Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
A motley display of beach Brits in a 10 year sun event.
D
Deleted member 18083
Guest
City Bikeway…
Mangrove Walk
Gardens Point, Brisbane, AU
Gardens Point, Brisbane, AU
- It looks like my iPhone's GPS floundered a bit beneath the motorway!
Readytoride
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Virginia
1 Day, 2 Rides, 3 people
Two rides yesterday. Different times, different people, different weather.
First ride was with A (herein after referred to as "1st A" and who is still learning to re-ride a bike after 40 years) who insisted she wanted to ride at least 12 to 15 miles today. I thought it might be a bit much because her steering is still wobbly and she had yet to finish a ride without falling (always at a standstill, thankfully), but she was insistent. She really really wants to make bicycling her new exercise passion.
So...I complied, selecting a gentle route that had multiple opportunities for cutting the ride short with an easy loop back home. Despite her derrier aching from the prior ride (8.6 miles three days ago) she was resolute in turning down each shortcut, even as her complaints over her aching backside increased in length and volume. The day was perfect with perfect temperatures, perfect scenery, and perfect gravel roads with almost zero traffic. A lovelier day never existed. I simply relaxed in her wake, watching and coaching as she continued her education in learning how to ride. We stopped at a derelict house to peek in the windows and look around the old place at what would need to be done to the "tear down" before it could be sold. At one time it had been a beautiful place set on almost 20 acres. But it was clear that years of neglect by the old woman who had owned it and lived there until her death a month ago had reached deep past the surface of peeling paint and rotting wood to encompass the bones of the house as well. So sad to see houses in this state of disrepair. Alas, the doors were locked and the windows in their rotting frames where shut tight, so no opportunity for us to poke around inside. We had to make due with peering through dirty windows into the dim interior.
Back on the bikes again, we stopped at a crossroads to chat with two other cyclists out riding with a bike shop group. There were more cyclists out on the gravel roads that morning than cars. In fact the cars were outnumbered 10 to 1. We spent a lot of time waving hello and calling out good morning in passing.
1st A's increasing level of discomfort with her aching rear end, however, was turning her smiles upside down, and suddenly she found great purpose in getting home ASAP, stopping only to take a business call, wait for a passing car (she has some real fear issues with cars passing either direction and is insistent on stopping and getting off the road) and hydrate at one or two stops signs. She was still thrilled to be out riding again, not to have fallen again, and has decided she is going to look at some bike shops to find a Class 2 with a throttle (because of her medical condition). I'm glad she's enjoying herself and her newfound sport. She's fun to ride with and very entertaining.
Second ride was with G and our mutual neighbor-from-down-the-road-a-piece A, herein referred to a "2nd A". This was 2nd A's first time on an electric bike. She's young(er) and does a lot of spin classes, so sitting on a bike is 2nd nature to her. She was borrowing G's LaFree, and so I met them at G's place for us to set off together.
Long and short - all three of us had a blast. G left the route planning up to me, and as I didn't know 2nd A's level of proficiency (which turned out to be excellent) or ability to cycle with traffic (some trepidation but not on the par of 1st A's concerns) I picked a nice 8 mile route that found itself being extended to 10, then 12, then ultimately 15 miles as 2nd A was having so much fun that she said she was happy to just keep riding. That was fine by me and G, but not so fine by the changing weather pattern. The sunny happy blue cloudless skies present during 1st A's ride were noticeably absent during 2nd A's ride. Clouds were now elbowing out any remaining blue left, and the temps were noticibly cooler. I checked my radar app at about 12 miles into the ride, a bit concerned at the line of developing rain just to our west. It was time to boogie on home, I said. No more "let's keep riding" anymore. We can ride further next time.
I hit my driveway and waved goodbye to G and 2nd A as they zipped past to ride the final mile back to G's house just as the first raindrops began to fall.
All three are leaving on separate vacations this week, so I'll have the roads to myself again.
Two rides yesterday. Different times, different people, different weather.
First ride was with A (herein after referred to as "1st A" and who is still learning to re-ride a bike after 40 years) who insisted she wanted to ride at least 12 to 15 miles today. I thought it might be a bit much because her steering is still wobbly and she had yet to finish a ride without falling (always at a standstill, thankfully), but she was insistent. She really really wants to make bicycling her new exercise passion.
So...I complied, selecting a gentle route that had multiple opportunities for cutting the ride short with an easy loop back home. Despite her derrier aching from the prior ride (8.6 miles three days ago) she was resolute in turning down each shortcut, even as her complaints over her aching backside increased in length and volume. The day was perfect with perfect temperatures, perfect scenery, and perfect gravel roads with almost zero traffic. A lovelier day never existed. I simply relaxed in her wake, watching and coaching as she continued her education in learning how to ride. We stopped at a derelict house to peek in the windows and look around the old place at what would need to be done to the "tear down" before it could be sold. At one time it had been a beautiful place set on almost 20 acres. But it was clear that years of neglect by the old woman who had owned it and lived there until her death a month ago had reached deep past the surface of peeling paint and rotting wood to encompass the bones of the house as well. So sad to see houses in this state of disrepair. Alas, the doors were locked and the windows in their rotting frames where shut tight, so no opportunity for us to poke around inside. We had to make due with peering through dirty windows into the dim interior.
Back on the bikes again, we stopped at a crossroads to chat with two other cyclists out riding with a bike shop group. There were more cyclists out on the gravel roads that morning than cars. In fact the cars were outnumbered 10 to 1. We spent a lot of time waving hello and calling out good morning in passing.
1st A's increasing level of discomfort with her aching rear end, however, was turning her smiles upside down, and suddenly she found great purpose in getting home ASAP, stopping only to take a business call, wait for a passing car (she has some real fear issues with cars passing either direction and is insistent on stopping and getting off the road) and hydrate at one or two stops signs. She was still thrilled to be out riding again, not to have fallen again, and has decided she is going to look at some bike shops to find a Class 2 with a throttle (because of her medical condition). I'm glad she's enjoying herself and her newfound sport. She's fun to ride with and very entertaining.
Second ride was with G and our mutual neighbor-from-down-the-road-a-piece A, herein referred to a "2nd A". This was 2nd A's first time on an electric bike. She's young(er) and does a lot of spin classes, so sitting on a bike is 2nd nature to her. She was borrowing G's LaFree, and so I met them at G's place for us to set off together.
Long and short - all three of us had a blast. G left the route planning up to me, and as I didn't know 2nd A's level of proficiency (which turned out to be excellent) or ability to cycle with traffic (some trepidation but not on the par of 1st A's concerns) I picked a nice 8 mile route that found itself being extended to 10, then 12, then ultimately 15 miles as 2nd A was having so much fun that she said she was happy to just keep riding. That was fine by me and G, but not so fine by the changing weather pattern. The sunny happy blue cloudless skies present during 1st A's ride were noticeably absent during 2nd A's ride. Clouds were now elbowing out any remaining blue left, and the temps were noticibly cooler. I checked my radar app at about 12 miles into the ride, a bit concerned at the line of developing rain just to our west. It was time to boogie on home, I said. No more "let's keep riding" anymore. We can ride further next time.
I hit my driveway and waved goodbye to G and 2nd A as they zipped past to ride the final mile back to G's house just as the first raindrops began to fall.
All three are leaving on separate vacations this week, so I'll have the roads to myself again.
Last edited:
kahn
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- northWET washington
And you had your own Tour De France pace golf cart!
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
Providence bridge peddle portland Oregon . I think over 10,000 people rode this. It was fun though it got slow. But its great to be able to go over bridges you can't do on a bike. I have video of the ride from front and back
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
this is the best view from the rear camera.
Last edited:
Surrey Pete
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
I guess there is music in the background and the song back in black was playing and thats copyright infringement. so I had a choice to ahve that sections sound muted. but its taking awhile for YouTube to process it,.
kahn
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- northWET washington
It also affects his American friends, too!
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
ya my wife was playing music and it got recorded and they got me for copyright. but I had it mute it for that song. its only ac/dc s back black so I will find that section and fix it tonight.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Thats a lovely path
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
A Short Report From Tuscany...
Italy. A rich, very well developed European country with some local differences from the rest of Europe
Tuscany. Probably the most exciting region within Italy. A hilly country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (Thyrrenian and Ligurian Seas, to be precise) from the west, and almost surrounded by mighty Apennine Mountains. The home of numerous artists, creators, and scientists. Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante, Donatello, Puccini, and many more were all born in Tuscany. Of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only Raphael was not born in Tuscany!
Wine. Truffle. Cheese. Olive oil. Biscotti (especially Cantuccini alla mandorla). Boar. Rabbit. Leatherware. Ceramics. Straw hats. All these things are defining Tuscany
After arriving to Pisa, we rented a Fiat Panda at the Galileo Airport, and settled at an Agroturistic Azienda near to San Miniato.
A Tuscan supper. In the background, two Tuscan table wines: Vermentino di Toscana (white), and Sangiovese di Toscana, the latter being just a Chianti without the DOC label
We spent two initial days resting in the shadow at the farm (consisting of two properties). It was in the middle of heat-wave and drought. (Often 100 F: some American reset the temperature units in our Fiat to Fahrenheit, so I know) Despite of spending the time in the shadow, both @Brix and I developed painful sunburns!
San Miniato was our base town. Once important city (located on the North Europe-Rome via Francigena), and now on the crossroads of Florence-Pisa-Livorno and Lucca-Siena roads is a quaint town today, with super narrow steep streets full of switchbacks...
Pane e coperto (bread and tablecloth). There are several tools by which the Italian will deprive you of your money Just sitting by the restaurant table costs you a fee of 2-2.50 EUR a person. Add to it 10% of servizio (an obligatory tip), and now you will only give a tip if you have fallen in love with the waitress Who rarely speaks English.
San Gimignano, or the "medieval Manhattan". Another ancient city on via Francigena once sported 72 "sky-scrapers". First of all, once a rich neighbour built his own tower, all other wanted to have the same or bigger! Then, there was the sad Guelph and Ghibbeline thing. Guelphs were a political faction supporting the Pope (mostly burghers), and Ghibbelines supported the German Holy Roman Emperor (mostly landowners). As people of both factions literally lived in the same city, there were frequent clashes, melees, ambushes, and killings. For that reason, the S. Gimignano towers were fortified, and there were no windows below a certain level! Nowadays, only 14 towers have been preserved
A Dante impersonator reciting the "Divine Comedy". He was good! (I gave him two euros for his show).
The cathedral in Siena. Siena was always competing with Firenze (Florence). Florence was a Guelph city, and Siena supported Ghibbelines. You get the drift.
Siena is located on an enormous hill. Less able tourists like I can get there by escalators. Only pity that two of six escalator runs are now broken...
In Pisa (I will spare you the Leaning Tower photo) The straw hat! (Actually made of paper in China, still costly). Notice my Italian leather sandals. 75 EUR, not cheap!
Then, we crossed Monte Serra that separates Pisa from Lucca. Because of road-works (the Italian curse!) we found ourselves in Lucca... And I drove there again on the next day!
Lucca, the home of one Giacomo Puccini feels to me the most beautiful of the Tuscan cities now. Surrounded by ancient walls, the interior is a pedestrian/cyclist park. It is flat. You walk through winding narrow streets, alleys, yards and backstreets protected against sunshine by high townhouses. The clock tower? We were walking around it not being capable to find it, haha!
Did I say Tuscany gave gelato to the world?
A Tuscan breakfast. I regret I didn't try melon with ham!
The most beautiful of Tuscan beaches: Spiaggia della Leccione (Viareggio). If you can afford some longer walking, the place is just insane! Sand! Clean seawater! Few people! And it is -- hold your breath -- free! The place where you can see the sea and the majestic Apennines at the same time!
One of the most respected Italian wines: Brunello of Montalcino (a medieval town in Tuscany south of Siena). Technically, it is a Chianti with a pedigree. Basically, it is a Sangiovese di Toscana on steroids The price of a bottle of Brunello starts at EUR 25 in Tuscany; there is no upper price limit. Note: The Italian drink their wine in Nutella glasses. The wine glasses are for snobs there
Our brave Fiat Panda City Cross 69 CV among Tuscan cypresses and maritime pines. A simple, practical car. Its small size was ideal for very narrow hilly roads where two cars can only pass each other after both have stopped to give way... Powerful enough to do even steep inclines, with some difficulty though
Goodbye, Tuscany!
Dedicated to @PatriciaK, the Italy lover, who drew my attention to Lucca. Thank you, Pat!
Italy. A rich, very well developed European country with some local differences from the rest of Europe
Tuscany. Probably the most exciting region within Italy. A hilly country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (Thyrrenian and Ligurian Seas, to be precise) from the west, and almost surrounded by mighty Apennine Mountains. The home of numerous artists, creators, and scientists. Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante, Donatello, Puccini, and many more were all born in Tuscany. Of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only Raphael was not born in Tuscany!
Wine. Truffle. Cheese. Olive oil. Biscotti (especially Cantuccini alla mandorla). Boar. Rabbit. Leatherware. Ceramics. Straw hats. All these things are defining Tuscany
After arriving to Pisa, we rented a Fiat Panda at the Galileo Airport, and settled at an Agroturistic Azienda near to San Miniato.
A Tuscan supper. In the background, two Tuscan table wines: Vermentino di Toscana (white), and Sangiovese di Toscana, the latter being just a Chianti without the DOC label
We spent two initial days resting in the shadow at the farm (consisting of two properties). It was in the middle of heat-wave and drought. (Often 100 F: some American reset the temperature units in our Fiat to Fahrenheit, so I know)
Despite of spending the time in the shadow, both @Brix and I developed painful sunburns!San Miniato was our base town. Once important city (located on the North Europe-Rome via Francigena), and now on the crossroads of Florence-Pisa-Livorno and Lucca-Siena roads is a quaint town today, with super narrow steep streets full of switchbacks...
Pane e coperto (bread and tablecloth). There are several tools by which the Italian will deprive you of your money
Just sitting by the restaurant table costs you a fee of 2-2.50 EUR a person. Add to it 10% of servizio (an obligatory tip), and now you will only give a tip if you have fallen in love with the waitress Who rarely speaks English.San Gimignano, or the "medieval Manhattan". Another ancient city on via Francigena once sported 72 "sky-scrapers". First of all, once a rich neighbour built his own tower, all other wanted to have the same or bigger! Then, there was the sad Guelph and Ghibbeline thing. Guelphs were a political faction supporting the Pope (mostly burghers), and Ghibbelines supported the German Holy Roman Emperor (mostly landowners). As people of both factions literally lived in the same city, there were frequent clashes, melees, ambushes, and killings. For that reason, the S. Gimignano towers were fortified, and there were no windows below a certain level! Nowadays, only 14 towers have been preserved
A Dante impersonator reciting the "Divine Comedy". He was good! (I gave him two euros for his show).
The cathedral in Siena. Siena was always competing with Firenze (Florence). Florence was a Guelph city, and Siena supported Ghibbelines. You get the drift.
Siena is located on an enormous hill. Less able tourists like I can get there by escalators. Only pity that two of six escalator runs are now broken...
In Pisa (I will spare you the Leaning Tower photo)
The straw hat! (Actually made of paper in China, still costly). Notice my Italian leather sandals. 75 EUR, not cheap!Then, we crossed Monte Serra that separates Pisa from Lucca. Because of road-works (the Italian curse!) we found ourselves in Lucca... And I drove there again on the next day!
Lucca, the home of one Giacomo Puccini feels to me the most beautiful of the Tuscan cities now. Surrounded by ancient walls, the interior is a pedestrian/cyclist park. It is flat. You walk through winding narrow streets, alleys, yards and backstreets protected against sunshine by high townhouses. The clock tower? We were walking around it not being capable to find it, haha!
Did I say Tuscany gave gelato to the world?
A Tuscan breakfast. I regret I didn't try melon with ham!
The most beautiful of Tuscan beaches: Spiaggia della Leccione (Viareggio). If you can afford some longer walking, the place is just insane! Sand! Clean seawater! Few people! And it is -- hold your breath -- free! The place where you can see the sea and the majestic Apennines at the same time!
One of the most respected Italian wines: Brunello of Montalcino (a medieval town in Tuscany south of Siena). Technically, it is a Chianti with a pedigree. Basically, it is a Sangiovese di Toscana on steroids
The price of a bottle of Brunello starts at EUR 25 in Tuscany; there is no upper price limit. Note: The Italian drink their wine in Nutella glasses. The wine glasses are for snobs there Our brave Fiat Panda City Cross 69 CV among Tuscan cypresses and maritime pines. A simple, practical car. Its small size was ideal for very narrow hilly roads where two cars can only pass each other after both have stopped to give way... Powerful enough to do even steep inclines, with some difficulty though
Goodbye, Tuscany!
Dedicated to @PatriciaK, the Italy lover, who drew my attention to Lucca. Thank you, Pat!
Last edited:
PatriciaK
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Pacific Northwest and Piedmont Triad
Grazie mille, StefanA Short Report From Tuscany...
Italy. A rich, very well developed European country with some local differences from the rest of Europe
Tuscany. Probably the most exciting region within Italy. A hilly country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (Thyrrenian and Ligurian Seas, to be precise) from the west, and almost surrounded by mighty Apennine Mountains. The home of numerous artists, creators, and scientists. Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante, Donatello, Puccini, and many more were all born in Tuscany. Of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only Raphael was not born in Tuscany!
Wine. Truffle. Cheese. Olive oil. Biscotti (especially Cantuccini alla mandorla). Boar. Rabbit. Leatherware. Ceramics. Straw hats. All these things are defining Tuscany
After arriving to Pisa, we rented a Fiat Panda at the Galileo Airport, and settled at an Agroturistic Azienda near to San Miniato.
View attachment 132126
A Tuscan supper. In the background, two Tuscan table wines: Vermentino di Toscana (white), and Sangiovese di Toscana, the latter being just a Chianti without the DOC label
View attachment 132127
We spent two initial days resting in the shadow at the farm (consisting of two properties). It was in the middle of heat-wave and drought. (Often 100 F: some American reset the temperature units in our Fiat to Fahrenheit, so I know)
View attachment 132128View attachment 132129
San Miniato was our base town. Once important city (located on the North Europe-Rome via Francigena), and now on the crossroads of Florence-Pisa-Livorno and Lucca-Siena roads is a quaint town today, with super narrow steep streets full of switchbacks...
View attachment 132130
Pane e coperto (bread and tablecloth). There are several tools by which the Italian will deprive you of your money
View attachment 132134
San Gimignano, or the "medieval Manhattan". Another ancient city on via Francigena once sported 72 "sky-scrapers". First of all, once a rich neighbour built his own tower, all other wanted to have the same or bigger! Then, there was the sad Guelph and Ghibbeline thing. Guelphs were a political faction supporting the Pope (mostly burghers), and Ghibbelines supported the German Holy Roman Emperor (mostly landowners). As people of both factions literally lived in the same city, there were frequent clashes, melees, ambushes, and killings. For that reason, the S. Gimignano towers were fortified, and there were no windows below a certain level! Nowadays, only 14 towers have been preserved
View attachment 132136
A Dante impersonator reciting the "Divine Comedy". He was good! (I gave him two euros for his show).
View attachment 132138
The cathedral in Siena. Siena was always competing with Firenze (Florence). Florence was a Guelph city, and Siena supported Ghibbelines. You get the drift.
Siena is located on an enormous hill. Less able tourists like I can get there by escalators. Only pity that two of six escalator runs are now broken...
View attachment 132139
In Pisa (I will spare you the Leaning Tower photo)
View attachment 132140
Then, we crossed Monte Serra that separates Pisa from Lucca. Because of road-works (the Italian curse!) we found ourselves in Lucca... And I drove there again on the next day!
View attachment 132141
View attachment 132142
Lucca, the home of one Giacomo Puccini feels to me the most beautiful of the Tuscan cities now. Surrounded by ancient walls, the interior is a pedestrian/cyclist park. It is flat. You walk through winding narrow streets, alleys, yards and backstreets protected against sunshine by high townhouses. The clock tower? We were walking around it not being capable to find it, haha!
View attachment 132148
Did I say Tuscany gave gelato to the world?
View attachment 132143
A Tuscan breakfast. I regret I didn't try melon with ham!
View attachment 132144
View attachment 132145
The most beautiful of Tuscan beaches: Spiaggia della Leccione (Viareggio). If you can afford some longer walking, the place is just insane! Sand! Clean seawater! Few people! And it is -- hold your breath -- free! The place where you can see the sea and the majestic Apennines at the same time!
View attachment 132147
One of the most respected Italian wines: Brunello of Montalcino (a medieval town in Tuscany south of Siena). Technically, it is a Chianti with a pedigree. Basically, it is a Sangiovese di Toscana on steroids
View attachment 132149
Our brave Fiat Panda City Cross 69 CV among Tuscan cypresses and maritime pines. A simple, practical car. Its small size was ideal for very narrow hilly roads where two cars can only pass each other after both have stopped to give way... Powerful enough to do even steep inclines, with some difficulty though
View attachment 132150
Goodbye, Tuscany!
Dedicated to @PatriciaK, the Italy lover, who drew my attention to Lucca. Thank you, Pat!
- reading your travelogue was almost like being there! Can't wait to return (to Puglia) for my bike tour in October - hope to spend a few days in Lucca before returning to the US!
PatriciaK
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Pacific Northwest and Piedmont Triad
The only thing I do NOT like about Toscana is their bread - it's a taste I was never able to acquireA Short Report From Tuscany...
Italy. A rich, very well developed European country with some local differences from the rest of Europe
Tuscany. Probably the most exciting region within Italy. A hilly country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (Thyrrenian and Ligurian Seas, to be precise) from the west, and almost surrounded by mighty Apennine Mountains. The home of numerous artists, creators, and scientists. Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante, Donatello, Puccini, and many more were all born in Tuscany. Of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only Raphael was not born in Tuscany!
Wine. Truffle. Cheese. Olive oil. Biscotti (especially Cantuccini alla mandorla). Boar. Rabbit. Leatherware. Ceramics. Straw hats. All these things are defining Tuscany
After arriving to Pisa, we rented a Fiat Panda at the Galileo Airport, and settled at an Agroturistic Azienda near to San Miniato.
View attachment 132126
A Tuscan supper. In the background, two Tuscan table wines: Vermentino di Toscana (white), and Sangiovese di Toscana, the latter being just a Chianti without the DOC label
View attachment 132127
We spent two initial days resting in the shadow at the farm (consisting of two properties). It was in the middle of heat-wave and drought. (Often 100 F: some American reset the temperature units in our Fiat to Fahrenheit, so I know)
View attachment 132128View attachment 132129
San Miniato was our base town. Once important city (located on the North Europe-Rome via Francigena), and now on the crossroads of Florence-Pisa-Livorno and Lucca-Siena roads is a quaint town today, with super narrow steep streets full of switchbacks...
View attachment 132130
Pane e coperto (bread and tablecloth). There are several tools by which the Italian will deprive you of your money
View attachment 132134
San Gimignano, or the "medieval Manhattan". Another ancient city on via Francigena once sported 72 "sky-scrapers". First of all, once a rich neighbour built his own tower, all other wanted to have the same or bigger! Then, there was the sad Guelph and Ghibbeline thing. Guelphs were a political faction supporting the Pope (mostly burghers), and Ghibbelines supported the German Holy Roman Emperor (mostly landowners). As people of both factions literally lived in the same city, there were frequent clashes, melees, ambushes, and killings. For that reason, the S. Gimignano towers were fortified, and there were no windows below a certain level! Nowadays, only 14 towers have been preserved
View attachment 132136
A Dante impersonator reciting the "Divine Comedy". He was good! (I gave him two euros for his show).
View attachment 132138
The cathedral in Siena. Siena was always competing with Firenze (Florence). Florence was a Guelph city, and Siena supported Ghibbelines. You get the drift.
Siena is located on an enormous hill. Less able tourists like I can get there by escalators. Only pity that two of six escalator runs are now broken...
View attachment 132139
In Pisa (I will spare you the Leaning Tower photo)
View attachment 132140
Then, we crossed Monte Serra that separates Pisa from Lucca. Because of road-works (the Italian curse!) we found ourselves in Lucca... And I drove there again on the next day!
View attachment 132141
View attachment 132142
Lucca, the home of one Giacomo Puccini feels to me the most beautiful of the Tuscan cities now. Surrounded by ancient walls, the interior is a pedestrian/cyclist park. It is flat. You walk through winding narrow streets, alleys, yards and backstreets protected against sunshine by high townhouses. The clock tower? We were walking around it not being capable to find it, haha!
View attachment 132148
Did I say Tuscany gave gelato to the world?
View attachment 132143
A Tuscan breakfast. I regret I didn't try melon with ham!
View attachment 132144
View attachment 132145
The most beautiful of Tuscan beaches: Spiaggia della Leccione (Viareggio). If you can afford some longer walking, the place is just insane! Sand! Clean seawater! Few people! And it is -- hold your breath -- free! The place where you can see the sea and the majestic Apennines at the same time!
View attachment 132147
One of the most respected Italian wines: Brunello of Montalcino (a medieval town in Tuscany south of Siena). Technically, it is a Chianti with a pedigree. Basically, it is a Sangiovese di Toscana on steroids
View attachment 132149
Our brave Fiat Panda City Cross 69 CV among Tuscan cypresses and maritime pines. A simple, practical car. Its small size was ideal for very narrow hilly roads where two cars can only pass each other after both have stopped to give way... Powerful enough to do even steep inclines, with some difficulty though
View attachment 132150
Goodbye, Tuscany!
Dedicated to @PatriciaK, the Italy lover, who drew my attention to Lucca. Thank you, Pat!
.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Terrible. Both bread and buns.The only thing I do NOT like about Toscana is their bread - it's a taste I was never able to acquire
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Well that is simply stunning and completely rewrites what I thought the area looked like.A Short Report From Tuscany...
Italy. A rich, very well developed European country with some local differences from the rest of Europe
Tuscany. Probably the most exciting region within Italy. A hilly country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (Thyrrenian and Ligurian Seas, to be precise) from the west, and almost surrounded by mighty Apennine Mountains. The home of numerous artists, creators, and scientists. Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante, Donatello, Puccini, and many more were all born in Tuscany. Of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only Raphael was not born in Tuscany!
Wine. Truffle. Cheese. Olive oil. Biscotti (especially Cantuccini alla mandorla). Boar. Rabbit. Leatherware. Ceramics. Straw hats. All these things are defining Tuscany
After arriving to Pisa, we rented a Fiat Panda at the Galileo Airport, and settled at an Agroturistic Azienda near to San Miniato.
View attachment 132126
A Tuscan supper. In the background, two Tuscan table wines: Vermentino di Toscana (white), and Sangiovese di Toscana, the latter being just a Chianti without the DOC label
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We spent two initial days resting in the shadow at the farm (consisting of two properties). It was in the middle of heat-wave and drought. (Often 100 F: some American reset the temperature units in our Fiat to Fahrenheit, so I know)
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San Miniato was our base town. Once important city (located on the North Europe-Rome via Francigena), and now on the crossroads of Florence-Pisa-Livorno and Lucca-Siena roads is a quaint town today, with super narrow steep streets full of switchbacks...
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Pane e coperto (bread and tablecloth). There are several tools by which the Italian will deprive you of your money
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San Gimignano, or the "medieval Manhattan". Another ancient city on via Francigena once sported 72 "sky-scrapers". First of all, once a rich neighbour built his own tower, all other wanted to have the same or bigger! Then, there was the sad Guelph and Ghibbeline thing. Guelphs were a political faction supporting the Pope (mostly burghers), and Ghibbelines supported the German Holy Roman Emperor (mostly landowners). As people of both factions literally lived in the same city, there were frequent clashes, melees, ambushes, and killings. For that reason, the S. Gimignano towers were fortified, and there were no windows below a certain level! Nowadays, only 14 towers have been preserved
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A Dante impersonator reciting the "Divine Comedy". He was good! (I gave him two euros for his show).
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The cathedral in Siena. Siena was always competing with Firenze (Florence). Florence was a Guelph city, and Siena supported Ghibbelines. You get the drift.
Siena is located on an enormous hill. Less able tourists like I can get there by escalators. Only pity that two of six escalator runs are now broken...
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In Pisa (I will spare you the Leaning Tower photo)
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Then, we crossed Monte Serra that separates Pisa from Lucca. Because of road-works (the Italian curse!) we found ourselves in Lucca... And I drove there again on the next day!
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Lucca, the home of one Giacomo Puccini feels to me the most beautiful of the Tuscan cities now. Surrounded by ancient walls, the interior is a pedestrian/cyclist park. It is flat. You walk through winding narrow streets, alleys, yards and backstreets protected against sunshine by high townhouses. The clock tower? We were walking around it not being capable to find it, haha!
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Did I say Tuscany gave gelato to the world?
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A Tuscan breakfast. I regret I didn't try melon with ham!
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The most beautiful of Tuscan beaches: Spiaggia della Leccione (Viareggio). If you can afford some longer walking, the place is just insane! Sand! Clean seawater! Few people! And it is -- hold your breath -- free! The place where you can see the sea and the majestic Apennines at the same time!
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One of the most respected Italian wines: Brunello of Montalcino (a medieval town in Tuscany south of Siena). Technically, it is a Chianti with a pedigree. Basically, it is a Sangiovese di Toscana on steroids
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Our brave Fiat Panda City Cross 69 CV among Tuscan cypresses and maritime pines. A simple, practical car. Its small size was ideal for very narrow hilly roads where two cars can only pass each other after both have stopped to give way... Powerful enough to do even steep inclines, with some difficulty though
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Goodbye, Tuscany!
Dedicated to @PatriciaK, the Italy lover, who drew my attention to Lucca. Thank you, Pat!
No way am I showing the missus this, Im already cleaned out paying for holidays.
Hope your feet are enjoying 75 euro sandals.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
A Step Back In Time...
I’ve been looking forward to making a return trip to Lacombe, AB since I last visited this charming town back in April. It was an impressive mural on one of the town’s buildings that first captured my attention so much that I felt the need to see more artwork most of which is discreetly tucked away in the downtown’s alleyways. It all started when the mural project committee hired Tim Giles back in 2004 to begin the work of creating historical scenes on the backs of buildings of several local businesses.
I’ve never really been an early riser and yesterday morning was no exception as I didn’t leave the house until 9:30am. Weather was splendid as usual and a cool breeze was a welcome start to my non-PAS ride. I could have opted to ride my analog but the Creo is a more comfortable ride with its beefier gravel tires and cushy Future Shock. Minimal elevation gain would make for an easy ride out and back.
How cute is that? A couple of youngsters greeted me along the paved path as I made my way towards the Trans Canada Trail. The TCT is paved bikeway that winds through farmland and forests, past the town of Blackfalds and eventually leads one to Lacombe.
Mainstreet Lacombe and the oldest flatiron building in Western Canada.
The Denike Building – Constructed in 1913 it remains essentially unaltered over the years. It’s home now to an interior designing firm. I spotted an ice cream shop right next door so I couldn’t help but indulge myself.
The Michener Home – Built in 1894, it is the oldest residential building in town. Now home to the Lacombe Museum and Archives it was the birthplace of the late Roland Michener, former governor general of Canada.
Built in 1902, the Lacombe blacksmith shop is currently the oldest in operation in Alberta on its original site. The Lacombe District Historical Society purchased the building back in 1991 and work began on its restoration.
Once I started the self guided mural tour, it was relatively easy to follow the route but I must admit that I missed several of the 30 + works and found a few that I could not identify on the list. With so many murals to view, I’ve only included a few from the collection.
Campbell Block Fire
The Campbell Block (Nowco Home Hardware) is one of Lacombe’s finest examples of 1920s commercial architecture. Originally built in 1896 as a small, wooden store, the Leading Store was resurfaced in brick in 1920 under the ownership of A. M. Campbell. The building housed the Leading Store on the main floor and had tenant housing on the second floor. In 1940, a fire started inside the building and gutted the whole interior. The original wooden structure was destroyed; however, as the building had been covered in brick, it survived the fire. The Burris Pumper truck, Lacombe’s first firetruck, arrived on scene and the volunteer fire department was able to put out the flames.
Doris Ballintine
Doris Ballintine was a local resident in Lacombe. She is seen here up at the Research Station and has tied her dogs to her wagon similarly to how one would harness horses to a cart.
H.A. Day General Merchant
Herbert Alfred Day arrived in Lacombe in 1896 and was a very prominent businessman. His general Merchant Store sold all the necessities of a small town, form dry goods to clothing to tobacco. In 1903, Day rebuilt his store with brick. The Day Block was the very first masonry building in Lacombe. On the ground level many different stores conducted business while the second level was home to the Day Opera House. The Day Block is currently home to the Lucky Palace Chinese restaurant.
Field Day
The Lacombe Research Station was founded in 1907 as an initiative of the Lacombe Board of Trade. At the time, scientific research focused primarily on crops and livestock. This research was shared to the public through bulletins, letters, annual reports, farmers’ meetings, and talks at field days.
Nanton Street at Night
This mural offers a unique look at Nanton Street in the 1930s. It shows the street looking north, illuminated by the electric street lamps. Street lamps began to gain popularity in Lacombe when motor vehicles became popular and a few were installed on important roads in town, such as Barnett Avenue. Between 1930 and 1955, Calgary Power improved and extended electric power and more street lamps could be installed. By 1955 there were 275 street lamps in Lacombe.
Nanton Street Looking North
Nanton Street was a popular street for parades. This mural features a view of the street looking north. The crowds were painted into the mural, but unfortunately, the marching band was not included.
Laird Motors
In 1919, Bill Tees constructed the Tees Block to house his garage and sales service. He was in competition with Empire Garage and Morrison & Johnson Hardware, who had the official Ford service station for the Lacombe District. Tees eventually sold his garage to Hal Laird, who opened Laird Motors. The garage and sales service also featured gas pumps and a tow truck. There was a fire inside the garage and the whole interior was destroyed. Thankfully, the brick exterior was undamaged. Later on, Laird Motors was sold and renamed McTaggart Motors. Today, it operates under the name Weidner Motors but the Tees Block has since been torn down.
Ladder Team
This mural depicts the Lacombe Ladder Team practicing for competitions. The Ladder Team competed against various other teams in Central Alberta in games, with the goal of having their climber reach the top of a freestanding ladder the quickest. This mural depicts members of the volunteer fire department, circa 1908. Frank Montgomery is the climber. The ladder is been held by Lloyd Standish and Jim Frizzell in the back and David Hay and E. V. McLeod in the front.
A few images to share as I made my way back towards home base.
A video tribute of my ride to historic Lacombe.
I’ve been looking forward to making a return trip to Lacombe, AB since I last visited this charming town back in April. It was an impressive mural on one of the town’s buildings that first captured my attention so much that I felt the need to see more artwork most of which is discreetly tucked away in the downtown’s alleyways. It all started when the mural project committee hired Tim Giles back in 2004 to begin the work of creating historical scenes on the backs of buildings of several local businesses.
I’ve never really been an early riser and yesterday morning was no exception as I didn’t leave the house until 9:30am. Weather was splendid as usual and a cool breeze was a welcome start to my non-PAS ride. I could have opted to ride my analog but the Creo is a more comfortable ride with its beefier gravel tires and cushy Future Shock. Minimal elevation gain would make for an easy ride out and back.
How cute is that? A couple of youngsters greeted me along the paved path as I made my way towards the Trans Canada Trail. The TCT is paved bikeway that winds through farmland and forests, past the town of Blackfalds and eventually leads one to Lacombe.
Mainstreet Lacombe and the oldest flatiron building in Western Canada.
The Denike Building – Constructed in 1913 it remains essentially unaltered over the years. It’s home now to an interior designing firm. I spotted an ice cream shop right next door so I couldn’t help but indulge myself.
The Michener Home – Built in 1894, it is the oldest residential building in town. Now home to the Lacombe Museum and Archives it was the birthplace of the late Roland Michener, former governor general of Canada.
Built in 1902, the Lacombe blacksmith shop is currently the oldest in operation in Alberta on its original site. The Lacombe District Historical Society purchased the building back in 1991 and work began on its restoration.
Once I started the self guided mural tour, it was relatively easy to follow the route but I must admit that I missed several of the 30 + works and found a few that I could not identify on the list. With so many murals to view, I’ve only included a few from the collection.
Campbell Block Fire
The Campbell Block (Nowco Home Hardware) is one of Lacombe’s finest examples of 1920s commercial architecture. Originally built in 1896 as a small, wooden store, the Leading Store was resurfaced in brick in 1920 under the ownership of A. M. Campbell. The building housed the Leading Store on the main floor and had tenant housing on the second floor. In 1940, a fire started inside the building and gutted the whole interior. The original wooden structure was destroyed; however, as the building had been covered in brick, it survived the fire. The Burris Pumper truck, Lacombe’s first firetruck, arrived on scene and the volunteer fire department was able to put out the flames.
Doris Ballintine
Doris Ballintine was a local resident in Lacombe. She is seen here up at the Research Station and has tied her dogs to her wagon similarly to how one would harness horses to a cart.
H.A. Day General Merchant
Herbert Alfred Day arrived in Lacombe in 1896 and was a very prominent businessman. His general Merchant Store sold all the necessities of a small town, form dry goods to clothing to tobacco. In 1903, Day rebuilt his store with brick. The Day Block was the very first masonry building in Lacombe. On the ground level many different stores conducted business while the second level was home to the Day Opera House. The Day Block is currently home to the Lucky Palace Chinese restaurant.
Field Day
The Lacombe Research Station was founded in 1907 as an initiative of the Lacombe Board of Trade. At the time, scientific research focused primarily on crops and livestock. This research was shared to the public through bulletins, letters, annual reports, farmers’ meetings, and talks at field days.
Nanton Street at Night
This mural offers a unique look at Nanton Street in the 1930s. It shows the street looking north, illuminated by the electric street lamps. Street lamps began to gain popularity in Lacombe when motor vehicles became popular and a few were installed on important roads in town, such as Barnett Avenue. Between 1930 and 1955, Calgary Power improved and extended electric power and more street lamps could be installed. By 1955 there were 275 street lamps in Lacombe.
Nanton Street Looking North
Nanton Street was a popular street for parades. This mural features a view of the street looking north. The crowds were painted into the mural, but unfortunately, the marching band was not included.
Laird Motors
In 1919, Bill Tees constructed the Tees Block to house his garage and sales service. He was in competition with Empire Garage and Morrison & Johnson Hardware, who had the official Ford service station for the Lacombe District. Tees eventually sold his garage to Hal Laird, who opened Laird Motors. The garage and sales service also featured gas pumps and a tow truck. There was a fire inside the garage and the whole interior was destroyed. Thankfully, the brick exterior was undamaged. Later on, Laird Motors was sold and renamed McTaggart Motors. Today, it operates under the name Weidner Motors but the Tees Block has since been torn down.
Ladder Team
This mural depicts the Lacombe Ladder Team practicing for competitions. The Ladder Team competed against various other teams in Central Alberta in games, with the goal of having their climber reach the top of a freestanding ladder the quickest. This mural depicts members of the volunteer fire department, circa 1908. Frank Montgomery is the climber. The ladder is been held by Lloyd Standish and Jim Frizzell in the back and David Hay and E. V. McLeod in the front.
A few images to share as I made my way back towards home base.
A video tribute of my ride to historic Lacombe.
Last edited:
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
You saw my nautical theme post and raised me a historic post!
Nicely done sir... well played!
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
all fixed just removed the sound.
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