Author Archives: Chris Desmond

Italy, Syracuse, 06 – 07 July 2017

Posted on Saturday, 8-July-2017 by Chris Desmond

Messina to Syracuse was a series of tunnels along the coast. I stopped at Taormina located on a mountain with great views, very pretty and packed with tourists. Next I planned to ride as far up Mount Etna as I … Continue reading →

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Italy, Messina, 04 – 05 July 2017

Posted on Thursday, 6-July-2017 by Chris Desmond

Sannicola to Messina – longest ride so far 520 km in 6.5 hrs and it included a ferry crossing from the mainland to Sicily (land of the Godfather). A large part along the coastline which is hard to escape in … Continue reading →

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Italy, Trulli, Gallipoli, Leuca, 01 – 03 July 2017

Posted on Monday, 3-July-2017 by Chris Desmond

All set to go from Matera and my battery was dead, anyway I got a push start and carried on. Did not have any further problems with the battery so figured that I must have turned the ignition key one … Continue reading →

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Italy, Matera, 28 – 30 June 2017

Posted on Saturday, 1-July-2017 by Chris Desmond

The ride from Naples to Matera was very nice. Once I turned off the coast road traffic disappeared, winding roads through hills and rolling countryside with farmland, perfect if a little warm 35c hahaha but I was only wearing a … Continue reading →

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Italy, Capri, 27 June 2107

Posted on Wednesday, 28-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

Capri, a resort island in the Gulf of Naples, visited by millions of day trippers. Famous for the Blue Grotto and the song “Isle of Capri” by Gracie Fields in 1934 followed by countless others. I took a train to … Continue reading →

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Italy, Pompeii, 26 June 2017

Posted on Tuesday, 27-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

Pompeii – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, quite a remarkable place. The effort involved in excavating an area this large must have been immense. There are two train stations that will get you into the site, … Continue reading →

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Italy, Naples, 23 – 25 June 2017

Posted on Monday, 26-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

Rome to Naples on the Autostrada 230 km, cost 16.50 euro in tolls. Temperature 36c and humid, I was glad when it ended and I could get out of my riding gear. As I had time I rode as far … Continue reading →

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Italy, Rome, 20 – 22 June 2017

Posted on Thursday, 22-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel – Huge and crowded, reminded me of the Louvre in Paris. Roman Forum ruins and Altar of the Fatherland  

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Italy, Rome, 16 – 19 June 2017

Posted on Monday, 19-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

Rome – capital of Italy and once capital of the world, its history spans 2,500 years, population 4.3 million. Lots of things to see and do and therefore lots of tourists. Interesting ride to Rome via the B roads, took … Continue reading →

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Italy, Florence, 13 – 15 June 2017

Posted on Friday, 16-June-2017 by Chris Desmond

On the way to Florence from La Spezia I stopped at Pisa to look at the Leaning Tower. The road follows the coast at first before turning inland to Pisa. There are hundreds of hotels and resorts along this stretch … Continue reading →

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