no.

A little further on I noticed Tony’s rear wheel seemed a bit off. He was discovering the same thing and stopped knowing what it was. A rear spoke had broken.

Not an easy fix being the rear wheel with the cassette. What to do. We googled bike shops and the nearest was 15 km away in Dol de Bretagne. There were more at St Malo. Could maybe grab a taxi there?

We rode a bit slower and carefully, then I took Tony’s rear panniers, and he took mine so that we could minimise what weight was being borne by the rear wheel.

It was worrying for sure. Stressful thinking of the ‘if, then, but’ options. The downside to touring alone but we would figure it out.

The first two bike shops both advertised as electric bikes but we thought worth a shot. The first involved a hairy goat track so we gave up on that as it was the last surface we wanted a weakened wheel on and headed for the second.

The internet said the second one was open now, but there was a FERME sign (meaning closed) on the house gate. However I did find out that there was a third bike shop in centreville named Cycles Rome. We dashed around there and certainly the front was more promising.

We walked in the door and there was a guy with a wheel on the wheel truing frame. He had been fixing a broken spike on another bike.

We knew we had found our man. He spoke no English, but with my minimal French and some charades we got by.

He finished the wheel he was working on and then got cracking with ours. He is over the back in the picture. Obviously a cyclist as he had the smoothest looking calf muscles ever!

He was fastidious making some adjustments to the brake caliper when the tyre went back in. He was able to close the shop door at 12 noon for lunch and off we went, very thankful and happy and relieved.

We decided to grab some lunch. A fresh baguette from the boulangerie, bananas from a small fruit store and we sat down at the Tabac ordering coffee.

A peculiar rule is Tony could not consume the drink from the takeaway cabinet in the tabac at the table as I drank my coffee, but it is ok to eat food purchased elsewhere. We’ve often availed ourselves of the latter.

Dol de Bretagne was founded in the 6th century and like many other villages, long occupied by the Vikings! Some lovely old buildings.

The town is also the reputed origins of the royal House of Stewart, who became monarchs of Scotland, England and Ireland.

If we had to have the problem we did, it was the right day. We had a shorter day planned on the bike as we wanted to be at our accomodation right on check in.

We cruised through multiple small villages. Some putting effort into their quirky welcomes.

That’s me sitting on the beach chair as we enter this village

The last 10 km or so into Mont St Michel was on a shared pathway. Gravel for the most, then sealed. There was a super strong headwind, and the closer we got, the more people there were.

The Mont was clearly in view.

Passing by buildings with nice artwork.

We got to our hotel at 2.40 pm. Check in was 3 pm and not a minute earlier per the man at reception so we sat and waited. Right on 3 pm the man at reception nodded and he gave us the key. 🤣

A quick shower and we walked to the Mont, 3 km along the boardwalks. There are free buses continually ferrying people back and forwards and they were packed.

Mont St Michel “Merveille de l’Occident” (Wonder of the West) is an important pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, and now a famous UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dedicated to Saint-Michel in 708, it is one of France’s most visited sites with around 2.5 million visitors and pilgrims. Think they were all there today!

It rises in the middle of a beautiful bay, with the abbey perched on top of a rocky island, the medieval town by ramparts.

As you get closer you can see the hordes on the walkway.

We headed straight to the abbey which costs 11 euro each. There is lots of climbing. Lots of steps! There were lots of people ahead of us and behind us. Conga line. One seagull.

Looking down across the buildings to the empty bay, low tide.

Looking up at a transport means for goods up to the chapel

The view from the top across the bay was astounding. Right to the cape the tide is out. There are multiple groups walking across the sand including one nearer the little island. It would be interesting to watch the tide coming in.

This view is looking back along the boardwalks. Our accomodation is down in the darker green area adjacent to the river. It is 6 km return trip plus walking around the Mont.

The Mont is interesting. The abbey is super old and nice to visit. Incredible structures inside but we did not take photos as quoted ark plus the constant human surge.

Mt biggest takeaway from the visit was the view of the bay at low tide.

The rest of the visit? Totally over commercialised. Tourists like I’ve never witnessed before maybe bar Venice. To be honest, that part was horrid.

It was like trying to get out of an Escape Room experience, or maybe the IKEA stores where you are trapped in a vortex and need to go with the flow to find the exit that seems to never appear.

There are shops as you descend down the very narrow, cobbled alleyway, and I am super thankful I did not end up booking accomodation on the island like I initially planned. it would have been a nightmare pushing our bikes up through the mass of people( many having brought their dogs).

Nice to look at from a distance, but not for me. The people part was overwhelming.

So I’m going to chill in the sun. Rain and thunderstorms forecast in a few days so soaking it up.

No map today as could not upload our data using the hotel wifi.

Thanks for reading 😊❣️

Day 13: Bantry to Kenmare

On August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 By Sharron YaxleyIn Europe, Ireland2 Comments

Another lovely breakfast, and a new day. The weather forecast looked ok. Fingers crossed as we headed off to ride 110 km and around 1000 metres climbing.

The route today was Beara Peninsula. It contains two mountain ranges, the Caha and Slieve Miskish. The northern part of the peninsula is County Kerry (Kenmare side) and the rest is County Cork.

Human activity dates back to around 3000 BC. The Vikings invaded and in the 17th century the English army used the peninsula defensively to ward off a French invasion.

Before the Famine, there were around 39,000 residents.Now there are around 6,000 residents.

We followed the coastline of Bantry Bay going through the larger villages of Ballylickey, Glengariff, Adrigole and Castletownbere.

Photo overload today. I cannot pick so have left plenty here to scroll through.

Whiddy Island had a USA Naval Air Station constructed during World War I to counteract German U boats in the region. Day trips and cycling on the island are popular now.

Tour de Beara is a one day cycle event, 160 km, 2600 metres climbing is the tougher if the three events on offer. Two shorter options available.

Stopping in Adrigole for a coffee, the machine was broken (disaster!). The mountain behind had a waterfall.

There is a well known walking path known as the Beara Way and now cycle route based upon the lady great chieftain of West Cork and South Kerry, Donal Cam O’Sullivan.

In 1602 the Munster region was savaged by war. Elizabeth 1 forces had defeated the Irish and Spanish at the Battle of Kinsale and were advancing on O’Sullivan’s lands.

After the loss of his stronghold at Dunboy (south of Castletownbere), O’Sullivan withdrew his troops and fled. 1000 people marched north. 35 made it to Leitrim castle.

The trail follows O’Sullivans route.

Very brightly coloured house, with determined yapping dog.

The views continued unabated as we headed to Castletownbere,

Castletownbere is the principle town on the Beara peninsula. The largest whitefish port in Ireland, with the second largest natural harbour in the world.

We stopped for lunch, parking our bikes on a railing overlooking the ferry. The ferry is about to leave for a nearby island. That van 🙈🤣

Views from our lunch spot. Lunch was obtained at an excellent supermarket over the road. Fresh rolls with banana, and a quark surprise. We both enjoyed it.

After lunch we climbed inland to cross the peninsula Eula to reach the Kenmare River side.

Once back on the coast, we deviated to visit the ancient Ogham Stone at Ballycrovane. It is the tallest known Ogham stone carved in the 4-6th centuries. It is the tallest of its kind in Europe at over 5 metres in height.

Ogham stones were used between the 4-6th centuries in Ireland. they are the oldest surviving written form of Gaelic. Short marks were made kin groups of between one and five notches, strokes or diagonal lines, usually on the edge of the stone.

We reached this one by going up what looked like someone’s driveway, through a gate then trudging through a muddy paddock to a knoll.

You can see some notches on the side, most having eroded.

We then continued our detour around the small bay.

Up the hill….

To see the Hag of Beara. At the top of the climb, Tony had a few other names for the hag, unimpressed with the climb to see a hag.

Hag of Beara, also known as the White Nun of Beara, or the Old Woman of Dingle, is a mythic Irish Goddess – or divine hag. I will go with hag!

She is best known as the narrator of the medieval Irish poem “The Lament of the Hag of Bara” in which she bitterly laments the passing of her youth and her decrepit old age.

According to legend, the rock represents her fossilized remains, staring out at the ocean awaiting her husband to return to her.

You need to use your imagination here. Apparently her head faces the water.

The rock is covered in small denomination coins and other ‘gifts’.

Back to the road, and down the hill we rolled. I’ve just left a series of photos here, as there were too many good ones to not include. The scenery was superb.