Category: Munich to Rome

My trusty steed was loaded onto one of the Magic Red Vans yesterday at South Mimms Services on the M25 . Jeremy and Reece, two of our three guides, have just texted to say they are now in Munich. Just got to get myself there tomorrow.

64 miles, 952 metres climbed, most of it in the last 20 miles.

Arrived at the hotel in the Southern outskirts of Munich at about 5pm yesterday. Enjoyed a group meal where I met up with 5 people from the Channel to the Med ride in 2017. There are 24 us in total plus 3 Peak Tours guides.

Left the hotel this morning in bright sunshine but with a chill in the air. The morning stop, along mainly well surfaced cycle lanes,was on the banks of the Starnberger See. Lots of activity. Cyclists, mainly electric, groups setting up for scuba diving and walkers.

We had a short delay on our route from the coffee stop when the road was closed. We were allowed through to watch a procession marching through – not sure what the occasion was. Good brass band.

After lunch there was a long steady climb of about 4 miles. We were getting into mountain country. A nice descent to the shores of the Walchensee were our group of 4 stopped for an ice cream and to soak up the view.

From here we had about 10 undulating miles to Mittenwald. Mittenwald is very picturesque and lies just on the German side of the German/Austrian border.

A longer day in prospect tomorrow.

81.6 miles, 1707 metres climbed.

It was a long day yesterday so I didn’t have time to write the blog – so here goes.

We had a steady climb out from Mittenwald for about 12 miles before a long steep decent into a wide green valley surrounded by spectacular mountains.

We cycled along beautifully surfaced paths and for a long time following the green waters of the river Inn.

We passed through Stams with its elegant buildings.

Crossed the river with covered wooden bridges.

The afternoon brew stop was at Tosens.

Then it was on to the (deserted) Austrian Swiss border before the 3 mile 350 metre climb up to Nauders.

A 3 country ride today. Germany, Austria, Switzerland and back into Austria.

77 miles and 835 metres of climbing.

Another great day in glorious sunshine. After an initial  climb, passing under a cable car, we were soon into Italy and a day of mostly down hill along  more smooth cycle paths.  Occasionally,when we passed through wooded section the paths would be of gravel. We enjoyed great views  of Lake Reschen.

This is a huge apple growing region and the path was lined with orchards.

The cycle paths are well used but by mainly electric bikes. There were a few touring bikes heavily laden with panniers. Interesting wooden bridges at the river crossings.

 

Another good day.

71 miles and 997 metres climbed. A warm sunny day with more roads than cycle paths. Market day in Caldaro .

Orchards have given way to vineyards.

Some tricky navigation through Trento.

Our first hazy view of Lake Garda.

A steep cobbled descent into Toborle, on the northern shore of Lake Garda, to finish the day.

 

54 miles and 331 metres climbed.

To avoid the busy roads and tunnels along lake Garda we took a. 2.5 hour ferry trip down lake Garda to the town of Garda where our bikes were waiting.

We had a steep climb out of Garda which was 15% in parts. Our route took us to Verona where we had the option of bypassing or going to through the centre. We chose the centre and crossed the  Castelvecchio Bridge,

to enter the city,

To the magnificent amphitheatre.

The road surfaces are becoming very poor on the run in to Mantova. A beautiful city with interesting architecture – and a classic car rally taking place.

A fine end to the day.

 

 

Classic cars in our hotel courtyard about to set off for Bologna.

81 miles along the Po plain with a 5 mile climb up into Guiglia. A lot of the early route was along raised levees exposing us to the wind. Not much to see until we entered the brew stop in Bernadetteo Po,

Our next point of interest was Modena – Wow!

A long, flat day.

 

66.1 miles and 1616 metres climbed. A warm sunny day but a little chilly on the descents first thing.

The climb up to Guiglia yesterday brought us into totally different terrain with tree covered hills and undulating roads.

 

 

Long, sometimes steep climbs, with fast twisting descents on poor surfaces  needed caution. To end the day we had a 5 mile descent into Pistoia which brought us right into the square.

 

 

68 miles and 1517 metres climbed.

A long tough day, not helped by rain for most of it, some of it very heavy.

We were in the Tuscan Hills where gradients were often above 10% and sometimes 17%, Beautiful scenery but little time to soak it in.

 

A welcome lunch of  salad and pasta at about 35 miles then more rain to the brew stop to change into something dry.

Then into Chianti country.

…. and a reward.

A very wet day.

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Raining, so decide not to do the optional 65 mile loop today!

A late breakfast, some blog catch up, bike fettling, thanks to Alberto, one of our guides, a lot of  fiddling with the Garmin with Reece and Bill (tomorrow will tell if it’s fixed), then some bike cleaning and finally some sightseeing in the city.

An enjoyable evening meal with Simon, Bill, Angus, Janet and Jack. Followed by gelatos.

Back on the bike tomorrow heading for San Casciano Del Bagni.