The year 2015 was earmarked for reconnaissance about cycle conditions in Italy, as we aim for 2016 to reach Sicily. Besides, we finished the circle around Bodensee (Lake Constance) and did a bit of Swiss. The conditions we enjoyed were from superb to average. In North Italy, we had very good cycling conditions along the “Via Augusta”. The year 2015 was also the first year I switched over from paper maps to digital navigations. The following year, 2016 we travelled down to Sicily. More about the trips are below the map.
None of the sides of the Lake Garda offers good cycle environment, I advise taking a ship, enjoy the lake. From Peschiera to Mantova overall good cycling conditions.
Again a day for reconnaissance, and digital navigation. In 2015 the idea was to set just the destination for the day in advance but plan the details for cycling in the evening before the travel. This didn't work out.
Ferrara to San Donna we have taken the train to get back on track after my planning failure. I have made a mental note to plan every day in detail. A short cycling day to improve my digital navigations skills.
The first part to Mestre average cycling, through Mestre surprisingly good. Afterwards along canals excellent riding. Overall a good day in beautiful nature, 83 km.
Break down of digital navigation, at this time, August 2016, I still had had some difficulties to get the most out of it. We used the main street and later before Firenze the local signs.
Mixed environment, very good sections and as well as average riding. My preparation for this trip was not exact enough. For the first time a bit of rain in the afternoon.
The last day to Rom in bright sunshine. Good cycling conditions from Labaro to Rom centre on cycling lanes. The first part ends with a few days rest in Rom.
2016-09-06; Mainly using cycling path "Strada da sole", although there are no signs and goes mostly on streets. Very good conditions, cycle path, in towns and villages. Good cycling.
2016-09-07; Average cycling on quiet roads and lanes, partly on streets with moderate traffic. The village of Mondragone is very nice, from there to the train station at Cancello. We used the train to the centre of Napoli.
2016-09-10; Napoli to Salerno with the train, and following the road along the coast. There are cycle paths on some sections. In sum nice to good riding.
2016-09-12. The idea to take a ship from Palinuro to Sapri was not possible, no ships. Therefore back to Palinuro and with the train to Sapri. Excellent cycling along the coast on quiet roads, although very hilly, to Scalea.
2016-09-14. On minor streets and main streets to the final destination Vibo Marina. From there wit the train to Palermo and back with the ferry to Genua.
Around the Lake Constance and Swiss was mostly fine cycling, From Chur to Bergun and over the Abula Pass we used the train. The train museum in Bergun is worth to see. The next section was certainly the highlight especially from Reschenpass to Gardesee and down to Parma perfect cycling on built cycle lanes. The final section was partly ok, the last part from Pontremoli to La Spezia is a bit beyond the average cycle conditions.
2015_Stein_am_Rhein2015_Nauders_Reschen_Pass
Back from La Spezia to Aulla, we have taken the train, started with cycling in Aulla and moved over Pass Lagastrello through Toscana and further following the River Po. This was also earmarked for learning and testing digital navigations. With some lessons learned, errors made and riding some extra km, I improved the skills. Once you handle digital navigation, you never go back to paper maps.
2015_Italy_to-Ferrara2015_Grado2015_Cinque_Terre
2016-Italy Holiday – from Tarvis to Palermo – yellow marker
The Italy holiday 2016, roughly 1500 km, worked out according to planning. All daily tours have been prepared in advance on bikemap.net. and apart from some minor changes, we were following the individually created routes. Cycling conditions differ from north to south. As there are down to Rome some good cycle lanes, further south they ceased to exist. Even so, there are superb sections on quiet roads, for example along the coast from Palinuro to Scalea. But you have to accept riding now and then on main roads with moderate traffic. In summary a very good holiday with beautiful cycling conditions, perfect weather and friendly people. The ending in Vibo Marina, instead of Palermo, was due to the timetable. I simply ran out of time to complete the final km to Sicily.
