About steo1971
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- Michele1959September 6, 2025
Are you writing a travel guide for someone you know who lives abroad?
Translated by Google •
steo1971 went cycling.
September 17, 2025
01:28
33.4km
22.6km/h
690m
690m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 13, 2025
This morning I left Vercelli, a quiet departure compared to the busy entries of other cities. The countryside was still fresh, the roads almost empty, and soon I reached Crova, where I met my friend Stefano. Riding together after so many solo days felt special, we hadn’t seen each other since October 2024, and suddenly here we were, sharing the last stretch of my long journey. We followed the Canale Cavour, a long, straight ribbon of water running through the plains. Komoot marks it as a bike path, but it looked more like a service road requiring permission. In any case, it was perfectly rideable. Sometimes stony, sometimes smooth and fast, always accompanied by the sight of birds flying up from the water just in front of us. It was peaceful, rural, a different rhythm compared to the busy provincial roads of previous days. Later my brother joined us at Verolengo, and the three of us stopped for lunch together. Sharing a meal before the final push felt symbolic, family and friendship by my side as I closed in on my destination. From there, we picked up the EuroVelo 8, which was rough in places but eventually delivered us to the gates of Torino. The approach to the city couldn’t have been better: one green park after another. First Parco dell’Arrivore, then the meeting of the Stura and the Po in the Parco della Confluenza, followed by the leafy trails of Parco Colletta. From there we rode along the Dora, until finally the path led us into the Giardini Reali, a fitting royal entrance to my hometown. And then suddenly, we were there: Piazza Castello. The square was buzzing with life. Tourists, locals, families, and in the middle of it all, the preparations for the ATP Finals in November, with small tennis courts set up for events. We took photos, laughed, and simply enjoyed the moment. The goal was reached: after two weeks, more than 1’300 km and countless climbs, I had arrived in Torino. But the day wasn’t done. We rolled down via Po for a well-earned gelato, took a view of the Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of Torino, and then settled into Piazza Vittorio for an aperitivo, where Stefano’s wife Lisa joined us. Sitting there, with friends and the city of Torino around me, I felt the weight of the past 14 days lift into satisfaction. Later, I rode across the city, through its endless traffic lights and busy streets, to reach my brother’s home, where I will spend the night. Tomorrow I will reunite with my family before heading back to Switzerland in the evening. The “Giro Sabbatico 2025” has ended, but its memories will keep pedaling with me for a long time. Cumulative total: 1’327 km | 9’920 m
05:08
90.5km
17.6km/h
270m
170m
steo1971 went cycling.
September 12, 2025
Leaving Bergamo Alta this morning was quick, but once I dropped into the lower city, I hit the morning rush: school traffic, buses, and endless cars. Navigating out of Bergamo wasn’t easy, but eventually I escaped into quieter roads. In just over an hour I reached Monza. My route passed alongside the enormous Parco di Monza, so I decided to ride inside. The park is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe and home to the Villa Reale, an elegant 18th-century palace. Riding under its wide avenues of trees, I stopped for photos and enjoyed a relaxed second breakfast before continuing. From there, Monza melted straight into Milan’s sprawling hinterland. I avoided the city center, but the traffic in the suburbs was heavy. At one point I lost the right road and almost ended up on the autostrada, a cyclist’s nightmare. After a short backtrack, I got back on track and finally escaped Milan’s influence. To my surprise, the bike paths around Monza and Milan were in better shape than expected, more continuous and practical than in other cities. Still, I rode long stretches on busy provincial roads, cutting through villages one after another. As I got closer to Vercelli, the landscape opened into endless rice fields, for which this region is famous. Golden paddies stretched to the horizon, dotted with irrigation canals. It’s a landscape that has shaped the area’s economy and history for centuries, once worked by the "mondine", the women who planted and harvested rice by hand. I found myself on a perfect secondary road through the fields: smooth asphalt, no traffic, just me and the vast panorama. One of the day’s highlights. Not everything was idyllic though, the rice fields bring mosquitoes, and they’re vicious even in daylight. During a short lunch stop, I was practically eaten alive, so tonight the repellent will be my best friend. Arriving in Vercelli at 17 was a relief. Compared to the chaotic entries into other big cities, this one felt easy and pleasant, with some helpful bike lanes and lighter traffic. After settling in, I already visited a few highlights: the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, Piazza Cavour with the statue of Cavour, and some of the main shopping streets. The city feels lively yet accessible, with a mix of medieval and modern character. It was a long but rewarding day: 133 km, 390 m ascent. My legs are beginning to feel the accumulated fatigue, fine on the flats, heavier on the climbs, but with over 1'000 km already behind me, I can say the tour has gone very well so far. Tomorrow will be different: my friend Stefano will join me for the last 70 km into Torino. He always chooses quiet, scenic routes at a relaxed pace, with a proper lunch stop, more of a cyclotourism day than the endurance rhythm I’ve had until now. Cumulative total: 1'236 km | 9'650 m ascent
05:54
133km
22.6km/h
390m
630m
steo1971 went cycling.
September 11, 2025
Leaving Verona this morning wasn’t quick: big city traffic, endless lights, bike paths that start and stop, and cars everywhere. By the time I finally escaped the city, it already felt like the first challenge of the day was behind me. My goal was Bergamo, a long ride away, and I knew it would be a full day in the saddle. The route felt like drawing two straight lines across northern Italy: Verona → Brescia, then Brescia → Bergamo. Long, flat stretches, plenty of traffic, and only small villages breaking up the monotony. To keep myself entertained, I switched on the audiobook I had started a few days ago, which became my steady companion on these endless roads. The first real highlight came at Lake Garda. Passing through Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano, the atmosphere changed completely: sunshine, holiday vibes, tourists everywhere, cyclists all along the lake. The bike paths were excellent, well kept, and the view of the water framed by mountains was spectacular. I stopped in Desenzano for a “second breakfast” with my sandwiches, followed by a proper coffee at a bar. From there, a straight road led me into Brescia. I hadn’t expected much, but the city surprised me. I explored the monuments around Piazza della Loggia, the Duomo Vecchio and Duomo Nuovo, the Roman Capitolium and theater, and then climbed up to the Castello di Brescia for a panoramic view before rolling back down to the center. A pleasant surprise and definitely worth the stop. After Brescia came the second straight stretch toward Bergamo. More villages, more traffic, and plenty of pauses to eat the sandwiches I had prepared in the morning. One thing I’ve noticed across Italy: road signs for distances are wildly inconsistent. Today Bergamo was at 35 km, then suddenly 26, then 32, then 20. A strange, amusing pattern I keep running into. Somewhere along this stretch, my odometer quietly ticked past 1'000 km since leaving Buchs. A big psychological milestone, proof that the journey is really unfolding, kilometer after kilometer. As I approached Bergamo, the traffic grew denser. I arrived right at rush hour, between 17:30 and 18:00. Long queues of cars at traffic lights, scooters weaving between lanes, and eventually I followed their example, slipping between cars myself to keep moving. Not exactly relaxing, but it worked. Finally, I reached Bergamo Alta. The last push was another 100 meters of climbing into the historic upper city, where my apartment is located. The place is beautiful and well kept, a perfect base. Tonight I’ll explore the medieval streets, Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colleoni Chapel, and the Venetian walls that surround the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was a long, demanding day: 130 km, 800 m ascent, 6h15 on the bike. My legs are tired, but I’m happy. Today I connected three great Italian cities, and crossing the 1'000 km mark made it even more special. Tomorrow, the plan is to keep drawing straight lines across the map: from Bergamo to Vercelli, passing Monza, Milano, and many smaller towns along the way. Another 130 km, but with less climbing, so it should be a little easier. Cumulative total: 1'103 km | 9'260 m ascent
06:15
130km
20.8km/h
800m
510m
steo1971 went cycling.
September 10, 2025
This morning I decided to stick to my original plan and pass through Vicenza before reaching Verona. The forecast showed only light rain early, so I thought: why not? After a relaxed breakfast and a slow start, I left Padova around 10:00 under grey skies, wearing my “motivational glasses” with yellow lenses. They’re perfect on days like this, they make everything look sunnier and give me extra energy even when the weather is dull. The ride was 87 km with just 230 meters of ascent, practically flat. From Padova to Vicenza, I pedaled under a constant drizzle, accompanied by my son Francesco’s Kanye West playlist blasting through the speakers built into my helmet. I know only a couple of songs, but the rhythm kept me going, turning a wet slog into something almost inspiring. It wasn’t too bad, but with puddles, narrow roads under construction, and cars spraying water, it wasn’t exactly fun either. Bike paths appeared occasionally, but they were short, broken, or full of holes, so I stayed on the main road. Riding in traffic requires full concentration: buses, trucks, cars cutting across. At one point, I even found myself squeezed between two trucks turning in opposite directions. It’s mentally tiring, but in its own way I find it challenging and even fun, like descending rocky trails on a mountain bike, except here the rocks are potholes and cars 😄 Arriving in Vicenza, the rain grew heavier. I still managed to see the highlights: the elegant Piazza dei Signori with the Basilica Palladiana by Andrea Palladio, the Torre Bissara, Corso Palladio with its shops, and the Teatro Olimpico from outside. But soon I had to retreat under the porticos, where I found a bar and spent two hours waiting out the storm, warming up and having lunch. By mid-afternoon, forecasts showed the rain moving east. So I put on my proper rain jacket and set off again, shoes quickly soaked but legs were warm enough. An hour before Verona, the skies cleared, the rain stopped, and even the sun came out. Truly "dopo la tempesta, esce sempre il sole". I arrived in Verona with wet feet but a positive mood. My apartment is right by the Arena di Verona, majestic and imposing. After settling in, I walked two hours around the city: the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza Brà, Corso Porta Borsari, Ponte Pietra, the Roman Theater, and finally the funicular up to Castel San Pietro for an incredible view over the rooftops. The only thing I skipped was Juliet’s balcony, the line was endless. Maybe I’ll sneak there tonight or early tomorrow morning. Verona is beautiful, well kept, and very lively. The main streets are packed with tourists, shops, and bars serving aperitivi, but it doesn’t lose its charm. After a tough, wet day, finishing with sunshine and this city felt like a reward. Tomorrow the plan is a long ride to Bergamo, around 130 km. The weather, however, is unstable with warnings for heavy rain in several regions. Today I was lucky to slip between two storm fronts, let’s see if my luck holds for another day. Cumulative total: 973 km | 8'470 m ascent
03:45
87.3km
23.3km/h
230m
200m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 9, 2025
The alarm rang at 5:00 this morning so I could prepare sandwiches and get ready for the ferry to Venice. Boarding began at 6:00, and by 6:30 I was in line with many others, bikes included. At 7:00 sharp, the catamaran left Pula, and after about four hours we arrived in Venice. The trip itself was unusual. The crew gave a detailed introduction to Venice, its history, why the city was built in the lagoon, and what makes it unique. They spoke in three languages (English, German, and Croatian) and filled much of the journey with stories and information, since many passengers were on day trips that included gondola rides or guided tours. I, on the other hand, was mostly trying to catch up on sleep after the early start. Arriving in Venice at Piazzale Roma, I discovered a special bicycle parking facility: huge boxes where bikes can be stored securely, bags and all. It was perfect. I changed into normal shoes and clothes, left my bike, and spent three hours exploring Venice on foot. The city is breathtaking. Every corner feels like a picture. Of course, Piazza San Marco was crowded, as expected, but wandering through quieter alleys and crossing countless bridges was magical. To get back, I took a vaporetto along the Canal Grande, enjoying the city from the water before collecting my bike. Then it was time to ride toward Padova. The 45 kilometers were flat (70 meters of ascent), and part of the route followed the Brenta River. That brought back a very old memory: when I was 15, on a school trip to Venice, our English teacher had the “brilliant” idea to descend the whole Brenta by boat. Four endless hours trapped inside, with no bathroom, stopping at every lock to change water levels — it was torture for us students. Today, seeing those same boats made me laugh, remembering what a nightmare it had been 40 years ago. The weather cooperated: a short shower in Venice, but otherwise cloudy skies that kept the heat away. Riding was smooth, and in just two hours I reached Padova. My apartment turned out to be modern, spacious, and very well equipped, bigger than anything so far. After the usual shower and laundry, I went out to explore. Padova immediately impressed me: a lively university city full of young people and history. I walked past Palazzo Bo (the university’s historic building), the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, and Piazza dei Signori, then visited the Duomo and Battistero. Finally, I reached the vast Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares, and the magnificent Basilica of Sant’Antonio. The day ended with an incredible coincidence. My good friend Gianluca from Bern was here with his daughter Gaia, who will soon start studying in Padova. The three of us, all from Switzerland, met by chance tonight and had dinner together, an unexpected but wonderful way to close the day. One final note: yesterday, while riding in Croatia, a bug hit me just above my right eye and stung me. Today the swelling is still visible, not painful, but a small reminder of life on the road. Tomorrow’s plan is to ride toward Verona, possibly via Vicenza, depending on the weather. Rain is forecast, so I’ll decide in the morning how far to go. Cumulative total: 886 km | 8'240 m ascent
02:02
44.9km
22.1km/h
70m
50m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 8, 2025
The first part of my tour is now complete: today I reached Pula after riding 79 kilometers and climbing 850 meters. It didn’t feel difficult at all. After nine days on the road, my legs feel strong, and daily rides of 80–100 kilometers with 800–1'000 meters of climbing have become routine. The next stage of the journey, from Venice into northern Italy, will be flatter, so I will probably have longer distances. I left Poreč under a hot morning sun, but as the hours passed, clouds rolled in and softened the heat, giving me perfect riding weather. The first 20–25 kilometers followed the coast, just as beautiful as yesterday. The bike paths hugged the shoreline, passing small harbors, rocky beaches, and groves of maritime pines that shade bathers and picnic spots. Bars and beach cafés dotted the way, and cyclists were everywhere, though these shared paths often meant slowing down for pedestrians. One of the day’s highlights was Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns on the Adriatic. Its colorful houses tumble down to the sea, and above them all rises the Church of St. Euphemia on a hill. I couldn’t reach the church with my bike, too many stairs, and I never leave my loaded bike unattended, but I explored the steep cobbled streets, so polished and smooth they felt slippery under the tires. The harbor was buzzing with life, a mix of boats, cafés, and tourists. From there I alternated between bike paths and roads. The seaside paths were wonderful, but inland stretches sometimes turned into rough gravel with big stones, full of holes and bumps. With my panniers rattling, I worried about breaking a hinge or damaging the rear wheel under the load. Several times I tried detours to find asphalt, but often ended up back on gravel. Riders with e-mountain bikes seemed to enjoy it; for me, it was a constant test of trust in the bike. Fortunately, everything held together. By the afternoon, I rolled into Pula, a larger, lively city with a fascinating mix of Roman history and modern industry. My apartment, conveniently next to the Roman amphitheater, was the perfect base. The Pula Arena, dating from the 1st century AD, is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. While Verona’s arena is larger, Pula’s is remarkable for its completeness, with all four side towers still standing, a rarity among Roman structures. Around the city I also found Roman gates, temples, and the old Forum, reminders of Pula’s importance in antiquity. Beyond the ruins, the port is striking too. Pula has a shipbuilding tradition, and the giant cranes of the Uljanik shipyard dominate the harbor. At night they are illuminated in colorful lights: red, green, purple, turning industry into an unexpected spectacle. Tonight I’m enjoying my own small apartment, the cheapest and most practical stay so far, with space for my bike and even a kitchen to prepare breakfast and sandwiches. Physically I feel great: the second saddle is working well, the legs are strong, and the rhythm of the tour is fully there. Tomorrow begins the second part of this journey. The ferry leaves at 7:00, taking me across the Adriatic to Venice. From there, the road to Torino opens up, with Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Bergamo, and Milano waiting along the way. Cumulative total: 841 km | 8'160 m ascent
04:02
79.0km
19.6km/h
850m
830m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 7, 2025
Today was my eighth day on the road, 94 kilometers with 910 meters of climbing. After preparing my own breakfast and even some sandwiches for lunch, I left Trieste around nine. Being Sunday morning, the traffic was light, and although the city has some bike lanes, they often end abruptly, so I rode mostly on the streets until I joined a proper bike path heading west. Without even realizing it, I slipped across the border into Slovenia. There were no controls, no signs, just a smooth transition. Place names now appeared first in Slovenian and then in Italian, the reverse of what I had seen around Trieste. Cars bore Slovenian plates, and suddenly I was in the bilingual landscape of Istria. My first major stop was Koper (Capodistria in Italian), Slovenia’s main port. The approach was striking: endless rows of containers, vast parking lots filled with thousands of new cars, many wrapped in protective plastic. Koper is one of the Adriatic’s busiest cargo ports, a hub where cars and goods from Asia and the Middle East arrive to be distributed across Central Europe. It’s a surreal sight, industry and logistics at a massive scale, and yet just a short ride away lies the pretty old town with narrow streets, cafés, and people swimming right in front of container ships and cranes. The contrast is astonishing. From there, a beautiful bike path traced the coast, smooth and well-kept, full of groups of cyclists, many on e-bikes. Twice I met large groups from Switzerland, adding a touch of familiarity. Instead of following the coastline all the way, I cut inland, climbed a hill, and crossed into Croatia through a quiet border post. Here the vegetation shifted: olive groves lined the slopes, reminding me of Sardinia, before the road dropped back down to the sea. The Croatian side is stunning. Small fishing harbors, rocky beaches, turquoise water, and charming villages kept me stopping for photos. The bike routes are well marked, alternating between quiet roads and seaside paths, always with the Adriatic sparkling nearby. I passed through Novigrad, a lively coastal town full of tourists strolling, cycling, and filling the terraces of bars and restaurants. Later, more small villages appeared, each with its own little harbor and character, until I reached Poreč, where I’m spending the night. Poreč is famous for the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 6th-century mosaics that rank among the best preserved in Europe. The old town is lively and well kept, with narrow stone streets, colorful houses, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Tourism here is big, but the city has managed to stay charming and atmospheric. The weather was excellent for cycling: partly cloudy, not too hot, and even a bit chilly in the morning. The climbs were frequent but gentle, spread throughout the day, so I felt strong and fit despite the distance. Mood is positive. Today felt like a perfect balance: crossing borders, passing from heavy industry to olive groves, and enjoying the beauty of Istria’s coast. Tomorrow will bring me to Pula, the final destination of the first section of this tour. On Tuesday, I’ll board the ferry to Venice to begin the second half of the adventure. Cumulative total: 762 km | 7'320 m ascent
05:10
94.1km
18.2km/h
910m
920m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 6, 2025
Today was meant to be an easy ride, but the Bora winds had other plans. I left Grado expecting a flat stage with only small hills near Trieste, but the headwind slowed me down and cost me almost an hour of extra effort. By the time I reached the city, I had covered 73 kilometers with 240 meters of climbing, not much on paper, but it felt like double against the gusts. The first part of the ride, from Grado to Monfalcone, was a delight. A long, well-kept bike path followed the seashore, with great views and groups of cyclists everywhere, many on e-bikes, touring in packs of 10 or 15. It felt like a popular local highway for bikes. Then came Monfalcone, an industrial but fascinating town because it is the headquarters of Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. This is where many of the giant cruise ships are built, and as I passed the yard, two of them were rising in their skeletal forms, an impressive sight from the road. I tried to follow a bike path there but it ended abruptly, forcing me into a 5-kilometer detour. From Monfalcone to Trieste, the road was busier, with Saturday traffic filling the coast. A small misfortune added to the day: I realized I had left my heart rate monitor in the hotel in Grado. I called, hoping they would find it, but within minutes they told me it was gone, most likely caught up in the towels and lost. A sad moment, since it wasn’t cheap, but I’ll have to rely on my watch for the rest of the trip. Arriving in Trieste was rewarding. My little hotel had no storage for bikes, so I carried mine into my room, practical and safe. After the usual shower and laundry, I headed out to explore. Trieste is a city like no other in Italy. Shaped by its past under the Habsburgs, it has an Austro-Hungarian flavor, with grand cafés, neoclassical buildings, and a cosmopolitan feel. I started at the Canal Grande, a short waterway lined with palaces and reminiscent of Venice, then moved on to Piazza Unità d’Italia, the largest seafront square in Europe, framed by monumental buildings. From there I walked out along the Molo Audace, the long pier that offers sweeping views of the city and the bay. Climbing up the hill, I passed the Roman theater before reaching the Castle of San Giusto, with views stretching across the Adriatic and into Slovenia. And then came the bizarre moment of the day. Near the castle, a group of activists was holding a small gathering about the war in Gaza and the role of Italian industries in producing weapons. Since I was walking around taking pictures of the castle and some Roman ruins while listening to them, they thought I was a cop recording their talks. Several came toward me aggressively and told me to leave. I explained I wasn’t a policeman, just a tourist traveling by bike, but they insisted. Then others joined in: if I was a cop, I had to leave; if I was a tourist, I had to leave too, because, as they shouted, “fuck the cops and fuck the tourists.” I stood my ground, saying it was a public place and I had no reason to leave. Eventually, I told them: “I’ll go if you all go back to your seats.” And that’s exactly what happened: they sat down, and I walked away. I couldn’t help laughing to myself, it would have been even funnier if I had called the real police to explain the situation. It reminded me of the wider protests against mass tourism in cities like Venice, Barcelona, or Dubrovnik, where locals feel overwhelmed by crowds and rising prices. Trieste too is busy, especially on a hot Saturday evening, with cafés and restaurants overflowing, tourists everywhere, and the lively chaos of summer in full swing. Now it’s time for dinner and to prepare for tomorrow. The next two days will take me into Slovenia and then Croatia, following the Istrian coast toward Pula. The route promises plenty of ups and downs, around 800 to 1'000 meters of climbing, plus the ever-present question of the wind. In this region, the Bora can blow with legendary force, but other winds from the sea can be just as tough. Climbs plus wind: a new challenge awaits. Cumulative total: 668 km | 6'400 m ascent
03:20
73.2km
21.9km/h
240m
240m
steo1971 went for a bike ride.
September 5, 2025
Today was one of the most interesting rides of the trip so far, because it was all about connecting special places. I had planned the fastest routes on normal roads instead of bike paths, and in the morning the traffic was light, so riding was smooth. In total I covered 105 kilometers with just 320 meters of ascent, a flat ride but often against a headwind that added some effort. The first stop was Palmanova, a unique town built by the Venetians in 1593 as a star fortress. Seen from above, its nine-pointed walls form a perfect geometric pattern, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance military architecture. Inside, the main square is enormous, and that’s where I had my second breakfast. The city was preparing for a Napoleonic re-enactment happening over the weekend, with soldiers in historic uniforms and simulated battles, the whole fortress will become a stage for history. From there I rode straight to Gorizia and across the border into Nova Gorica, Slovenia. Gorizia is a city long divided between Italy and the former Yugoslavia, and today it shares its life with Nova Gorica, which was built after World War II. I visited Piazza Transalpina, where the border once cut across the square, splitting families and friends; a piece of the wall is still visible today. There’s a marker line on the ground, with Italy on one side and Slovenia on the other, right in front of Nova Gorica’s train station. In 2025, Gorizia and Nova Gorica will together be the European Capital of Culture, a strong symbol of how divided places can grow together again. Back on the Italian side I stopped in Piazza della Libertà for lunch, and then climbed to Gorizia’s castle. From the small hilltop there are views in every direction: Slovenian mountains to the east, the Friulian plain to the west, and the Alps in the distance from where I came. An interesting detail along the road today were the signs of the towns and villages. Near Udine, names are written in both Italian and Friulian, the local language of this region. Closer to Gorizia, signs appear in three languages: Italian, Friulian, and Slovenian, a reflection of the cultural mix along the border. Around Grado the signs go back to two languages, Italian and Friulian, marking the continuity of traditions as the landscape changes. The next destination was Aquileia, once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. Today it is famous for its archaeological sites: the remains of the Roman river port that once connected Aquileia to Grado, ancient warehouses, streets, and mosaics. The basilica is another highlight, with a huge early Christian mosaic floor that has survived nearly 1'700 years. Walking through Aquileia is like stepping into a Roman past still visible above ground. Finally, I continued toward the sea. Grado is like an island, linked to the mainland by long, narrow bridges. Crossing them by bike, with cars rushing by and the water all around, was a special experience. Today Grado is a popular seaside resort, lively and full of holidaymakers, but also rich in history as the old port of Aquileia and later the seat of the Patriarchate. The weather was pure summer: over 30°C, humid, and heavy with sweat, but I felt good. I swapped saddles again, testing the original one to relieve pressure on my knees and arms, though my butt pays the price, it’s still a difficult choice. In the evening, I explored the seaside streets of Grado, buzzing with tourists, bars, and restaurants, the Adriatic air a welcome change after the inland plains. And this evening marks a very special moment: after six days and nearly 600 kilometers since leaving Switzerland, I have reached the sea. The journey that began in the mountains now touches the Adriatic, a milestone that makes the effort of every climb and every kilometer feel worthwhile. Tomorrow will be an easier stage, just 60 kilometers to Trieste. I plan to take it slow, arrive by lunchtime, and then dedicate the rest of the day to exploring the city. Cumulative total: 594 km | 6'160 m ascent
04:48
105km
21.9km/h
320m
440m
Wow – simply fantastic, your trip home 🥳👌🏼 and your descriptions of each stage are perfectly written, as if I were there with you.
Hats off to this achievement 💪🏼🤝🏼 You were on the road for quite a few days.
Great 🙋🏻♂️🍻 Best regards, Erich
Translated by Google •
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