Vacanze in bicicletta
Giugno 2009
After the truly exceptional holiday in 2008, on the most beautiful passes of the Dolomites the tour of Italy, with the result that Anna served as sports director and coach, much as I detailed in my diary style for the occasion, so I arrived in 2009 until the month of May without choosing a route. Ho, looked for about two months a number of proposals is close to home and away without being able to take a final decision. Perhaps for the first time, after years and years of bicycle touring is taking over a period of I tired? Perhaps, however I am sure that for now, is not yet time to say ................... Enough! To be honest I have to say that maybe this year was lacking a little excitement, maybe it's advancing years? perhaps, even that has its own weight! The fact is that in early June, flipping through a magazine motorcycling , I found a route that is perhaps for me. A wonderful tour of a few days, 4 / 6 days, which runs on the heights of Lake Maggiore, in fact, that starting from Intra , then passing by Miazzina , Feriolo , Stresa, Alpine, Mottarone , Lago d'Orta, San Giulio Island, Varallo then return to Omegna , Feriolo , Lake Mergozzo and finally Intra to return home. After weighing the matter for a few days, I finally decided it had to be my turn; of few days mileage adequate and close to home, beautiful places to see and little-known, sometimes you do not need to go very far to find places interesting . With regard to the period I have chosen the end of July because I wanted that Anna ended all its controls. In fact, after finding that everything was ok, I thought it appropriate to contact some B & B to make sure a bed in different places where I decided to stay for the night. Just a couple of days before departure, I have read the various kits and after choosing one for a few days, I started to gather in a big box all I could serve, and then put everything in good order in the capacious saddlebags. A I've done, I decided to leave for Wednesday 'July 29 after arranging some minor problems in our house never fail!
Wednesday 'July 29
Castronno / Miazzina Km 55
In fact, the alarm rings at six, all is already are ready and at seven in the saddle and head for Laveno that the ferry overtake Intra . In fact, as a destination for the first stage I decided to Miazzina , a town of holiday just above Intra , about ten kilometers and 700 meters above sea level Why I chose Miazzina ? the real reason is emotional in nature, because in this very place I spent my first holiday at the age of about 15/16 years back in 1955/57, it was my first vacation at the Holiday House of Don Giuseppe Albeni , then pastor of Albizzate . I remember in those years, it was still used to go on holiday and many of the boys Albizzate made right here in Alpe Pala their first experience of holidays.
I remember that several people slept in the spacious dorms and there is lots of fun. At evening regularly you scen deva to Miazzina center, where he worked a small dance hall, in those years were the many Milanese attended this small town of holiday why we guys down willingly because were sucuri to find girls for a few rounds of dance, and also in terms of girls, were our first experiences! After the dance, the paths through before midnight, we returned to our dorms are satisfied with our achievements.
back to us, reached Laveno in short I am a Intra and without wasting time trying to head straight towards the goal, also to avoid the heat of midday. I let myself Intra behind and immediately begins a beautiful climb of seven miles in about five pedals with a slope that is approximately 9%, a beautiful climb of regular curves do not give me respite. It 's a pretty tough climb comparable certainly a few steps Dolomite faced last year. Reached Miazzina now unrecognizable after so many years, to reach Alpe Pala of the slope becomes 12% and is at this point that the signed down and pushes the bike up to that Pala How about two kilometers to reach the square too 'it unrecognizable for many new buildings, the heat makes you feel really, rest a little on some benches in the shade of a big birch waiting to go to the Residence. In fact a few days before you leave me have been in touch with Massimiliano who is the guardian and after receiving or. k. by Cuggiono told me that he would leave open the structure for my arrival. At about 15, after resting from the fatigue incurred up until now, I reached the house that he built in his time Don Giuseppe Albeni so , the first Cuggionesi and later also albizzatesi could use them. Now after several years after his death I think that only Cuggiono and possibly some other neighboring country might benefit from it. Reached the place, some students, after arranging their luggage if they are going and some volunteers are doing the final cleaning before leaving definitely the house. I then took possession of his comrade structurally is still as it was then, no doubt improvements have been made, but the structure remained that, apart from a covered patio in front of house to allow children to play away from sunlight. I possession to a bunk just inside the room, a shower, I placed my personal effects and a good rest until dinner. Later on I will be at the restaurant La Baita, which is the only place where you can eat. The dinner was really delicious, noodles with venison sauce and actually there is more sauce and noodles at the end I had to accompany with three slices of bread, so the pot is appetizing . A this point I stopped the second course I had already ordered a variety of pieces, as the first course, served as the first and second. At this point I asked two pieces of cheese and a slice of tart apricots. The account at the end seemed a little salty, but never mind. After a short walk I retreat into my room to sleep hoping because I feel a little fatigued. Tomorrow morning I would start at about six o'clock, knows if we succeed.
Thursday 'July 30
Miazzina / Lago d'Orta with climbing Mottarone side Stresa 50 km
The night was very agitated, I could not fall asleep, perhaps because of excessive heat even though I open some windows to ventilate. However, between a nap and the other we are at five. Good refreshed, accommodation of all my kits in the usual bags and we start at six. This overnight stay me virtually back in time more than fifty 'years and was a pleasant feeling . I wanted to fill my water bottle at the drinking fountain located near the restaurant, but I wanted to give it up because the sympathetic guardian of the Hotel, a "a Newfoundland little grown "was crouched beside the fountain itself, so I preferred not to disturb him. The descent to Intra I do it all in one go, without reaching high speeds and in short reach Fondotoce, stopping to Feriolo for a good breakfast. I pass the house of Joseph, the runner, but I say it already came out with his dog for a walk, I would have gladly welcomed. I leave Feriolo focusing on Stresa lakeside and making snap many pictures.
The lake with its beautiful islands is always nice to see, all over the island fishermen, to which Anna and I are particularly linked. In Stresa, in front of the ferry I met his son the poor Nardino , you can not say it is not his son, such is its resemblance talk a little about their families and greeting, getting into the inner streets of Stresa for purchases, any sandwich and a little fruit, then this evening I'll try to find a good restaurant . First question I would like to go to Alpine this morning, over an hour by bike to Stresa to to admire once again, the botanical garden with its wonderful collection of over two thousand species of alpine plants, located in a panoramic position unparalleled beauty, just opposite the islands Borromean . The climb is a bit hard but the air is still fresh and I while I get the chance to admire at every bend, magnificent views Verbano and its mountains. Reached the botanical garden, I leave the bike at the entrance and I enter in a multitude of paths and flower in bloom, from many different colors. Average reach this pleasant place, at least once a year, as I find a peace and a peaceful that only here 'and I find I never tire of admiring the magnificent panorama below
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At this point the heat begins to be felt and to get on top of Mottarone I still have 12 km with steeper slopes, fill the bottle with fresh water and leave again for the second leg of the climb, the tougher . Apart from the warm and pleasant up for the silence that reigns in this area, only a few cars, only the chirping of birds and the murmur of the various streams that descend from the mountains many. As I continue the heat increase even if the road is virtually almost any shade and the heat also increases the difficulty. When you do not take it anymore I will stop for a moment to refresh and swallow a mouthful and then comes back, grit my teeth, I Morsico the language and I am on the ramp at the end of Mottarone Up to 1400 meters above sea level there is a lot of people, probably rose from the opposite side, I leave the bike in a safe at a bar and reach the top in real m.1491, marked by a large iron cross and a lighthouse votive.
.
At this point you may see a landscape exceptional 360 degrees, but unfortunately the day was not completely sharp. From the top, with a clear day you can admire a fantastic, exciting , the immense basin Verbano and little little further east and characteristic Lake Orta.
.
On top of Mottarone have placed a synthetic track at the length of a hundred meters. Hurl themselves down on the huge inflated plastic donuts, and I think it's very funny because many people, especially young people drag these cakes to the top, then jump at full speed on the track ready.
To combat the heat I went to a nearby bar for a beer on tap, so 'good that I would have gladly done another, but in the end I gave up because I do not want to risk then do the curves. ..... straight! Seen everything there was to see, I wear the jacket and helmet, so start 'the descent that will take me from the top of Mottarone almost to the shores of Lake Orta, which are about twenty miles, a descent fantastic , perfect road surface, curves very large, a very pleasant descent. When the rearview mirror I see some cars that I heels, as a precaution to make them slow down pass and then resume the race to a controlled speed. The view is beautiful, everything in the countryside, meadows and woods to no end and at the end of the lake down the superlative scenery of Lake Orta. I headed to the Hotel San Francesco, which is a beautiful and largest structure built years ago as a holiday home for families. Is a couple of miles from the center of Orta, and very close to the Sacred Mountain, dedicated to the life of St. Francis. First, a good shower and some laundry, because yesterday I did not have the time. I put everything out to dry on the window sill with the sun and in a moment of these days will be dry. Cast-off clothes of the cyclist, I am dressed as a normal person, put on the bikes and go to the lake, at last visit is the small village of Orta, the island of San Giulio. Reached the lake are a little undecided on what to do, because the island can not bring your bike and leave it to the ground I do not trust. After wandering thinking about a possible solution, I commend the staff of a bar near the square. In the central square of Orta, overlooking the lake, stands the pretty town hall, with several porches.
At this point I can go with peace of mind on the boat, which leaves me in a few minutes on the island of San Giulio.
On the same, to visit the island in the best way leaving no stone unturned, there is a set course with beautiful views over the lake. The island is a gem and all, stands the basilica of San Giulio, which is the most important monument of Romanesque Novarese, founded from San Giulio, has three naves and the item is richly decorated inside.
Out the obligatory route, which runs along virtually the entire perimeter of the same, I expected the boat that brings me back to the mainland, recovery my beloved bike, I sincerely thank the staff the bar for the courtesy and usatami away again, this time up the hill, in the locality Monte Sacro. Compared to the level of the lake, the road climbs up to Villa Crespi,
,
that is a beautiful oriental style structure, used as a hotel, luxury to look at from outside, is a true wonder, I dare not even imagine how it could be inside! Near it, the road starts to climb towards the Sacro Monte, among the most picturesque settings in the Piedmont for terrific views of the lake,
and consists of twenty chapels, all dedicated to St. Francis.
Having completed the tour, back on my feet in the direction of the Hotel St. Francis, for a short rest. When I woke up I try to update my diary daily waiting time for lunch. I must say that I've eaten really well, I was treated with flakes without spending much. Later I called home to hear the latest news from Anna, if all goes well. For tomorrow I do not know what I can do, because the forecast does not bode well. We'll see!
.
At this point you may see a landscape exceptional 360 degrees, but unfortunately the day was not completely sharp. From the top, with a clear day you can admire a fantastic, exciting , the immense basin Verbano and little little further east and characteristic Lake Orta.
.
On top of Mottarone have placed a synthetic track at the length of a hundred meters. Hurl themselves down on the huge inflated plastic donuts, and I think it's very funny because many people, especially young people drag these cakes to the top, then jump at full speed on the track ready.
To combat the heat I went to a nearby bar for a beer on tap, so 'good that I would have gladly done another, but in the end I gave up because I do not want to risk then do the curves. ..... straight! Seen everything there was to see, I wear the jacket and helmet, so start 'the descent that will take me from the top of Mottarone almost to the shores of Lake Orta, which are about twenty miles, a descent fantastic , perfect road surface, curves very large, a very pleasant descent. When the rearview mirror I see some cars that I heels, as a precaution to make them slow down pass and then resume the race to a controlled speed. The view is beautiful, everything in the countryside, meadows and woods to no end and at the end of the lake down the superlative scenery of Lake Orta. I headed to the Hotel San Francesco, which is a beautiful and largest structure built years ago as a holiday home for families. Is a couple of miles from the center of Orta, and very close to the Sacred Mountain, dedicated to the life of St. Francis. First, a good shower and some laundry, because yesterday I did not have the time. I put everything out to dry on the window sill with the sun and in a moment of these days will be dry. Cast-off clothes of the cyclist, I am dressed as a normal person, put on the bikes and go to the lake, at last visit is the small village of Orta, the island of San Giulio. Reached the lake are a little undecided on what to do, because the island can not bring your bike and leave it to the ground I do not trust. After wandering thinking about a possible solution, I commend the staff of a bar near the square. In the central square of Orta, overlooking the lake, stands the pretty town hall, with several porches.
At this point I can go with peace of mind on the boat, which leaves me in a few minutes on the island of San Giulio.
On the same, to visit the island in the best way leaving no stone unturned, there is a set course with beautiful views over the lake. The island is a gem and all, stands the basilica of San Giulio, which is the most important monument of Romanesque Novarese, founded from San Giulio, has three naves and the item is richly decorated inside.
Out the obligatory route, which runs along virtually the entire perimeter of the same, I expected the boat that brings me back to the mainland, recovery my beloved bike, I sincerely thank the staff the bar for the courtesy and usatami away again, this time up the hill, in the locality Monte Sacro. Compared to the level of the lake, the road climbs up to Villa Crespi,
,
that is a beautiful oriental style structure, used as a hotel, luxury to look at from outside, is a true wonder, I dare not even imagine how it could be inside! Near it, the road starts to climb towards the Sacro Monte, among the most picturesque settings in the Piedmont for terrific views of the lake,
and consists of twenty chapels, all dedicated to St. Francis.
Having completed the tour, back on my feet in the direction of the Hotel St. Francis, for a short rest. When I woke up I try to update my diary daily waiting time for lunch. I must say that I've eaten really well, I was treated with flakes without spending much. Later I called home to hear the latest news from Anna, if all goes well. For tomorrow I do not know what I can do, because the forecast does not bode well. We'll see!
Friday 'July 31
This day did not appear to history, in fact, during the night I was quite disturbed by the railroad that passes near the hotel, also during the night it rained a lot with lots of thunder and lightning, so there was no way to rest as I wanted, so the alarm was not very early, but I preferred to lounge around a bit more than usual. I gathered all my arsenal, loaded the bike and after greeting the staff, I left in a gallop, as for now has stopped raining. Just outside the town of Orta, on the right a good pastry, then stop for breakfast. I continue trying to reach as quickly as possible to the town of Omega, very nice and located on the north side of the lake snap some pictures, ask the Tourist Office information about weather forecasts that are not at all good. However for the moment the weather holds and I take this opportunity to resume the race, trying to reach Lake Mergozzo. The route is fairly short and slightly downhill. Near Gravellona Toce, again starting to rain, a drizzle which could also be enjoyable. In short reach Feriolo, and I take this opportunity to greet my friend Joseph, who is returning home at the time with his two nephews, sons of his son Marco. Greetings also passing by Ms. Polli, more than anything to know what it wants for a single room for the night if necessary, if bad weather persists. In fact, ask me 42 euros for a place like Feriolo, they are not few, but knowing the person I thought to ask more. Continues with the aim of achieving, which overlooks Lake sull'ononimo and is only five kilometers from Feriolo time to take hours, until it is known, however, are willing to go to sleep Mergozzo. The road is very smooth and at times we can see the unique city that is arranged so that most of the houses affaccaino on the surface of the lake. How do I reach it I go to the Office of Tourist Accommodation, to get some names of B & B for the night. With a couple of names in his hand, immediately phone to both and it seems that the price will be agreed, because both require the 80 Euro to sleep one night, and really I feel crazy. I think they're really exaggerating. At this point, since the weather is bad, both for today and for tomorrow, and the prices of the rooms so 'excessive, I decided on the spot to return home. I'm wearing my waterproof jacket and almost back the way I made a moment ago; frattenpo in the intensity of rain increases tremendously and I will be undeterred, determined to stop as soon as I find adequate shelter. In short reach Pallanza, are a little wet, but not slowed down because in the meantime, the clouds are thinning and we can see even a pale sun, not enough to warm and dry some clothes, helped by the air that I invests. How do I get Intra, there is already a boat leaving, I'll take the fly and I am quick to Laveno. I feel slightly tired for the race at last made to avoid the rain, so I headed to the train station to catch a train to see the tail, up to Varese. Load your bike last car, a task that I did not do for some time, and it always has its charm. The carriage is almost empty and I am fast in Varese. I sit at a small bar, because in the meantime I got the urge for a slice of pizza; satisfied stomach, put on the bike to do the last part that I can finally home. This year, made a short tour in the economy, not so much the fact that spending in terms of miles, in fact I've done, I drove only about 150 km, ie a daily average of about 50 km How to get home, ring the bell, I opened Anna welcomed me with these words "but you're home? "
Not all the donuts they can with a hole, and cycling holidays in 2009 could be considered a donut botched. However, beyond all, in just three days I saw what I wanted to see, I made 90% of what I really wanted, so I can also feel satisfied. For next year I'll try to leave earlier, as I did in previous years, which advances to 10/15 June, hoping that from the standpoint of weather, can get better.
Meanwhile, for the next year will be "6 9", will I still be able to support these efforts for several days? I think so, yes'! we'll see!
f i n e
