Taupo 2 on Tour, Rosie and Trevor: May 2017

Yep it's happening !

Great flight to Dubai - 17 hours was ok. The flight was not full so we had room to stretch out and sleep. 3 hrs in Dubai then another 6 or so to Bologna in northern Italy. We found a second wind, Trevor put the bikes together while I packed the panniers. Phew, everything fitted with room to spare in mine! Another couple joined us and put their tandem together beside us so we chatted to them for a bit. Then off we went on the right (wrong) side of the road, into the traffic, around the round a bout, through the underpass and into the city. Took us a while to find our little bnb - street signs in Italian seemed confusing. Via everything...

Great little place in a very local area. Loads for breakfast, salami and hams, cheese, bread, fruit, yoghurt , cakes and biscuits plus the coffee machine which seems standard. Just managed to stay awake long enough to eat pizza.

We spent the next couple of days doing way too much - as you do in a new place - but we saw the sights, enjoyed the city and mostly got over our jet lag. Awesome bike paths everywhere - tree lined boulevards in the middle of the road.

Not sure if it was a special Saturday or not but all the streets around the square were closed to cars, it was lovely milling around enjoying the little cobbled streets, cafes and food markets.

Putting the bikes together at the airport!

Beautiful bell in the bell tower, Bologna.

View of Bologna

These covered walkways were everywhere in Bologna

Bologna to Ferrara - 70 km

Off early Monday morning through town on the bike path - which we had sussed out the day before - under the railway line and a lovely 15 km track beside a canal. Then very quiet rds to Ferrara - we stayed inside the lovely old walled city. Very few cars - lots of bikes. All sorts, mainly old dungas. We were so exhausted after our first day cycling we stayed another day. Gorgeous place to stop. Walked all around the old city then when it cooled down cycled the 9km path around the outside.

Ferrara to Mantova - found the cycle way along the river Po, & canals. Cycling mainly high on the flood bank with views down to the villages and farm land. A huge agricultural area - very flat - didn't see a hill for the first 4 days. Lots of boats going up the canals. In Mantova we stayed on a working farm that had a few camping spots. 3 other cycle tourists there. Basic but okay. Although the camping was a step down in comfort...

Eurovelo 7 to Mantova

Onward to Putcharia at the base of Lake Garda. A busy tourist spot. We had just finished crepes and cappuccino, early afternoon when a storm hit. Thunder lightning and rain. We quickly pulled on our waterproof gear and bolted to the nearest campground. It was massive - it's own city. It catered for everyone. We got a self contained apartment for 52 euro - more than half the high season rate. The storm passed and we enjoyed the evening but walked a few km to the supermarket only to find there was one in the camp - along with restaurants and bars. At checkout we asked how many people could stay at once. 9000 !! Can't imagine it in high season.

Off around the lake the next day. About 60 km A slow ride due to lots of pedestrians but lovely. There would not be much view of the lake from the rd on this side until well further up. A zillion cafes and restaurants along the way. We camped close to a wind surfing spot and walked back to the village for a wander round and gelato - yum - after dinner.

Up to Trento. 75 km

One punishing climb from the lake and then up the river. So hot. Been 27 plus each day and not much shade today.

Stayed in a bnb right in the centre. Acc has ranged from 45 - 60 euro for hotel or bnb

(not 5 *! ) or 20- 30 euro for camping. All have been great.

Finally we can see some hills. Apple orchards, grapes, mtns. Nice cycle to Bolzano - but did 80km by the time we found the campground.

Had a well deserved rest day. We are pretty tired. Relaxed by the pool, managed a short cycle to decathlon to buy a longer stem for my bike. Bolzano has amazing cycle ways and separate pedestrian tracks with about 15 bridges crossing the river most just for bikes and people! So many people out and about. Not having to mix with cars.

It's been a great week, its been all about the tortellini around Bologna, tourists around Lake Garda and coffee everywhere. The cappuccino suits us.

Off up into the Dolomites next. Sorry this blog has been a long time coming. Wifi is not the best and mostly I have just wanted to sleep at the end of the day! 🌹

Lunch stop