Walking Commentary
Thoughts while waiting to walk from Manchester to Rome in 2022
Napoleon’s ambitions pushed 47,292 troops across the Alps. Hannibal had once done something similar with elephants and slaves and stayed in Italy for 15 years. I guess horses and mules were the technology of Napoleon’s day.
[Read more…] about 15: Up to the Col
A cycle tour through the vineyards of Lavaux is a must (sic). What a special day we had among Swiss Premier Cru vines being harvested in Portuguese. The weather was simply beautiful.
[Read more…] about Day 14: Perfect Cycle
Mortifications are suspended for today. Even Bishop Sigeric the Serious must have taken a few days off his ass. We’ll pay for this unseemly immoderation later in the week, no doubt.
[Read more…] about The 13th and the rest
An Ibis breakfast (enough for a family of four) and a decision to a) go to Lausanne, b) stay two nights, c) take a direct route and d) book another Ibis in the city centre to continue our not quite glossy tour. Then a repack and 0945, the departure. But no, we needed food. And we were sent on our way by the patisseriere with a ‘bon dimanche’. Straight towards a hill.
[Read more…] about Day 12: Pontarlier to Lausanne
We set off later than usual and with some trepidation. The easy part of the journey has ended. The hundred km yesterday took a lot out of us. Bow, the first day of vertiginous climbing was upon us.
[Read more…] about An Eleventh Day
Last May, I was persuaded to cycle the Beara Ring in Kerry with 4494 people I don’t know by 5 I did. I took all of the carriers and side stands and any excess weight off the bike and also took three kilos from me before the cycle. My total cycling weight was 90 kg carried over 110 km. I even put on slick tyres at 105 psi to reduce rolling resistance. A sportive event, there were food stops and friendly Gardai managing intersections, stopping traffic and pointing the way.
[Read more…] about Day Ten: Saltworks