Archives for October 2023

We left Siena to find views that were stunning. World class, breathtakingly so.

We joked that the roads we followed must have been damaged by heavy armoured vehicles during WW2. The real joke being that Archbishop Sigeric might have expected such conditions on some of these white roads.

We also departed against a flow of ultramarathon walkers heading to the finish in the Piazza della Campo. At least 1000 must have been on the walk given the vest numbers I saw worn by some, worn out as many were. I’ve done a 100 km event for charity in 27 hours so I have an idea of the blisters and exhaustion. I’d rather be cycling to Rome in Autumn.

[Read more…] about Day 26: San Quirico d’Orcia

Today we were on a journey of great importance. We’d located The Irishman pub and booked a hotel nearby. We watched Ireland play Scotland in Paris. At stake was a place in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Ireland dispatched Scotland and both of us were delighted. Each of us wondered what explained the presence of the other Irish jerseyed people. They couldn’t all be following Archbishop Sigeric on Our Francigena?

[Read more…] about Day 25: Pilgrimage to Siena

I wore a huge smile as I cycled to see the leaning tower. Just being in Pisa on a warm, clear Autumn day was a privilege. The Arno reflected the cityscape. Wasn’t that Galileo? Hey grandkids, it’s Pisa not pizza.

[Read more…] about Day 24: Pisa to Certaldo

I don’t know what to write about today. Here’s a list, notes to self, that might have helped if only I had the energy to expand them. I’m ready for sleep.

[Read more…] about Day 23: Aulla to Pisa

We’re meeting more pilgrims in this region. Many of those we’ve spoken to have started in Canterbury but are walking sections as their schedules allow. I’m glad I’m cycling because a lot of this pilgrim trail is monotonous and while that does enable deep thought, it’s gruelling on 30 degree days with no shade.

[Read more…] about Day 22: BedeBike

This is an adventure not a science or engineering experiment but I keep on coming across unknowns.

For example, why did it cost 8 for a single espresso in Lausanne and only 3.60 for a doppio (double) in Pavia?

[Read more…] about 21: Rolling Resistance