Monday, September 17, 2012
Leaving Alessandria back to Milan
Asti to Casale Monferrato and back to Alessandria
Today we got up and were greeted by a few rain drops and much cooler weather. Our new friend Lindsay the Australian has been a steady companion on our bike rides. Between him and Tim navigating we have avoided getting lost on the roads which I am much grateful for since each ride is pretty intense with lots of hills. Today was no exception, and our trek took us from Asti to Casale and while the grade was not as steep it definitely had its series of hills throughout the entire course. For me, my legs were extremely tired and it was by far the toughest day of riding but once again the villages, architecture and people were amazing. The ride took us through rolling hills, vineyards and evergreen woods.
Asti is know for its medieval architecture heritage of the region, it has many towers, houses, forts, churches, palaces and domus.
Casale was once the center of the Roman municipium and the largest town in the district.
Arriving into Casale was a blessing as we were all tired and a nice shower, some food and rest was appreciated by all. We had a lovely dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and celebrated my 55 birthday complete with creme boule and candle while Tim and Lindsay sang Happy Birthday to me.
Today was our last day of riding and we left Casale and headed back to Alessandria where we started our trek from. Today was also the first real rain we had encountered the church bells rang out as the people celebrated the rain. This did not effect us as by the time we got on the rode the rain had stopped but the drop in the temperature was much welcomed. The ride was relatively flat and easy going through a lot of agricultural and tree farming countryside. However many of the back roads were gravel and dirt which made the ride a bit bumpy but the Orange Beast (bike) kept us upright and we managed to get through the most interesting and challenging terrains. With the back roads came opportunities to see wild life that one may not have the opportunity to see traveling by car such as pheasants in the fields we passed by.
Upon arrival to the city Alessandria we celebrated in style with Italian wine, cheese and salami. We bid farewell to the Swiss ( who got lost almost everyday) and to Lindsay. But I have a feeling that Tim and Linday will be in contact via the internet in short time.
September 1, 2012
Today we head by train back Milano.
Two days in Asti
August 29, 2012
Today was a free day and we could ride bikes or take the train to Torino We chose Torina and grateful for it. The train ride was about 1 hour long and we were greeted by incredible Italian Architecture. Turino is on the Po River and is approximately in the center of the Piedmonte/Valle d' Aosta. This town is the center of Northwest Italy's major industrial, cultural, intellectual, and administrative activities.
We tried to go see the Holy Shroud that is believed by many devout Catholics to be the cloth that Christs body was wrapped in when taken down from the cloth. Of course they have an imitation for viewing but the church as closed when we arrived. We did get to see the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) which is touted to be the best museum in Torino and one of the best collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world. It was truly amazing but was surprised at the different standards that other countries are held in keeping relics such as this safe as compared to the United States.
The day was spent viewing buildings, shopping and just enjoying the people. We arrived at 9:00 am in the morning and left close to 9:00 pm that night. Our feet were very tired and
Today was a free day and we could ride bikes or take the train to Torino We chose Torina and grateful for it. The train ride was about 1 hour long and we were greeted by incredible Italian Architecture. Turino is on the Po River and is approximately in the center of the Piedmonte/Valle d' Aosta. This town is the center of Northwest Italy's major industrial, cultural, intellectual, and administrative activities.
We tried to go see the Holy Shroud that is believed by many devout Catholics to be the cloth that Christs body was wrapped in when taken down from the cloth. Of course they have an imitation for viewing but the church as closed when we arrived. We did get to see the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) which is touted to be the best museum in Torino and one of the best collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world. It was truly amazing but was surprised at the different standards that other countries are held in keeping relics such as this safe as compared to the United States.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Alba to Asti
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
We rode from Alba to Asti today, approximately 35.2 km and by far the easiest riding day of our trip which by now we were grateful for. Alba is know for its fine cuisine, candies and good wine. Many of the streets in all of the towns we have visited so far are called Via Cavour, in this case the street has much historic medieval looking architecture.
One of the towns we rode through was called Gavone and has a famous 17th century castle. The town itself dates back to the Middle Ages, the castle was magnificent and so were the views.
We stayed at the Hotel Lis who were very gracious with presenting each rider with a bottle of wine, of course ours was consumed that night.
Buena Notte
Tim & Elaine
We rode from Alba to Asti today, approximately 35.2 km and by far the easiest riding day of our trip which by now we were grateful for. Alba is know for its fine cuisine, candies and good wine. Many of the streets in all of the towns we have visited so far are called Via Cavour, in this case the street has much historic medieval looking architecture.
One of the towns we rode through was called Gavone and has a famous 17th century castle. The town itself dates back to the Middle Ages, the castle was magnificent and so were the views.
We stayed at the Hotel Lis who were very gracious with presenting each rider with a bottle of wine, of course ours was consumed that night.
Buena Notte
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Acqui Terma to Alba
August 26, 2012
Ciao,
Day two of bike ride. Tim has found a friend and an alliance with the Australian. They both quickly learned that navigating uncharted territories in a common language can be of great benefit. I am grateful that all I have to do is pedal and follow. The Swiss are on there own, partly because they do not speak any English, have made some obvious navigation errors and they are not very friendly.
Temperatures in the 90's, hills 90% of the way with 10-20% grade. I have to admit that at one point everyone got off to walk their bikes with the exception of Tim. Go Tim! He even impressed the Australian not only with his hill work but with his navigation skills. Go figure!
Our map has taken us into some crazy places with road signs that are in a language that we can not even pronounce. Today, hills, hills, and more hills, Italian countryside, vineyards, villas, churches, crematoriums, sacrament stations and friendly and helpful Italians.
After our ride, we went to go visit the Frunotto Winery where Tim was able to talk wine with the Wine PR person. We not only toured the winery which was beautiful but she opened 5 bottles of great Italian wine. I learned that the crop of 2012 may not yield the best wine due to the drought and lack of sugar content in the grapes. It will be interesting to see how the vintage will turn out after this year.
Love to all,
Tim & Elaine
Ciao,
Day two of bike ride. Tim has found a friend and an alliance with the Australian. They both quickly learned that navigating uncharted territories in a common language can be of great benefit. I am grateful that all I have to do is pedal and follow. The Swiss are on there own, partly because they do not speak any English, have made some obvious navigation errors and they are not very friendly.
Temperatures in the 90's, hills 90% of the way with 10-20% grade. I have to admit that at one point everyone got off to walk their bikes with the exception of Tim. Go Tim! He even impressed the Australian not only with his hill work but with his navigation skills. Go figure!
Our map has taken us into some crazy places with road signs that are in a language that we can not even pronounce. Today, hills, hills, and more hills, Italian countryside, vineyards, villas, churches, crematoriums, sacrament stations and friendly and helpful Italians.
Love to all,
Tim & Elaine
Alessandria to Acqui Terma
Buono Sera, Amico's e Famiglia,
Today was our first day of riding and our bike tour (Girolivero) company met us at our Hotel. The young cute Italian man named Guido met us and showed us our bikes. They are a cross bike, bright orange, heavy but get the jobs done. It turns out that we have company, two Swiss that only speak German & French, (husband and wife) and a retired firefighter from Australia. We feel like we are on the show "The Great Race", will the Americans, The Aussie or the Swiss get to the end first? It is very cute but as it turns out no one is in a race but just enjoying the scenery.
We rode through the countryside between Alessandria and Acqui Terme, this covered terrain ranging from flat open farm land to miles of wine country. Northern Italy is going through a terrible drought right now and the crops such as corn have been devastated, similar to what the US is experiencing in the Midwest.
Leaving the town of Monvaruzzo we rode into the valley where we started our major ascent towards Maranzana & Ricaldone. For the first day we did not expect to have such steep grades but were rewarded with magnificent views once we got to the top of the hills. The grades were easily 10-12% for a majority of the back half of the ride with 90 degree temperatures.
The views, the people, the food and yes the wine has all been magnificent. There are many villages that cover the Italian countryside mostly set at the top of the hill with a very prominent church at the top and center of the town.
Ciao,
Tim & Elaine
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Alessandria It
"Walking Through History"
August 24, 2012-Saturday
Today greeted us with some much needed sleep in the morning and then off to see what we could see and experience in the town of Alessandria. Our tour of the City started with the architecture of the Medieval Period and we saw The Church of St. Mary of the Castle and then on to the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century all the way to the Nineteenth Century. This very kind Italian women saw that we were looking at churches and gave us an incredible history lesson as she walked us through the Via's (streets) and showed us two beautiful (bela) churches, The Church of the Blessed Virgin of Monserat and The Church of the St. Alexander and St Charles. The challenge was she did not speak English well and we did not Speak Italiano but with hand gesturing and a translation book we were able to communicate reasonable well. In Italy the shops do not open until 4:00 pm and promptly close at 6:30 PM and only the bars with drinks (vino) and appetizers are open. The restaurants do not open until 8:00 pm and we needed food so tonight we ate at a bar with appetizers and had some great conversation with lots of hand gesturing with some Italian businessmen that were sitting next to us. Everyone has been very kind and accepting of us as we are obviously American Tourists on Holiday. We learned a new term for toasting "Chi Chi".
Buena Notte,
Elaine & Tim
August 24, 2012-Saturday
Today greeted us with some much needed sleep in the morning and then off to see what we could see and experience in the town of Alessandria. Our tour of the City started with the architecture of the Medieval Period and we saw The Church of St. Mary of the Castle and then on to the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century all the way to the Nineteenth Century. This very kind Italian women saw that we were looking at churches and gave us an incredible history lesson as she walked us through the Via's (streets) and showed us two beautiful (bela) churches, The Church of the Blessed Virgin of Monserat and The Church of the St. Alexander and St Charles. The challenge was she did not speak English well and we did not Speak Italiano but with hand gesturing and a translation book we were able to communicate reasonable well. In Italy the shops do not open until 4:00 pm and promptly close at 6:30 PM and only the bars with drinks (vino) and appetizers are open. The restaurants do not open until 8:00 pm and we needed food so tonight we ate at a bar with appetizers and had some great conversation with lots of hand gesturing with some Italian businessmen that were sitting next to us. Everyone has been very kind and accepting of us as we are obviously American Tourists on Holiday. We learned a new term for toasting "Chi Chi".
Buena Notte,
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