19. Grosio to ComoJun 18, 2011
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Our delightful hotel in Grosio. The meal here was really delicious. I...
The team all (or most) ready to roll for the final leg...
The lunch truck driven by Richard our wizard bicycle mechanic.
| Day 35 Grosio to Como Today is it. Yes it is my 61st birthday and also the last day of the 'La Bella Italia' trip. We have 145 km ahead of us and a ferry trip across lake Como. After a pleasant stay at the hotel in Grosio we are all set to ride to Varenna on the shore of Lake Como where we will catch the ferry to Bellagio and then ride in a convoy down to Como for celebratory champagne in a park. At least that is the plan! All goes well to start with. After 8 km on the road we stop for a coffee and then pick up a bicycle route which avoids the main roads. Sometimes we ride on a 'cycle only' track and at others we share with cars but only a few.This track takes us more than 40 km but not without drama. On one section we miss the sign and continue on what, at first, appears to be the track but it changes from asphalt to gravel to muddy track. Obviously not correct. Our lead rider continues and eventually gets us back on track. Just before lunch we get back on the main road for about 5 km. After lunch we rejoin the cycle way which takes us to within 13 km of Varenna and the ferry. It is really relaxing riding on tracks where we only have to worry about other cyclists and pedestrians. As we approach the ferry port, I am leading a small group at about 25kmh and we can see clouds and rain ahead. I lift the pace a notch hoping to get to the ferry before it rains but without success. 8 km from the ferry the rain hammers down. There is no point seeking shelter, we just don waterproof jackets and continue as we have a ferry to catch. The rain continue solidly until Varenna and we hide in a coffee shop for half an hour until the ferry arrives. Eventually we board only to find that the luggage truck won't start and has to be pushed on board. The trip, which should have given great views of the lake, is shrouded in rain until the last 5 minutes. On disembarking the luggage truck is towed off by the lunch truck but still doesn't want to start. Wilbert, the boss, decides that we won't ride in convoy and tells us to make our way to the hotel while they sort out the truck. I lead a small group of 5 most of the way to Como and we arrive at 5:30pm. This is our latest finish. On arrival we are greeted with nibbles, champagne and the news that the luggage truck won't be in till 7:30. This puts off the celebratory dinner until 8:30. We get to our rooms, I share with two Davids, but there isn't much point in showering because we have no dry clothes yet. By 7:30 it is clear that the luggage is delayed and dinner is put off first till 9:00 and then till 9:30. The luggage truck arrives just before 8:30 but has to be unloaded and then we need to take our bags, some to the sixth floor, me to the fifth in a very small lift. We meet at 9:30 in the foyer and walk around to a Mexican Pizza restaurant . By the time we get there it is 10:00pm, way past my bedtime. The less said about the meal the better. Except to say that this is the first, and I hope only, time that I ever have a pizza which is 50cm long and 25 cm wide. I wish I had brought my camera. After the forgettable food we have some farewell speeches and I am presented with my desert and three candles. Happy Birthday is sung with great gusto. At about midnight I head back to the hotel and try to Skype Maree without success. I fall asleep with a rumbling tummy and fear what tomorrow may bring. |
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