And this reference to sprints

Readers (if any – I note our Russian readers seemed to have given up) – you might note they both refer to sprints as indeed did I in the notes on day 4 – a tradition that started on the French trip when they spot the van and believe I might be filming.  Sadly for them 90% of time I wasn’t but there were a couple of occasions .................

Final thoughts of Vince

Although 2 years in the planning it was only in the last few months that we really got ourselves organised for this trip – once we’d got our heads around the logistics of it the various elements fell neatly into place; we’d cycle some lakes, we’d climb some mountains & we’d watch the pro’s finish at the Tour of Lombardy. Simple. In doing so many more cycling ambitions were fulfilled.

The Italian Lakes didn’t disappoint – Garda, Iseo (where everything looked strangely familiar – at least to me), Como & Maggiore provided stunning backdrops to our rides.

Passo della Stelvio was epic & every bit as difficult as it looks especially with the added challenge provided by the weather.

Ghisallo was a pilgrimage every cyclist should make. The climb up from Bellagio was more manageable & the church & museum at the top awe inspiring.

Alpe D’Huez was a complete contrast to Stelvio – it was sunny & perhaps buoyed by our efforts earlier in the trip seemed a far more comfortable hill to climb.

And finally the absolute cherry on the cake was the opportunity to cycle a few laps around the hallowed Roubaix Velodrome. We couldn’t believe our luck & were, needless to say, beside ourselves.

It’s impossible to properly articulate the simple pleasure that these rides have given me so riddled has my psyche become by cycling. I found & find the whole experience so rewarding - mind, body & spirit so enriched - I find it hard to believe that not everybody is doing it.

As for my travelling companions what can I say?

Swanny – once again you have enabled the lycra wearing members of the team to fulfil some ambitions – many heartfelt thanks.

Smith – our shared passion for all things cycling & the complete & utter bollocks we talk about whilst on our bikes (& all other times) is a continued source of pleasure & amusement to me. Long may it continue.

Geoff – a very welcome addition to the team. I see far too little of my brothers these days so to have 2 weeks of your company was great. I’ll never forget team Kearney working Smith over in the sprints! I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did & make yourself available for future ventures.

2 weeks in a bubble in Italy – FANTASTICO! The big question is where next?  

Final thoughts of “Le Scorpion”

Final thoughts of   “Le Scorpion”©…….ok Smith

This time a slightly different “Cycling event” less organisation, less miles cycled but some stiff challenges along the way but some long drives to get there.

I can confirm the myth  the Italians are bonkers when it comes to driving but I would add always courteous to riders (except the guy that Vince cut up on a roundabout ) The most abusive hand gesture I have witnessed but delivered with such style, panache and class I could only admire.

You can overtake at high speed contravening solid white lines towards the blind bend whilst smoking and using your phone……..as long as you’re Italian.

Highlights many and varied clearly the 1st and only true sprint of the trip; Geoff falling off his bike as he didn’t unclip in time……..hilarious until I did it.

The 3 climbs feature passo dello Stelvio, Brutal how can I forget especially as I type and still don’t have full feeling in my fingertips (genuine). Never was going to give up but boy the conditions were tough. 

Vince you could have been a Royal Marine (I know a conflict but I bigger accolade I cannot give)

Ghisallo “bellisimo”, Alpe D’Huez “magnifique” ……we earned the warm climbing weather.

The stunning beauty of Lakes Garda, Iseo, Maggiore and Como (Never did find George Clooney’s house-sorry Nicki)

Cycling the Roubaix Velodrome…….if you know Cycling you know what that means, if you don’t vote for Mo Farah!!

With all that’s happened in cycling since we have come home I would still recommend it to anyone you don’t need drugs you just need the challenge the reward, the views of the mountains and friends to cycle with.

The views at the bottom half way up and at the top……the descents grinning like a Cheshire cat at the bottom.

Finding the medallions at Ghisallo.

Waving at fellow Motorhomers??

Low lights……shopping in Lecco (you had to be there)

Finding out my inner chimp is in fact a Gorilla………………..

I would not have missed it for the World…………

A few more photos

In no particular chronological order (or sense of purpose) here’s a few more to give a slight flavour - but mainly to help our own memories - of the trip.

For a start there was the campsite, San Fransesco in Rivoltella at the foot of Lake Garda on the first Sunday.  This took some finding despite the use of good old Tom-Tom – our friendly sat-nav had sent us up a ridiculous little road which culminated in a twisty passage through a bridge where there was a danger of me hitting my head walking through yet alone a 3m high van. 

Again some incredibly helpful locals came to our rescue seemingly delighted to exercise their English putting us woefully to shame with our own linguistic skills – all worthwhile as the camp when found provided us with a pitch right on the edge of Lake Garda, helped it must be said by Vince grossly exaggerating the size of our equipment which so impressed the young girl in reception she gave us a “supreme” pitch...... who says size doesn’t matter!

Amongst other campsites that impressed were.....

Camping Punta d’Oro in Iseo – again a site with a lovely lakeside setting but also a devil to find but worth the effort as the family running it were really friendly and welcoming .....

Also a chance to show one of our daily household chores of emptying the waste tank – hasten to add just water as the loo was returned unsullied...

And Camping La Riva in Sorico at the northern end of Como with a pleasant river walk into the town.....

The lakeside villages with more from Bellagio...

To the roads around Lake Como,

Lake Iseo

And Lake Garda

And then there were the climbs including the Passo di Foppa we just drove over on our way to Stelvio –

The magnificence of Stelvio which turned from lovely at the start with views back down the twisting road

to loneliness (ignoring the other car Geoff was pretty much alone at this point)

and then pure evil within a few miles to the point where Vince was wondering if it was all worth it when he only had 2k to go

And the freezing cold damp summit

where there’s evidence it’s not just here we have rubbish issues!

Of course with two Irish catholic boys we had to visit church at some time

then outside they paid homage to heroes

And then to the adjoining museum where they had just the bike for me

There were memories of different poses being struck after rides of varying difficulty

And brothers cycling together

but there was always cake –

If you want to get involved this little gem will only cost 9,000 Euros

– what are you waiting for?