Sad day today. B-Money was heading home. We had the final coffee at the coffee shop and all of that stuff and then bid him farewell.
Afterwards, Leica and I filled the void by riding to San Marino. We were separated at a point and then it began to rain, right when I was at the top.
I was done with a woman's plastic bag Lance Armstrong style as I tried to ride up part of San Marino that you probably should not. So I dismounted and wandered around with my bike taking in the views.
The rain eased for the ride back and I was greeted by two happy, however worried ladies. Also a masseus (Andrea). So I was having a massage after a ride, feeling like a pro, however something was missing. Then Federica handed me her mobile phone. So I was now being massaged after a ride, talking on my mobile.
It was B-Money.
Later that evening we had dinner with Federica's cousin Federico (same surname). He suggested I have the piadini which is a local dish. Very nice.
Friday, August 7, 2009
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 6
No riding today after doing so much on the past few days. Also a bender.
After a few hours sleep we rose and went sailing with Uncle Adriano! What a name! The boat was custom made and my namesake was an excellent captain. I did what I could, however was best at sitting around doing nothing. I did help with a few things though and also had a turn at steering the boat.
Afterwards was apertivi at the sailing club, followed by fish at a nearby restaurant. Luvly jubbly!
We were all ready to hit the hay early and never repeat the stupid act of staying out all night again!
After a few hours sleep we rose and went sailing with Uncle Adriano! What a name! The boat was custom made and my namesake was an excellent captain. I did what I could, however was best at sitting around doing nothing. I did help with a few things though and also had a turn at steering the boat.
Afterwards was apertivi at the sailing club, followed by fish at a nearby restaurant. Luvly jubbly!
We were all ready to hit the hay early and never repeat the stupid act of staying out all night again!
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 6
Off to Forli today to catch up with Doc and Julz (DAJ). We saw a few bunches heading out on the way and while it would have been a good experience to go with them, we thought this Forli adventure would be one to be reckoned with.
We turned up between 20-30 min late and were quickly ushered into change rooms in DAJ's pad. They seemed as keen as mustard to get cracking and after our experience in the heat the day before we did not need much encouragement to agree.
Doc fed me a macchiato and a mineral water at the coffee shop while I was still on my bike and then Julz led us out of town.
We headed towards a place called Castrocaro Terme, and there were a series of hills along the way. One we descended down was about 18% and had stunning views of the town below. It was one of those situations where it was too dangerous to stop, so the image needs to live in my mind. Trust me it was good. Apparently the boys smahsed their way up it during this year's Giro, and the writing on the road suggested the same (although there was nothing as cool as Big Unit Tours painted on the road).
At the coffee stop I was served the most amazing hot chocolate ever. You could almost stand the spoon vertically in it. The only problem was I had to gulp it down in the heat in world record time so I was not left behind!
An absolute cracking ride, which was followed by a lunch of equal proportions. We also watched Paris-Roubaix from 2006, which was the one where George Hincapie's steerer broke. I heard a song with the lyrics "I can ride a bike with no handlebars...", however Goegeous George could not that day. I do not think the lyrics include "on the pave in Paris-Roubaix" so we will leave the big seppo alone I think. Anyone who marries a Tour de France podium girl is doing something right I reckon.
Later we spotted Bono and his entourage roaming the streets of Forli.
Afterwards we went to this magnificent pizza place in the middle of nowhere. B-Money and I thought DAJ were playing funny buggers and were about to put foil over our eyes, etc, however we ended up at the restaurant. We even shared a gelato pizza for dessert.
Back home and we prepared ourselves to stay out all night, which I know B-Money in particular was looking forward to. The first place was an outdoorsy beach bar where a short Italian male got in my grill. He must have been loitering at the depart at Martingy and heard TBU. The next place was a bigger club on the beach and there were numbers there to rival a Melbourne crowd. A lot of dancing, however no short Italian man. After a few more places B-Money had almost made it to morning.
We went to the local coffee shop before going to the 6am concert. For some reason there was a tractor and truck on the beach, so the concert start was delayed. I slept on a banana lounge and woke up at the end of each tune to provide applause. Thank god Leica made the diplomatic move to get us out of there as we were all falling asleep!
We turned up between 20-30 min late and were quickly ushered into change rooms in DAJ's pad. They seemed as keen as mustard to get cracking and after our experience in the heat the day before we did not need much encouragement to agree.
Doc fed me a macchiato and a mineral water at the coffee shop while I was still on my bike and then Julz led us out of town.
We headed towards a place called Castrocaro Terme, and there were a series of hills along the way. One we descended down was about 18% and had stunning views of the town below. It was one of those situations where it was too dangerous to stop, so the image needs to live in my mind. Trust me it was good. Apparently the boys smahsed their way up it during this year's Giro, and the writing on the road suggested the same (although there was nothing as cool as Big Unit Tours painted on the road).
At the coffee stop I was served the most amazing hot chocolate ever. You could almost stand the spoon vertically in it. The only problem was I had to gulp it down in the heat in world record time so I was not left behind!
An absolute cracking ride, which was followed by a lunch of equal proportions. We also watched Paris-Roubaix from 2006, which was the one where George Hincapie's steerer broke. I heard a song with the lyrics "I can ride a bike with no handlebars...", however Goegeous George could not that day. I do not think the lyrics include "on the pave in Paris-Roubaix" so we will leave the big seppo alone I think. Anyone who marries a Tour de France podium girl is doing something right I reckon.
Later we spotted Bono and his entourage roaming the streets of Forli.
Afterwards we went to this magnificent pizza place in the middle of nowhere. B-Money and I thought DAJ were playing funny buggers and were about to put foil over our eyes, etc, however we ended up at the restaurant. We even shared a gelato pizza for dessert.
Back home and we prepared ourselves to stay out all night, which I know B-Money in particular was looking forward to. The first place was an outdoorsy beach bar where a short Italian male got in my grill. He must have been loitering at the depart at Martingy and heard TBU. The next place was a bigger club on the beach and there were numbers there to rival a Melbourne crowd. A lot of dancing, however no short Italian man. After a few more places B-Money had almost made it to morning.
We went to the local coffee shop before going to the 6am concert. For some reason there was a tractor and truck on the beach, so the concert start was delayed. I slept on a banana lounge and woke up at the end of each tune to provide applause. Thank god Leica made the diplomatic move to get us out of there as we were all falling asleep!
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 5
Up and away, well almost. Straight into a ride (well drive) to Santarcangelo, then ride to Borghi, Sogliano al Rubicone, Mercato Saraceno and then Barbotto for a gelati and return.
Did I mention that we picked up an absolute babe (Simona) on the way. Not sure exactly where, perhaps Borghi, and then she unfortunately left us before the descent into Barbotto.
The climb out of Barbotto was tough - 5km or so, quite steep in places, and worst of all - no protection from the sun. Leica ground her way up there in quite amazing fashion considering she has not been on a bike for about 6 months. Apparently she was making her way up a hill called Kiliminjaro in Africa and she was not using a bike!
Apertivi at the yacht club was a lot of fun and the wait (not having a true apertivi in the prior stops in Italy) was definitiely worth it. I am on to the Aperol and Spritz and may make it my "chick's drink of choice" when back in Australia and feel the need to drink something feminine. Definitely another bottle that can be added to the booze collection (like we need it!).
Did I mention that we picked up an absolute babe (Simona) on the way. Not sure exactly where, perhaps Borghi, and then she unfortunately left us before the descent into Barbotto.
The climb out of Barbotto was tough - 5km or so, quite steep in places, and worst of all - no protection from the sun. Leica ground her way up there in quite amazing fashion considering she has not been on a bike for about 6 months. Apparently she was making her way up a hill called Kiliminjaro in Africa and she was not using a bike!
Apertivi at the yacht club was a lot of fun and the wait (not having a true apertivi in the prior stops in Italy) was definitiely worth it. I am on to the Aperol and Spritz and may make it my "chick's drink of choice" when back in Australia and feel the need to drink something feminine. Definitely another bottle that can be added to the booze collection (like we need it!).
Sunday, August 2, 2009
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 4
To Rimini today, via Verona and Nalini.
Things are working fairly well. B-Money likes to drive, I can navigate and sleep. A perfect marriage.
We stopped quickly in Verona for lunch and thanks to Lonely Planet we managed to find a traditonal Veronese restaurant that was so traditional they had a "Menu Tourista". Not to worry, a quick feed and we were off to Nalini to look at how cycling clothes are made, before arriving at the Baldoni Bike shop in Forli at 5pm on the knocker to have B-Money's bike restored to it's former glory.
After lunch I was keen to get rolling, however B-Money wanted to do a quick walk into the main part of town. He lived up to his name by taking us directly to one of the main attractions which is the fake Juliet balcony. I am not sure why so many people get excited over this, however proceeded to live the moment and take a couple of happy snaps myself.
Back on the road and after some slight adjustments to the b/&% we were at Nalini. They appeared very pleased to see us and actually spent a fair bit of time showing us around the factory. We even met the owner, whose name escapes me, however was once the goalkeeper for AC Milan. He did not look like he was that big, however maybe goalkeepers were not back then.
The one thing that struck me as interesting was the large amount of handling and manual processes at this place, while machinery and equipment was state of the art. They are very proud of the fact that everything is made in Italy, however the price is higher as a result. I am sure they could automate a lot of what they do. They also white label a lot of garments for other companies like Addidas and Craft. The latter do the Saxo Bank kits and I had a blow up kangaroo signed by Andy Schleck, Jens Voight and Stuart O'Grady, however still did not hand it over.
Also interesting was the processes they used. Sublemation was the main one for large quantity orders. This is where paper is printed with the design, which is then pressed on to the fabric. Like an iron on transfer. Ditto to the digital process which is for smaller run orders. Then there is overprinting where the design is printed on the fabric, however this is used for simpler designs.
It is amazing to consider the lead times for the kits that we have purchased and then understand exactly how quickly they can turn something around if they have to (eg: for a tour de france yellow jersey wearer, or a newly crowned national champion).
On to Baldoni and we arrived fashionably late Italian style at 630pm! They proceeded to fix B-Money's bike straight away and even gave my drive train a free lube. I succumbed to my guilt and purchased a five euro bottle of lube! The bikes in this shop are amazingly cheap and you could pick up a top of the line model Pinarello Dogma for a touch over half the price you would get it for in Australia. That is still eight to ten thousand dollars, however it is a significant saving.
We arrived at Rimini for some great hospitality from Federica (Dott) before heading to one of the many bars on the beach. Super stuff.
Things are working fairly well. B-Money likes to drive, I can navigate and sleep. A perfect marriage.
We stopped quickly in Verona for lunch and thanks to Lonely Planet we managed to find a traditonal Veronese restaurant that was so traditional they had a "Menu Tourista". Not to worry, a quick feed and we were off to Nalini to look at how cycling clothes are made, before arriving at the Baldoni Bike shop in Forli at 5pm on the knocker to have B-Money's bike restored to it's former glory.
After lunch I was keen to get rolling, however B-Money wanted to do a quick walk into the main part of town. He lived up to his name by taking us directly to one of the main attractions which is the fake Juliet balcony. I am not sure why so many people get excited over this, however proceeded to live the moment and take a couple of happy snaps myself.
Back on the road and after some slight adjustments to the b/&% we were at Nalini. They appeared very pleased to see us and actually spent a fair bit of time showing us around the factory. We even met the owner, whose name escapes me, however was once the goalkeeper for AC Milan. He did not look like he was that big, however maybe goalkeepers were not back then.
The one thing that struck me as interesting was the large amount of handling and manual processes at this place, while machinery and equipment was state of the art. They are very proud of the fact that everything is made in Italy, however the price is higher as a result. I am sure they could automate a lot of what they do. They also white label a lot of garments for other companies like Addidas and Craft. The latter do the Saxo Bank kits and I had a blow up kangaroo signed by Andy Schleck, Jens Voight and Stuart O'Grady, however still did not hand it over.
Also interesting was the processes they used. Sublemation was the main one for large quantity orders. This is where paper is printed with the design, which is then pressed on to the fabric. Like an iron on transfer. Ditto to the digital process which is for smaller run orders. Then there is overprinting where the design is printed on the fabric, however this is used for simpler designs.
It is amazing to consider the lead times for the kits that we have purchased and then understand exactly how quickly they can turn something around if they have to (eg: for a tour de france yellow jersey wearer, or a newly crowned national champion).
On to Baldoni and we arrived fashionably late Italian style at 630pm! They proceeded to fix B-Money's bike straight away and even gave my drive train a free lube. I succumbed to my guilt and purchased a five euro bottle of lube! The bikes in this shop are amazingly cheap and you could pick up a top of the line model Pinarello Dogma for a touch over half the price you would get it for in Australia. That is still eight to ten thousand dollars, however it is a significant saving.
We arrived at Rimini for some great hospitality from Federica (Dott) before heading to one of the many bars on the beach. Super stuff.
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 3
What started with a great breakie went pear shaped pretty quickly.
We were rolling out of town when a dude in full Lampre team kit with a Lampre team issue Wilier bicycle cruised past and gave us a glance of superiority. Even though I knew I was outclassed, I thought it would be un-Australian of me not to respond. So I sped up, sat on his wheel, and then started to get next to him a few times, with my hands on the top of the bars so it looked all so easy. I was just about to signal B-Money through so we could give him the one-two punch, when I glanced over my shoulder and he was nowhere to be seen. So I rolled into the next town and noticed a message "broken derailleur" on my phone.
I went back to get him and it was not pretty. Then I found myself returning to the hotel to retrieve the clean up van to collect the parts. What a great time for making a start to driving on the narrow streets of Lake Como, in a wide van, where the Italians drive very cautiously!
A couple of gutter jumps and a close call on the side mirror, however no permanent scars. I did miss B-Money as he decided to wait on the opposite side of the road from where I found him and I had tunnel vision at this stage. So I was able to drive some more!
Once B-Money and what was formerly his bike were in the van, I set off on my own. Back to almost the town I had already visited twice and then a right hander into a long climb. Just how long I did not know exactly, however I knew there were a few sections and that I had different towns to look for at the end of each section.
I ended up climbing for about two hours in some pretty harsh heat, so I was happy (or delerious) when I arrived at the top. After a few snapshots a kind lady from a shop filled one of my waterbottles. She was so happy to give me free water she issued me a "ciao" before the bottle was even full.
I was on my way back down looking for a restaurant I had been advised to attend. I looked and could not find the one I thought I was looking for. So I cut my losses and went back up to the top. An icy pole and gatorade from the kind lady from before made her even kinder and she informed me that the restaurant there was closed for a couple of years and the one a couple of km down the road would be closed for afternoon siesta. So I was not to have the pasta.
I descended and then went through to Como. Not the nicest city compared to what I have heard, perhaps a couple of long tunnels I had to ride through along the way did not put me in the most open and accomodating mood. Also, my gears were squeaking a fair bit. So much so, that at one point a couple of cops across the other side of the road turned around thinking a potentially unroadworthy car may have been approaching. At least that was the look they had in their eyes (which were hidden by their sunglasses).
Back to the hotel and B-Money took me into town for an apertivo. Major attitude was received, which seemed strange considering we were in a tourist town.
I drifted off to sleep yet again to the dolcet tones of B-Money's airwaves.
We were rolling out of town when a dude in full Lampre team kit with a Lampre team issue Wilier bicycle cruised past and gave us a glance of superiority. Even though I knew I was outclassed, I thought it would be un-Australian of me not to respond. So I sped up, sat on his wheel, and then started to get next to him a few times, with my hands on the top of the bars so it looked all so easy. I was just about to signal B-Money through so we could give him the one-two punch, when I glanced over my shoulder and he was nowhere to be seen. So I rolled into the next town and noticed a message "broken derailleur" on my phone.
I went back to get him and it was not pretty. Then I found myself returning to the hotel to retrieve the clean up van to collect the parts. What a great time for making a start to driving on the narrow streets of Lake Como, in a wide van, where the Italians drive very cautiously!
A couple of gutter jumps and a close call on the side mirror, however no permanent scars. I did miss B-Money as he decided to wait on the opposite side of the road from where I found him and I had tunnel vision at this stage. So I was able to drive some more!
Once B-Money and what was formerly his bike were in the van, I set off on my own. Back to almost the town I had already visited twice and then a right hander into a long climb. Just how long I did not know exactly, however I knew there were a few sections and that I had different towns to look for at the end of each section.
I ended up climbing for about two hours in some pretty harsh heat, so I was happy (or delerious) when I arrived at the top. After a few snapshots a kind lady from a shop filled one of my waterbottles. She was so happy to give me free water she issued me a "ciao" before the bottle was even full.
I was on my way back down looking for a restaurant I had been advised to attend. I looked and could not find the one I thought I was looking for. So I cut my losses and went back up to the top. An icy pole and gatorade from the kind lady from before made her even kinder and she informed me that the restaurant there was closed for a couple of years and the one a couple of km down the road would be closed for afternoon siesta. So I was not to have the pasta.
I descended and then went through to Como. Not the nicest city compared to what I have heard, perhaps a couple of long tunnels I had to ride through along the way did not put me in the most open and accomodating mood. Also, my gears were squeaking a fair bit. So much so, that at one point a couple of cops across the other side of the road turned around thinking a potentially unroadworthy car may have been approaching. At least that was the look they had in their eyes (which were hidden by their sunglasses).
Back to the hotel and B-Money took me into town for an apertivo. Major attitude was received, which seemed strange considering we were in a tourist town.
I drifted off to sleep yet again to the dolcet tones of B-Money's airwaves.
B-Money and Adriano's excellent adventure - part 2
We could not wait to get out of our hotel (if you are ever in Lausanne, do not stay in Ibis) and after helping ourselves to a quick breakie at a local coffee shop, we were off to Musee d'Olympique Lausanne. Incidentally, Lausanneans (not sure what the collective noun is for that lot, if anyone knows then please advise) are pretty proud of the fact that the Olympic headquarters are there. It kind of reminded me of Melburnians, which is my former stomping ground, so I will not rip into them too much. Except to sat that they are a bunch of... just kidding!
The Olympic Museum was not bad. The downstairs had a whole lot of quality artefacts about the history of the olympics. Apparently Switzerland was chosen as the venue as the Olympic headquarters as the decision was made to revive the ancient games into the modern games during world war one and they were at peace. Back to the museum - upstairs was pretty average with a number of memorabillia donations from athletes. It could have had a lot of cool stuff from recent games, taken you behind the scenes, etc, however I guess they need to protect their intellectual property.
Off to Lake Como via Martingy where we had been a couple of days earlier. We passed the UCI training facilities or headquarters in Arig on the way, however did not want to turn back when we arrived at Martingy. Good to know it is there and even better to have a reason to go back.
Martingy was pretty quiet and had just recovered from the thirty minutes of madness of a week or so earlier. As we could not get hooked up with a cow bell or cheap watch (FYI - the former cost a few hundred euro, so maybe the tales I heard about being thrown in jail if you go cow tipping and nick one are true, however like anything these days can be ordered on line).
Out of Martingy and up a hill towards Italy. I must say that I have noticed I have a hunger for climbing hills, even though I am at best a grinder rather than a pure climber. I look at hills now and the first thing that comes to mind is wanting to ride my bike up them.
I did not make B-Money wait for me in this instance, which was a good thing as there was a few of them to get through, as well as a few hundred other kilometers. I thought of the great Kenny Rogers and "you have to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, know when to run. You never count your money, when you're sitting at the table, there'll be time enough for counting, when the dealin's done". Everybody know...
Right-o, pretty boring from here. In Switzerland that seemed like Germany, then Italy that seemed like Switzerland, however not the German one, then Italy that seemed like Italy, then Switzerland thet seemed like Italy and finally Italy / Italy. So it was great that we were warmed up to Italy slowly.
In the Italy that seemed like Switzerland there was a cracker of a road sign which I unfortunately did not get a snapshot of, so I will describe here. A truck going down an incline with the wheels on fire - ie: steep descent, careful you do not smoke it up and overcook the brakes!
The border control was again pretty lax, however I think having Italian plates helped. Also the European Union. I reckon they would strip search anyone from Poland or somewhere outside the EU as a matter of course.
Today was special from the perspective that we decided to ban the b&%$ and go old-school and use the map. So, as navigator, I had my work cut out for me. Suffice to say that we arrived. Not on time, however we never did with the Garmin anyway. Just less stressed.
I had a socceroos jersey on and a bloke came out of the hotel and said "Aussieland? Why are you coming here from Aussieland?" His name was Andri, son of Adriano (FYI - I am McLovin my adopted name while I am here) did some semi-pro cycling and he lived in Rushcutters Bay for a year or so. We had a quick chat about how all of the pro peleton must be on the juice and then he upgraded B-Money and me to a ball tearer of a room. Very romantic. I mentioned to B-Money that I just hoped the evening would live up to the expectations of where the bar had been set.
A mammoth walk to dinner at the place our new best friend suggested as he must get a kickback. We returned the favour by not dropping his name.
Another comment on the socceroos jersey on the way home at a gelateria. Unfortunately it was a bloke and he was at least 120, however it must be working!
The Olympic Museum was not bad. The downstairs had a whole lot of quality artefacts about the history of the olympics. Apparently Switzerland was chosen as the venue as the Olympic headquarters as the decision was made to revive the ancient games into the modern games during world war one and they were at peace. Back to the museum - upstairs was pretty average with a number of memorabillia donations from athletes. It could have had a lot of cool stuff from recent games, taken you behind the scenes, etc, however I guess they need to protect their intellectual property.
Off to Lake Como via Martingy where we had been a couple of days earlier. We passed the UCI training facilities or headquarters in Arig on the way, however did not want to turn back when we arrived at Martingy. Good to know it is there and even better to have a reason to go back.
Martingy was pretty quiet and had just recovered from the thirty minutes of madness of a week or so earlier. As we could not get hooked up with a cow bell or cheap watch (FYI - the former cost a few hundred euro, so maybe the tales I heard about being thrown in jail if you go cow tipping and nick one are true, however like anything these days can be ordered on line).
Out of Martingy and up a hill towards Italy. I must say that I have noticed I have a hunger for climbing hills, even though I am at best a grinder rather than a pure climber. I look at hills now and the first thing that comes to mind is wanting to ride my bike up them.
I did not make B-Money wait for me in this instance, which was a good thing as there was a few of them to get through, as well as a few hundred other kilometers. I thought of the great Kenny Rogers and "you have to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, know when to run. You never count your money, when you're sitting at the table, there'll be time enough for counting, when the dealin's done". Everybody know...
Right-o, pretty boring from here. In Switzerland that seemed like Germany, then Italy that seemed like Switzerland, however not the German one, then Italy that seemed like Italy, then Switzerland thet seemed like Italy and finally Italy / Italy. So it was great that we were warmed up to Italy slowly.
In the Italy that seemed like Switzerland there was a cracker of a road sign which I unfortunately did not get a snapshot of, so I will describe here. A truck going down an incline with the wheels on fire - ie: steep descent, careful you do not smoke it up and overcook the brakes!
The border control was again pretty lax, however I think having Italian plates helped. Also the European Union. I reckon they would strip search anyone from Poland or somewhere outside the EU as a matter of course.
Today was special from the perspective that we decided to ban the b&%$ and go old-school and use the map. So, as navigator, I had my work cut out for me. Suffice to say that we arrived. Not on time, however we never did with the Garmin anyway. Just less stressed.
I had a socceroos jersey on and a bloke came out of the hotel and said "Aussieland? Why are you coming here from Aussieland?" His name was Andri, son of Adriano (FYI - I am McLovin my adopted name while I am here) did some semi-pro cycling and he lived in Rushcutters Bay for a year or so. We had a quick chat about how all of the pro peleton must be on the juice and then he upgraded B-Money and me to a ball tearer of a room. Very romantic. I mentioned to B-Money that I just hoped the evening would live up to the expectations of where the bar had been set.
A mammoth walk to dinner at the place our new best friend suggested as he must get a kickback. We returned the favour by not dropping his name.
Another comment on the socceroos jersey on the way home at a gelateria. Unfortunately it was a bloke and he was at least 120, however it must be working!
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