Hei there,
I am sorry for the the terrible blogging activity, but this year there were not so many available free connections.
Before describing our days through England and Wales...I have to say that the 9th of August my journey will be over....some problems to my knee and my ankle don't allow me to carry on the trip...I am very very very sad for this, because the journey to harwich has been great....but honestly I don't feel it would be a good decision to carry on in these conditions, also considering the tough days ahead with still nearly 1000 km to ride and, in september, an house moving to sort out.
well, in this moment I am not in the mood to talk to you about the trip made, I will post it once I will be back in Farges and I will recover a bit (I think that first of all some rest is necessary...I will also go to some doctors to see if it is possible to do something, since it is the second time that my ankles are soring)....
I have a plane to Geneva the 9th of August from Brussels. Tomorrow I will take a train from Utrecht and after a night in the airport I will pack my bike and take off.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
1st stage: Treviso-Dublin
Hei there,
I am writing from the Isaac Hostel in Dublin where we arrived this morning at 7 o'clock....it has been quite a long day: at 6 a m we were on saddle to get out of the airport and reach Dublin, but let me tell you the full story:
We found a driver to cruise us to the airport...the good Seba loaded the bike in the trunk of his truck and we arrived to Treviso...at 4 pm while the plane was at 8.30...eventually delayed to 8.44..we helped to clean the airport hall, but it was a pleasent waiting...
After the flight...our room was booked and clean: a full furnished floor at the Dublin Airport, where a group of jugglers was also staying...result: I felt like in a circus...only lions and elephants were missing!
At the weak-up call, no coffee and croissant, but the face of a policeman telling us it was time to get off the airport, because shops were opening, and no backpackers were allowed. No problems...at the early light of the Irish morning we were outside opening the boxes (no damages at the bikes), fixing the different parts of the vehicles, et voila...riding! few km to the downtown, no problems of directions, cycle paths perfect....just some rain but acceptable.
It is difficult to get back to the cycling rhythm. while Mauro goes on like a tank..I have to double check everything twice or three times,...always with the fear of forgetting something somewhere...well perfectly in Andrea's style I would say...I will get used to it, or better, Mauro will get used to it :)
The day was spent visiting the town, buying tickets for the ferry to Holyhead (tmrw), dreaming about the evening's Guinness which is waiting for us in a pub (I am not a big Guinnes fan, but it is compulsory, they say, so I will adapt to this situation!) and sleeping some minutes in the St Patrick Cathedral park....total km of this prologue were 40...which is not bad considering the 3 hours sleep of the night...
Now is time to look for a place to eat, so wish me good luck and have a good evening!
Cheers!
I am writing from the Isaac Hostel in Dublin where we arrived this morning at 7 o'clock....it has been quite a long day: at 6 a m we were on saddle to get out of the airport and reach Dublin, but let me tell you the full story:
We found a driver to cruise us to the airport...the good Seba loaded the bike in the trunk of his truck and we arrived to Treviso...at 4 pm while the plane was at 8.30...eventually delayed to 8.44..we helped to clean the airport hall, but it was a pleasent waiting...
After the flight...our room was booked and clean: a full furnished floor at the Dublin Airport, where a group of jugglers was also staying...result: I felt like in a circus...only lions and elephants were missing!
At the weak-up call, no coffee and croissant, but the face of a policeman telling us it was time to get off the airport, because shops were opening, and no backpackers were allowed. No problems...at the early light of the Irish morning we were outside opening the boxes (no damages at the bikes), fixing the different parts of the vehicles, et voila...riding! few km to the downtown, no problems of directions, cycle paths perfect....just some rain but acceptable.
It is difficult to get back to the cycling rhythm. while Mauro goes on like a tank..I have to double check everything twice or three times,...always with the fear of forgetting something somewhere...well perfectly in Andrea's style I would say...I will get used to it, or better, Mauro will get used to it :)
The day was spent visiting the town, buying tickets for the ferry to Holyhead (tmrw), dreaming about the evening's Guinness which is waiting for us in a pub (I am not a big Guinnes fan, but it is compulsory, they say, so I will adapt to this situation!) and sleeping some minutes in the St Patrick Cathedral park....total km of this prologue were 40...which is not bad considering the 3 hours sleep of the night...
Now is time to look for a place to eat, so wish me good luck and have a good evening!
Cheers!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
pre-leaving operations
At 3 pm with some dozens of hours margin on the flight, Gabbi "the drivah" is gonna pick us up at home to take us at the Treviso Airport where at 8.30 ryanair will decide whether destroy or not our lugguage and will bring us to Dublin.
Few images from yesterday:
- disappointment at the moment of the planned ride with my brother, when a big storm suggested us that it wasn't a very smart idea to take bikes
- yesterday's dinner with some of our best fans and promoter of the blog!
- packing while watching the Tour de France time trial
- Swiss inspiration on red bag
I hope it will be possible to update the blog with a daily post, but all depends on the conditions we will find in any case "hei oh, let's go!"
Few images from yesterday:
- disappointment at the moment of the planned ride with my brother, when a big storm suggested us that it wasn't a very smart idea to take bikes
- yesterday's dinner with some of our best fans and promoter of the blog!
- packing while watching the Tour de France time trial
- Swiss inspiration on red bag
I hope it will be possible to update the blog with a daily post, but all depends on the conditions we will find in any case "hei oh, let's go!"
Thursday, July 24, 2014
1st-transfer: Farges-Padova
Early to bed, early to rise....to be in line with this sentence, I spent almost the whole night awake...you know that I am bit emotional for this things and my reaction is: laying in the bed, with eyes opened all night long..normal? I don't know, but that's it.
First surprise at the final tightening of the suitcases: the camera died...the problem was quickly fixed. It is incredible but the the best tool to repair broken stuff today is the credit card. A new camera will be the witness of the trip, and the owner of the shop where I bought it is now counting euros in his pocket.
Second surprise in Geneve it was not raining this morning, I cannot tell the same thing of Venezia at the landing...pouring rain that soaked the box of the bike (not good because it started to be opened on all sides..). In this case to fix the problem I am not gonna use the credit card, but some tape that will wrap the paperboard box hopefully until my arrival in Dublin. Tomorrow everything will be fixed.
Before leaving I had a coffee with some people at work...one of them is Irish and he warmly suggested to wear a raincoat or a scuba suit, once in Ireland...ehm ehm ehm....I guess he wanted to communicate me something, but I hardly understand what he meant...wait and see always keeping in mind:
Thanks to Piero and his super Honda Jazz (you can see it in the picture with its mouth opened soon after having puked the box out of its huge trunk)

for the lift to the Geneva Airport and mia Su-Rella who came to pick me up in Venice...and found me in great shape offending in the order:
- the weather;
- the airport crew who handled the bike as it was a dead whale
- the pavement (too narrow for the bike)
- the weather again
- the car whose seats were not already in the right position to host the bike
- the parking gates which were closed and I had to run to the counter to pay the parking price....
I am sorry for that
As I said in the beginning: early to bed, early to rise :)
Cheers!
First surprise at the final tightening of the suitcases: the camera died...the problem was quickly fixed. It is incredible but the the best tool to repair broken stuff today is the credit card. A new camera will be the witness of the trip, and the owner of the shop where I bought it is now counting euros in his pocket.
Second surprise in Geneve it was not raining this morning, I cannot tell the same thing of Venezia at the landing...pouring rain that soaked the box of the bike (not good because it started to be opened on all sides..). In this case to fix the problem I am not gonna use the credit card, but some tape that will wrap the paperboard box hopefully until my arrival in Dublin. Tomorrow everything will be fixed.
Before leaving I had a coffee with some people at work...one of them is Irish and he warmly suggested to wear a raincoat or a scuba suit, once in Ireland...ehm ehm ehm....I guess he wanted to communicate me something, but I hardly understand what he meant...wait and see always keeping in mind:

for the lift to the Geneva Airport and mia Su-Rella who came to pick me up in Venice...and found me in great shape offending in the order:
- the weather;
- the airport crew who handled the bike as it was a dead whale
- the pavement (too narrow for the bike)
- the weather again
- the car whose seats were not already in the right position to host the bike
- the parking gates which were closed and I had to run to the counter to pay the parking price....
I am sorry for that
As I said in the beginning: early to bed, early to rise :)
Cheers!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Loris Batacking capuffizo Packing!
Hi!
less than one week to the departure. Precisely on Thursday a plane will take me from Geneve to Padova. I have not been working out my bike for one week because of some time spent in the workshop (thanks Bikes & Buddies website) and some rest necessary for my legs before the tour.
Today, Sunday the afternoon was dedicated to the packing of the whole bike for the trip...not trivial, I have to confess...and more than that, I am not sure of what I will discover when I will open the box at my arrival in Dublin, after two flights click on me!...I hope that the result won't be a bike pot-pourry! I just cross my fingers and pray that the aerport operators will handle with care!
Here below some images of the packing....fortunately photos hide sounds...otherwise you could hear also the amount of swears said while working on the box!
Cheers!
less than one week to the departure. Precisely on Thursday a plane will take me from Geneve to Padova. I have not been working out my bike for one week because of some time spent in the workshop (thanks Bikes & Buddies website) and some rest necessary for my legs before the tour.
Today, Sunday the afternoon was dedicated to the packing of the whole bike for the trip...not trivial, I have to confess...and more than that, I am not sure of what I will discover when I will open the box at my arrival in Dublin, after two flights click on me!...I hope that the result won't be a bike pot-pourry! I just cross my fingers and pray that the aerport operators will handle with care!
Here below some images of the packing....fortunately photos hide sounds...otherwise you could hear also the amount of swears said while working on the box!
Cheers!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Saturday, July 12, 2014
MIRACLE IN PAYS DE GEX!
Hi,
the cloud generator (as the Jura mountains are defined by my friend Aurelio) this morning was not active in the morning and it was possible to have a ride today. The classic: Farges-Geneve-Freney Voltaire-Farges, famous among the professionals, in particular for the breakfast with coffee and pain-au-chocolat in Place Boug du Four in the old town....to be precise, I can speak of a real PAIN (with English meaning) au chocolat: same taste of a sponge used to wash the dishes....deep sadness, but when you are starving...also a sponge can be food!
The journey was also the occasion to find a new bike workshop, where I booked a check-up for my bike next week. why do I say this? because I was so disappointed when the shop next to my village (Culture Velo, to be clear) refused to check my bike, because as they said: "we have a planning for the next month and we have no room for you"....ok...fair enough....if you were a famous heart surgeon with a list of people waiting for you I could accept it.
Bah ok, eventually I found this new shop that will help me...and ironically the owner is from Sweden ahahahahah! MIRACLE IN PAYS DE GEX!!
The official starting day of the West-to-East tour is approaching faster and faster (airplane is taking off the 27th)...I am really looking forward to leave!
Ciao!
the cloud generator (as the Jura mountains are defined by my friend Aurelio) this morning was not active in the morning and it was possible to have a ride today. The classic: Farges-Geneve-Freney Voltaire-Farges, famous among the professionals, in particular for the breakfast with coffee and pain-au-chocolat in Place Boug du Four in the old town....to be precise, I can speak of a real PAIN (with English meaning) au chocolat: same taste of a sponge used to wash the dishes....deep sadness, but when you are starving...also a sponge can be food!
The journey was also the occasion to find a new bike workshop, where I booked a check-up for my bike next week. why do I say this? because I was so disappointed when the shop next to my village (Culture Velo, to be clear) refused to check my bike, because as they said: "we have a planning for the next month and we have no room for you"....ok...fair enough....if you were a famous heart surgeon with a list of people waiting for you I could accept it.
Bah ok, eventually I found this new shop that will help me...and ironically the owner is from Sweden ahahahahah! MIRACLE IN PAYS DE GEX!!
The official starting day of the West-to-East tour is approaching faster and faster (airplane is taking off the 27th)...I am really looking forward to leave!
Ciao!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Saturday morning workout
hei,
just a small report from the training centre of Farges. Saturday at 6.15 the alarm ringed (not necessary: the sleepless Andrea Polato was already awake...too excited)...small queen (free translation from the french "petite reine" for bike) was already in the trunk and after one hour drive stop on the lake of Annecy, to start the cycle road to Albertville. Weather was a bit wet at the start, but after some km sun showed off the clouds. All the way is on the old path of the train, so completely separated from the road, very nice.
At the arrival in albertville at 10 am, the champions' breakfast was already waiting for us: a warm coffee and a cold beer were there telling us like in "Alice in Wonderland": DRINK ME!. I didn't have the effects of the book (I didn't suddenly grow in size, or became as small as a mouse), but the first 10 km on the way back were a bit difficult to manage...
at our return at home, our personal trainer was waiting for us with a huge dish of Pasta al ragu that were watched by us in the same way a crusader would watch the Gral!
cheers!
P.S. thanks to F&F for the journey proposed and for the super pasta :)
just a small report from the training centre of Farges. Saturday at 6.15 the alarm ringed (not necessary: the sleepless Andrea Polato was already awake...too excited)...small queen (free translation from the french "petite reine" for bike) was already in the trunk and after one hour drive stop on the lake of Annecy, to start the cycle road to Albertville. Weather was a bit wet at the start, but after some km sun showed off the clouds. All the way is on the old path of the train, so completely separated from the road, very nice.
At the arrival in albertville at 10 am, the champions' breakfast was already waiting for us: a warm coffee and a cold beer were there telling us like in "Alice in Wonderland": DRINK ME!. I didn't have the effects of the book (I didn't suddenly grow in size, or became as small as a mouse), but the first 10 km on the way back were a bit difficult to manage...
at our return at home, our personal trainer was waiting for us with a huge dish of Pasta al ragu that were watched by us in the same way a crusader would watch the Gral!
cheers!
P.S. thanks to F&F for the journey proposed and for the super pasta :)
Friday, July 4, 2014
EAST WEST
paul butterfield - East West
Dear Blog readers,
cobramcuppers are back in style again!
the reference of the video explains all: this year. after one summer of absence from the big journeys, new flags will be sticked on the !
The plan is ambitious: starting from the land which gave the birth to Stephen Roche, the team (always me and Mauro) will cross England, and disembark in Europe and will reach Berling via Nederland.
The idea is to follow part of the Eurovelo2 http://www.eurovelo.com/en/eurovelos/eurovelo-2/...for the moment the planning is limited to one way ticket to Dublin and a google maps page, describing the km to ride.. google map: 1648 km, plus the additional Mcflurry extra miles, I think we will arrive close to 2000 km!
So, stay tuned from the 27th of July for the updates!
See you!
Dear Blog readers,
cobramcuppers are back in style again!
the reference of the video explains all: this year. after one summer of absence from the big journeys, new flags will be sticked on the !
The plan is ambitious: starting from the land which gave the birth to Stephen Roche, the team (always me and Mauro) will cross England, and disembark in Europe and will reach Berling via Nederland.
The idea is to follow part of the Eurovelo2 http://www.eurovelo.com/en/eurovelos/eurovelo-2/...for the moment the planning is limited to one way ticket to Dublin and a google maps page, describing the km to ride.. google map: 1648 km, plus the additional Mcflurry extra miles, I think we will arrive close to 2000 km!
So, stay tuned from the 27th of July for the updates!
See you!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
I got the Swedish accent, finally!
Ciao a tutti,
this summer, there won't be any Cobram Team event...it is a pity, but due to professional reasons, the original plan to for the summer tour will not see myself at the start..
to have more pieces of information regarding the reasons behind the title of this post, please surf on http://surstromming.blogspot.fr/.
P.S.
Of course my bike will come with me, so a new flag will be sticked on its frame, and I will keep you updated with photos and posts :)
Ciao ciao!
Andrea
this summer, there won't be any Cobram Team event...it is a pity, but due to professional reasons, the original plan to for the summer tour will not see myself at the start..
to have more pieces of information regarding the reasons behind the title of this post, please surf on http://surstromming.blogspot.fr/.
P.S.
Of course my bike will come with me, so a new flag will be sticked on its frame, and I will keep you updated with photos and posts :)
Ciao ciao!
Andrea
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Elogio!
Cari followers,
vi scrivo oggi dopo la notizia (ma era veramente una notizia?!) della confessione di Lance Armstrong....beh avevo pensato di scrivere queste due righe già tempo fa, ma credo che ora siano ancora più importanti.
Non voglio annoiarvi con pipponi galattici sul ciclistasette volte vincitore di sette Tour de France consecutivi (questa te la dovevo, caro Marco Pantani), ma proprio mentre pedalavo contro un terribile Mistral nella Camargue (pedalare controvento dà le stesse soddisfazioni di pisciare contro vento: tutto ti torna in faccia) pensavo alla bellezza dell'uso della bicicletta. Questa macchina inventata dall'uomo che, con la sola forza delle gambe - e facendosi "du' cosi cosììììì"- consente di coprire distanze altrimenti impossibili a piedi (prodigio dell'efficienza energetica, parola dell'ing. Polato), mi ha permesso di vedere e vivere situazioni e peasaggi altrimenti impensabili in macchina, treno o aereo.
Con la sua lentissima velocità la "piccola regina" (tradotto da un termine fancese un po' agé) mi ha portato dal sud al nord dell'Europa con la possibilità di distrarmi nel guardare l'immensità del porto di Amburgo e di fermarmi in una panetteria dove un'imponente signora tedesca mi ha guardato e mi ha consegnato il caffè dicendomi: "grandi tazze per grandi uomini"(in tedesco suonava mooolto più divertente che in italiano). Oppure, di quasi ammazzarmi durante un estasi divina quando, a pochi km da Copenhagen, non mi sono accorto che Mauro stava frenando e, per non franargli addosso, mi sono praticamente cappottato in una nuvola di ruote, raggi ed imprecazioni...se poi andiamo al viaggio dicembrino, la strada fatta tra Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer a Salin Giraud non poteva che essere percorsa in bici (troppo lunga a piedi, e interdetta alle vetture) ed i fenicotteri rosa stanno ancora pensando alle foto che hanno scattato a quei due pazzi ciclisti che alle 7 di mattina avevan deciso di farsi immortalare sugli argini provenzali.
Tutta questo imponente carico di banalità mi serve per dire quanto segue (che probabilmente è ancora più banale) che suona un po' come un invito ed in effetti lo è:
Utilizzate la bicicletta come mezzo di trasporto, date sempre un fine a un'uscita! che sia raggiungere la Danimarca, la gita all'abbazia di Praglia, o, più semplicemente, andare a bere un caffè o una birra gelata a qualche km di distanza (d'altronde "la birra fa gola di più in questi giorni appiccicosi di caw-chew"..). Infischiatevene di medie, altimetrie, frequenze cardiache e quant altro...non cercate di essere delle locomotive umane o delle macchine a pedali: i treni e le automobili esistono già e funzionano anche benissimo, quindi è inutile cercare di imitarli!
Non vi invito ad accontentarvi di essere quel che si è (impossibile accontentarsi, vi starei scrivendo probabilmente su tavole di cera o facendo degli strani segni con il carboncino sulle pareti di una caverna, in caso contrario), ma di gustarvi, nel pedalare in tranquillità, tutto ciò che una bici può offrirvi a differenza di tutti gli altri veicoli!
Have fun and, specially during summer-time, have fans!
vi scrivo oggi dopo la notizia (ma era veramente una notizia?!) della confessione di Lance Armstrong....beh avevo pensato di scrivere queste due righe già tempo fa, ma credo che ora siano ancora più importanti.
Non voglio annoiarvi con pipponi galattici sul ciclista
Con la sua lentissima velocità la "piccola regina" (tradotto da un termine fancese un po' agé) mi ha portato dal sud al nord dell'Europa con la possibilità di distrarmi nel guardare l'immensità del porto di Amburgo e di fermarmi in una panetteria dove un'imponente signora tedesca mi ha guardato e mi ha consegnato il caffè dicendomi: "grandi tazze per grandi uomini"(in tedesco suonava mooolto più divertente che in italiano). Oppure, di quasi ammazzarmi durante un estasi divina quando, a pochi km da Copenhagen, non mi sono accorto che Mauro stava frenando e, per non franargli addosso, mi sono praticamente cappottato in una nuvola di ruote, raggi ed imprecazioni...se poi andiamo al viaggio dicembrino, la strada fatta tra Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer a Salin Giraud non poteva che essere percorsa in bici (troppo lunga a piedi, e interdetta alle vetture) ed i fenicotteri rosa stanno ancora pensando alle foto che hanno scattato a quei due pazzi ciclisti che alle 7 di mattina avevan deciso di farsi immortalare sugli argini provenzali.
Tutta questo imponente carico di banalità mi serve per dire quanto segue (che probabilmente è ancora più banale) che suona un po' come un invito ed in effetti lo è:
Utilizzate la bicicletta come mezzo di trasporto, date sempre un fine a un'uscita! che sia raggiungere la Danimarca, la gita all'abbazia di Praglia, o, più semplicemente, andare a bere un caffè o una birra gelata a qualche km di distanza (d'altronde "la birra fa gola di più in questi giorni appiccicosi di caw-chew"..). Infischiatevene di medie, altimetrie, frequenze cardiache e quant altro...non cercate di essere delle locomotive umane o delle macchine a pedali: i treni e le automobili esistono già e funzionano anche benissimo, quindi è inutile cercare di imitarli!
Non vi invito ad accontentarvi di essere quel che si è (impossibile accontentarsi, vi starei scrivendo probabilmente su tavole di cera o facendo degli strani segni con il carboncino sulle pareti di una caverna, in caso contrario), ma di gustarvi, nel pedalare in tranquillità, tutto ciò che una bici può offrirvi a differenza di tutti gli altri veicoli!
Have fun and, specially during summer-time, have fans!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
4th stage Istres - Aix en Provence 60 km
Gentili telespettatori ben trovati ad Avignone ( cit. Auro Bulbarelli),
Vi si scrive da un internet point con tastiera francese - AZERTY per intenderci - bestemmie come non ci fosse un domani.
Il giro si è concluso ieri con una bellissima ed inaspettata tappa lungo l'Etang de Bolmon. Tappa "mangia e bevi", vento contrario costante, una foratura di Andrea ( 6 a 6 nel bilancio globale... 10 minuti secchi per smontaggio rattoppo e rimontaggio), la bici di Mauro che ha avuto problemi alla ruota posteriore ( raggi che saltavano come pop corn), ed un pane all'aglio che ha tenuto viva l'attenzione per tutta la giornata....insomma normale amministrazione per il gruppo. Comunque arrivo sani e salvi a Celony dove la buona vecchia Mondeo ha aspettato fedele come una regina attende il ritorno del suo re dalla guerra!
Abbandonata l'idea di pernottare ad Aix-en-Provence (troppa confusione, e, come ovunque in Provenza, in inverno tutti gli ostelli sono chiusi - nota di demerito alla regione), l'idea di campeggiare è stata accantonata in parte per il freddo della notte a Istres (sveglia con ghiaccio sulla tela della tenda) e finalmente per una strana sensazione di paura nei campeggi completamente vuoti in questa stagione (classica ambientazione da film horror di bassissima lega).
Ancora una volta per caso l'incontro con il camper Polato ha risolto i problemi: notte in motel a ore e pizza deliziosa a Gordes della Provenza in piacevole compagnia del pizzaiolo Rosario del dottore e della prof.ssa. Il posto è magnifico, e per quanto la guida indichi Gordes come classico posto da Parigini snob, bisogna ammettere che gli snob parigini scelgono molto ma molto bene!
Con domenica il gruppo si è diviso: Mauro a Padova con la Mondeo ed Andrea in treno fino a Lione dove passerà il capodanno!
Il blog deve essere rimesso a posto e arricchito con foto e descrizioni, quindi vi verranno segnalate le modifiche!
Nel salutarvi vi annuncio che tra una gomma bucata e un panino al gouda insaporito al cumino si è già parlato delle prossime avventure....c'è moltissima carne al fuoco, ma abbiate pazienza!!!!
Dalla residenza papale di avignone e dopo 300 km circa ( 294,89 ad essere precisini come un sacchetto di Bibanesi aperto da Carrellato), vi saluto!
A presto!!!
Dear all, welcome in Avignon (cit Auro Bulbarelli),
I am writing from an Internet point with French keyboard - AZERTY -...swearing like there ain't no tomorrow!
The tour has finished yesterday with a wonderful stage on the Etang de Belmon. Stage "Mangia e bevi", wind in face, a puncture of Andrea (6-6 in the flat tyre ranking...10 minutes for the whole fixing), Mauro's bike with a problem on the rear wheel (wheel beams breaking and popping like corn!) and a garlic bread that kept the attention level high all along the day.....in conclusion a normal day for the group. By the way, safe arrive in Celony where Madame Ford Mondeo faithful waited like a queen waiting the return of the king from the war!
The idea of spending the night in Aix-en-Provence was soon abandoned (such a mess, and the hostel was closed, as many of them in Provence...), as well as the camping accomodation in part because of the temperatures of the night in Istres (ice on the tent) and becuase of the fear of stayin in completely empty campings (horror B-movies influenced this feeling).
Once again the provvidential camper of the Polato's solved many problems: night in a 0.5 stars motel and lovely Pizza with the company of Rosario, the pizzaiolo, the doctor and the teacher in Gordes en Provence. The village of Gordes is awesome and even though the guide decribe it as a place for snob Paris people, I have to admit the the Parisennes choose the right place for their snob holidays.
On Sunday the company took different directions: Mauro and Mondeo went back to Padova and Andrea will head to Lyon to have the new year's eve there!
The blog has to be updated and enriched with pictures and descriptions, so all the new features will be added in the future!
Before saying you good bye and wishing you an happy new year I announce that, between a puncture and a sandwhich with Gouda chees with cumin flavour, the crew is already planning the new adventure. Don't be impatient you'll be kept informed!
From the Popes' residency of Avignon and after 300 km (294.89 km to be precise as a bag of Bibanesi opened by Carrellato), I tell you
See you soon!
Vi si scrive da un internet point con tastiera francese - AZERTY per intenderci - bestemmie come non ci fosse un domani.
Il giro si è concluso ieri con una bellissima ed inaspettata tappa lungo l'Etang de Bolmon. Tappa "mangia e bevi", vento contrario costante, una foratura di Andrea ( 6 a 6 nel bilancio globale... 10 minuti secchi per smontaggio rattoppo e rimontaggio), la bici di Mauro che ha avuto problemi alla ruota posteriore ( raggi che saltavano come pop corn), ed un pane all'aglio che ha tenuto viva l'attenzione per tutta la giornata....insomma normale amministrazione per il gruppo. Comunque arrivo sani e salvi a Celony dove la buona vecchia Mondeo ha aspettato fedele come una regina attende il ritorno del suo re dalla guerra!
Abbandonata l'idea di pernottare ad Aix-en-Provence (troppa confusione, e, come ovunque in Provenza, in inverno tutti gli ostelli sono chiusi - nota di demerito alla regione), l'idea di campeggiare è stata accantonata in parte per il freddo della notte a Istres (sveglia con ghiaccio sulla tela della tenda) e finalmente per una strana sensazione di paura nei campeggi completamente vuoti in questa stagione (classica ambientazione da film horror di bassissima lega).
Ancora una volta per caso l'incontro con il camper Polato ha risolto i problemi: notte in motel a ore e pizza deliziosa a Gordes della Provenza in piacevole compagnia del pizzaiolo Rosario del dottore e della prof.ssa. Il posto è magnifico, e per quanto la guida indichi Gordes come classico posto da Parigini snob, bisogna ammettere che gli snob parigini scelgono molto ma molto bene!
Con domenica il gruppo si è diviso: Mauro a Padova con la Mondeo ed Andrea in treno fino a Lione dove passerà il capodanno!
Il blog deve essere rimesso a posto e arricchito con foto e descrizioni, quindi vi verranno segnalate le modifiche!
Nel salutarvi vi annuncio che tra una gomma bucata e un panino al gouda insaporito al cumino si è già parlato delle prossime avventure....c'è moltissima carne al fuoco, ma abbiate pazienza!!!!
Dalla residenza papale di avignone e dopo 300 km circa ( 294,89 ad essere precisini come un sacchetto di Bibanesi aperto da Carrellato), vi saluto!
A presto!!!
Dear all, welcome in Avignon (cit Auro Bulbarelli),
I am writing from an Internet point with French keyboard - AZERTY -...swearing like there ain't no tomorrow!
The tour has finished yesterday with a wonderful stage on the Etang de Belmon. Stage "Mangia e bevi", wind in face, a puncture of Andrea (6-6 in the flat tyre ranking...10 minutes for the whole fixing), Mauro's bike with a problem on the rear wheel (wheel beams breaking and popping like corn!) and a garlic bread that kept the attention level high all along the day.....in conclusion a normal day for the group. By the way, safe arrive in Celony where Madame Ford Mondeo faithful waited like a queen waiting the return of the king from the war!
The idea of spending the night in Aix-en-Provence was soon abandoned (such a mess, and the hostel was closed, as many of them in Provence...), as well as the camping accomodation in part because of the temperatures of the night in Istres (ice on the tent) and becuase of the fear of stayin in completely empty campings (horror B-movies influenced this feeling).
Once again the provvidential camper of the Polato's solved many problems: night in a 0.5 stars motel and lovely Pizza with the company of Rosario, the pizzaiolo, the doctor and the teacher in Gordes en Provence. The village of Gordes is awesome and even though the guide decribe it as a place for snob Paris people, I have to admit the the Parisennes choose the right place for their snob holidays.
On Sunday the company took different directions: Mauro and Mondeo went back to Padova and Andrea will head to Lyon to have the new year's eve there!
The blog has to be updated and enriched with pictures and descriptions, so all the new features will be added in the future!
Before saying you good bye and wishing you an happy new year I announce that, between a puncture and a sandwhich with Gouda chees with cumin flavour, the crew is already planning the new adventure. Don't be impatient you'll be kept informed!
From the Popes' residency of Avignon and after 300 km (294.89 km to be precise as a bag of Bibanesi opened by Carrellato), I tell you
See you soon!
| Alle porte di Istres la mattina dell'ultimo giorno di viaggio |
| Etang de Bolmon #1 |
| Etang de Bolmon #2 |
| Foto dal punto in cui Andrea ha forato |
| Durante una sosta pranzo |
| Utimi km di sofferenza con Mauro in difficoltà con la ruota dietro |
Friday, December 28, 2012
3rd stage: Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer - Istres 80 km
Bonjour mes amis!
We are now in Istres in a camping quite far from the so-called downtown.
The classical unespected village, Istres: no notes on the tourist guide, but a cute place on "Etang de Bolmon" the big lagoon at the north of Marseille.
Back to the story of the stage, quite a good night in the tent, a bit cold in the end, but fine ( mauro's tent is another story with respect to the one in Germany: NO WATER LEAKS IN IT!!!)...Light breakfast with coffee and panettone in the Polato's caravan and then go... Down on the coastal road that crosses the whole park of Camargue between Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer with Saline Giraud ( ancient village of the salt fields workers)...the white road was a narrow path between sea and lagoons and the decision to run it in the morning with the sunrise in face gave to the group a particular astonished feeling!
There are no bridges to cross the Rhône river so a the only solution was a boat. Once on the land there were some problems in finding a good road, but after some initial problems the wind pushed the group in the right direction.
Always warm temperature and here people wears t-shirsts playng football on the city square..
This evening the dinner program was the usual one - kebab and McFlurry with a couple of beers to make life easier!
Thanks again to the polato's that made of their camper a great support for our breakfasts and dinners!
Now bed and tomorrow last stage!
Good night
Bonjour mes amis!
Siamo in questo momento ad Istres in un campeggio abbastanza lontano dal cosiddtto centro città.
Istres, il classico paese che non ti aspetto: nessuna menzione sulla guida turistica, ma un villaggio carino sull' "Etang de Bolmon", la grande laguna a nord di Marsiglia.
Tornando alla tappa: notte abbastanza tranquilla in tenda, un po' fredda in mattinata, ma buona (la tenda di Mauro è un'altra cosa rispetto a quella della Germania: NON CI SONO PERDITE D'ACQUA!!!)...colazione leggera con caffè e panettone nel camper Polato e poi in sella, giù per la strada costiera che attraversa la Camargue tra Saintes-Maries-de la Mer con Saline Giraud (antico villaggio di lavoratori del sale)...la strada bianca è uno stretto sentiero tra mare e laguna e la decisione di percorrerla al mattino con il sorgere del sole in faccia ha avuto un grande impatto sui sensibili animi dei ciclisti!
Non ci sono ponti per attraversare il Rhone in Saline Giraud, quindi il traghetto è stata la sola soluzione. Una volta a terra ci sono stati un po' di problemi a trovare la strada, ma dopo qualche incertezza, il vento ha spinto in gruppo nella direzione giusta.
Sempre clima temperato e qui la gente indossa T-shirt e gioca a calcio lungo le strade...
La cena di questa sera è tornata ad essere il grande classico: kebab e McFlurry co un paio di birre per rallegrare la vita!
Grazie ancora alla famiglia Polato che ha reso il camper un valido ed essenziale supporto per le colazioni e le cene!
Ora sonno e domani ultima tappa!
notte!
We are now in Istres in a camping quite far from the so-called downtown.
The classical unespected village, Istres: no notes on the tourist guide, but a cute place on "Etang de Bolmon" the big lagoon at the north of Marseille.
Back to the story of the stage, quite a good night in the tent, a bit cold in the end, but fine ( mauro's tent is another story with respect to the one in Germany: NO WATER LEAKS IN IT!!!)...Light breakfast with coffee and panettone in the Polato's caravan and then go... Down on the coastal road that crosses the whole park of Camargue between Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer with Saline Giraud ( ancient village of the salt fields workers)...the white road was a narrow path between sea and lagoons and the decision to run it in the morning with the sunrise in face gave to the group a particular astonished feeling!
There are no bridges to cross the Rhône river so a the only solution was a boat. Once on the land there were some problems in finding a good road, but after some initial problems the wind pushed the group in the right direction.
Always warm temperature and here people wears t-shirsts playng football on the city square..
This evening the dinner program was the usual one - kebab and McFlurry with a couple of beers to make life easier!
Thanks again to the polato's that made of their camper a great support for our breakfasts and dinners!
Now bed and tomorrow last stage!
Good night
Bonjour mes amis!
Siamo in questo momento ad Istres in un campeggio abbastanza lontano dal cosiddtto centro città.
Istres, il classico paese che non ti aspetto: nessuna menzione sulla guida turistica, ma un villaggio carino sull' "Etang de Bolmon", la grande laguna a nord di Marsiglia.
Tornando alla tappa: notte abbastanza tranquilla in tenda, un po' fredda in mattinata, ma buona (la tenda di Mauro è un'altra cosa rispetto a quella della Germania: NON CI SONO PERDITE D'ACQUA!!!)...colazione leggera con caffè e panettone nel camper Polato e poi in sella, giù per la strada costiera che attraversa la Camargue tra Saintes-Maries-de la Mer con Saline Giraud (antico villaggio di lavoratori del sale)...la strada bianca è uno stretto sentiero tra mare e laguna e la decisione di percorrerla al mattino con il sorgere del sole in faccia ha avuto un grande impatto sui sensibili animi dei ciclisti!
Non ci sono ponti per attraversare il Rhone in Saline Giraud, quindi il traghetto è stata la sola soluzione. Una volta a terra ci sono stati un po' di problemi a trovare la strada, ma dopo qualche incertezza, il vento ha spinto in gruppo nella direzione giusta.
Sempre clima temperato e qui la gente indossa T-shirt e gioca a calcio lungo le strade...
La cena di questa sera è tornata ad essere il grande classico: kebab e McFlurry co un paio di birre per rallegrare la vita!
Grazie ancora alla famiglia Polato che ha reso il camper un valido ed essenziale supporto per le colazioni e le cene!
Ora sonno e domani ultima tappa!
notte!
| Ritrovo di partenza: saluto mattiniero all'ammiraglia a Stes Maries de la Mer |
| Il mai sfigato |
| Condizioni della strada |
| Faro |
| Durante una piccola sosta al faro #1 |
| Durante una piccola sosta al faro #2 |
| In fuga ancora lungo gli sterrati |
| Buon vecchio Bar Sport a Salin Giraud |
| Il traghetto lungo il Rhone a Salin Giraud |
| La cena dei campioni a Istres...notare la classe del locale...c' una bombola decorativa sulla dx |
| Che popolo civile ed evoluto...i fenicotteri |
Thursday, December 27, 2012
2nd stage: Arles - Saintes Maries de la Mer 75 km
Well well well... What shall i say? Where shall I start from?
Let's go backward then! In this moment after a warm shower the veloheroes observe the tent set in the camping of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer! Ok, Camargue is really above any expectation... I think that the pictures that will be uploaded at the end of the trip will explain exactly what I mean! A long and muddy road between bulls, steppes, lagoons and white horses connects Arles with Saintes Maries de la Mer....no cars at all (except some off road) and the sound of the wind, provvidentially blowing on our shoulders...C'EST MAGNIFIQUE!
Today Mauro's tyre blew-up: 6 to 5 in this special ranking. The typical BOOM! that I thought was a bullet shot from a sniper announced the event and forced Andrea to run to the next village looking 4 a new tyre ( not a tube, but a tyre). The image of Andrea coming back with the tyre on his shoulders, reminded to the times when cycling was an heroic and dirty adventure..
The maintenance operations are nowadays so automatic that in less than one hour all was fixed including:
- the first minutes of swearing;
- the run back and forth to the bike workshop;
- the reparation itself.
In the village, pic-nic with bread and anchovis (still dreaming about that, and still thirsty) and this evening paella à emporter inside the camper of the Polatos', by coincidence on holiday here!
Beyond paella, all the region has a strange Spanish-like flavour and the villages could be used as the perfect stage for a Western movie.
For the moment that's all, good eve and see ya!
Bene bene bene.. Che dire? Da dove iniziare?
Andiam al contrario! In questo istante dopo una doccia calda i veloeroi rimirano la tenda piantata nel campeggio di Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer. Ok la Camargue è bellissima! Credo che le foto che verranno postate al ritorno spiegheranno il tutto. Ua lunga strada fangosa tra tori, steppe, lagune e cavalli bianchi connette Arles a Stes Maries de la mer...nessuna macchina e il rumore del vento, provvidenzialmente alle spalle....C'EST MAGNIFIQUE!
Oggi è esplosa la gomma di mauro: 6 a 5 nella speciale classifica. Il tipico BOOM! che io pensavo fosse un proiettile esploso da un cecchino ha annunciato l'evento e ha costretto Andrea ad una corsa fino al paese in cerca di una nuova gomma (non camera d'aria, ma un copertone!). L'immagine di Andrea che torna con il copertone legato sulle spalle riporta ai tempi in cui il ciclismo era un'avventura eroica e sporca
Le operazioni di manutenzione sono ormai così automatiche che in men di un'ora tutto era riparato inclusi:
- i primi minuti di imprecazioni;
- la corsa in cerca di meccanici;
- la riparazione stessa;
Al villaggio pranzo picnic in riva al mare con pane ed acciughe ( le sogno ancora e mi viene tuttora sete a pensarci) e stasera paella da asporto nel camper della famiglia Polato, eccezionalmente in vacanza qui.
Paella a parte, tutta la regione ha un retrogusto spagnolo e i villaggi potrebbero essere utilizzati come location per un film Western.
Per il momento è tutto, buona serata, ci si vede!
Let's go backward then! In this moment after a warm shower the veloheroes observe the tent set in the camping of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer! Ok, Camargue is really above any expectation... I think that the pictures that will be uploaded at the end of the trip will explain exactly what I mean! A long and muddy road between bulls, steppes, lagoons and white horses connects Arles with Saintes Maries de la Mer....no cars at all (except some off road) and the sound of the wind, provvidentially blowing on our shoulders...C'EST MAGNIFIQUE!
Today Mauro's tyre blew-up: 6 to 5 in this special ranking. The typical BOOM! that I thought was a bullet shot from a sniper announced the event and forced Andrea to run to the next village looking 4 a new tyre ( not a tube, but a tyre). The image of Andrea coming back with the tyre on his shoulders, reminded to the times when cycling was an heroic and dirty adventure..
The maintenance operations are nowadays so automatic that in less than one hour all was fixed including:
- the first minutes of swearing;
- the run back and forth to the bike workshop;
- the reparation itself.
In the village, pic-nic with bread and anchovis (still dreaming about that, and still thirsty) and this evening paella à emporter inside the camper of the Polatos', by coincidence on holiday here!
Beyond paella, all the region has a strange Spanish-like flavour and the villages could be used as the perfect stage for a Western movie.
For the moment that's all, good eve and see ya!
Bene bene bene.. Che dire? Da dove iniziare?
Andiam al contrario! In questo istante dopo una doccia calda i veloeroi rimirano la tenda piantata nel campeggio di Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer. Ok la Camargue è bellissima! Credo che le foto che verranno postate al ritorno spiegheranno il tutto. Ua lunga strada fangosa tra tori, steppe, lagune e cavalli bianchi connette Arles a Stes Maries de la mer...nessuna macchina e il rumore del vento, provvidenzialmente alle spalle....C'EST MAGNIFIQUE!
Oggi è esplosa la gomma di mauro: 6 a 5 nella speciale classifica. Il tipico BOOM! che io pensavo fosse un proiettile esploso da un cecchino ha annunciato l'evento e ha costretto Andrea ad una corsa fino al paese in cerca di una nuova gomma (non camera d'aria, ma un copertone!). L'immagine di Andrea che torna con il copertone legato sulle spalle riporta ai tempi in cui il ciclismo era un'avventura eroica e sporca
Le operazioni di manutenzione sono ormai così automatiche che in men di un'ora tutto era riparato inclusi:
- i primi minuti di imprecazioni;
- la corsa in cerca di meccanici;
- la riparazione stessa;
Al villaggio pranzo picnic in riva al mare con pane ed acciughe ( le sogno ancora e mi viene tuttora sete a pensarci) e stasera paella da asporto nel camper della famiglia Polato, eccezionalmente in vacanza qui.
Paella a parte, tutta la regione ha un retrogusto spagnolo e i villaggi potrebbero essere utilizzati come location per un film Western.
Per il momento è tutto, buona serata, ci si vede!
| Ultimi km di asfalto prima dell'inizio del tratto di "Eroica" |
| So che qualcuno avrà letto il virgolettato come "Erotica", torni indietro, rilegga e si informi... |
| Prima fuga vera: nei primi metri di sterrato Mauro prende il largo |
| Foto cartolina dalla Camargue #1: Allevamento di tori |
| Un uomo solo al comando, la sua giacca è blu scuro, il suo nome è Mauro |
| Foto cartolina dalla Camargue #2: le saline in secca |
| Momento chiave della tappa: foratura, o meglio esplosione della gomma di Mauro. Andrea gregarieggia |
| Piccola regina capovolta...attrezzi in mano |
| Gara di cavalli alle porte di Stes Maries de la mer, durante la fuga per cercare rivenditore di copertoni |
| Immagini dal campo base all'arrivo |
| Durante il defatigamento pomeridiano (non ci sono le borse) per vedere la tappa di domani |
| Tardo pomeriggio al mare vicino a Stes Maries de la Mer |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
1st stage: Aix-en-Provence - Arles 77 km
Dear all, few words because the crew is tired... Great to be back again... Same feelings same difficoulties! Roads shortcuts, food... You know how it works!
By the way notwhistanding all the bad omens, the weather today was ok: sunny and warm!
The kebab eaten for dinner was like honey!
Good night! Tomorrow there might be special guests!
Ciao poche parole perchè la truppa é stanca! Fantastico aver ricominciato! Stesse sensazioni ( fatica putrida) e stesse difficoltà.. Strade, scorciatoie, cibo.. Sapete cm funziona!
Comunque, nonostante tutti gli uccelli del malaugurio, il tempo oggi é stato buono: soleggiato e caldo!
Il kebab della cena è statto come un come miele!
Buonanotte! Domani ci potrebbero essere incontri speciali!
By the way notwhistanding all the bad omens, the weather today was ok: sunny and warm!
The kebab eaten for dinner was like honey!
Good night! Tomorrow there might be special guests!
Ciao poche parole perchè la truppa é stanca! Fantastico aver ricominciato! Stesse sensazioni ( fatica putrida) e stesse difficoltà.. Strade, scorciatoie, cibo.. Sapete cm funziona!
Comunque, nonostante tutti gli uccelli del malaugurio, il tempo oggi é stato buono: soleggiato e caldo!
Il kebab della cena è statto come un come miele!
Buonanotte! Domani ci potrebbero essere incontri speciali!
| Unloading operations |
| Arles by night |
| The Rhone River and the lights of Arles |
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| The champions' dessert |
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Briefring
Buongiorno a tutti,
I cavalli stanno mangiando la biada nel loro carro bestiame che li accompagnerà sani e salvi al ritrovo di partenza dove avrà luogo la cerimonia di punzonatura dei mezzi....
Nelle foto sotto, qualche immagine di credito al vettore che porterà i Camargonauti nella stratosfera per poi sganciarsi e reintrare a huston. Si ringrazia la Ford Mondeo in allestimento "Raffaele Polato Tuning" special edition "Lary&Ale".
ultima nota: le comunicazioni potrebbero essere non così puntuali come nel precendente giro in bici. La redazione farà il possibile per assicurare una cronaca all'altezza dei fatti.
Good morning to all of you!
the horses are eating theis fodder in the freight wagon that will take them to the starting point where the start ceremony will take place...
In the pictures below the credit photos to the vector that will accompany the Camargonauts in the stratosphere before its return to Huston. Spcial thanks to the Ford Mondeo in the "Raffaele Polato Tuning" special edition "Lary&Ale"
-
note: communications could be not as frequent as they were during the previous tour. the Direction, will make all the possible efforts to ensure a efficient desctription of the adventures!
I cavalli stanno mangiando la biada nel loro carro bestiame che li accompagnerà sani e salvi al ritrovo di partenza dove avrà luogo la cerimonia di punzonatura dei mezzi....
Nelle foto sotto, qualche immagine di credito al vettore che porterà i Camargonauti nella stratosfera per poi sganciarsi e reintrare a huston. Si ringrazia la Ford Mondeo in allestimento "Raffaele Polato Tuning" special edition "Lary&Ale".
ultima nota: le comunicazioni potrebbero essere non così puntuali come nel precendente giro in bici. La redazione farà il possibile per assicurare una cronaca all'altezza dei fatti.
Good morning to all of you!
the horses are eating theis fodder in the freight wagon that will take them to the starting point where the start ceremony will take place...
In the pictures below the credit photos to the vector that will accompany the Camargonauts in the stratosphere before its return to Huston. Spcial thanks to the Ford Mondeo in the "Raffaele Polato Tuning" special edition "Lary&Ale"
-
note: communications could be not as frequent as they were during the previous tour. the Direction, will make all the possible efforts to ensure a efficient desctription of the adventures!
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| Mondeo Darwin Edition |
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| Lavoro di lattoniere |
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| Le mille battaglie lasciano il segno |
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| Aggiungi didascalia |
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