Out of Turin and up to the Convent at Susa

In which Sid and Doris make a down payment on the height required for the pass into France at Montgenevre.

Doris does an excellent job, but even so leaving Turin is a slow business. There really is nothing to show. Some bike lanes that end in a bush?

Alpigiano is light on cafes but does have this crossroads of our new Francigena toward Santiago de Compostella and our old Francigena to Rome.

Doris has written a piece on the hydro electric stations. This was built in 1905, though probably has new turbines by now.

For those who have heard of the Strada Bianchi and the classic cycle races on gravel we tested a few miles around Caselette. Sort of Mille Miglia and Hell of the North for old bikes.

For the climbers among you here is a Via Ferrata up to Sant’Ambrogio. In the picture you can see the wire snaking up.

It is just a scramble but here are your safety instructions.

Two long energy absorbing slings and two screw gate carabiners and a sit harness. Off you go.

In Sand Diderot the road suddenly goes more vertical. Doris stops. Sid is not ready to stop and falls over onto Doris, still clipped in. There is much pain of the shin. Cold compress, says Doris, as we are right by this wayside fountain. Sid’s shin has a big blue hurty thing which Sid pushes around until it is flatter and much less hurty. And as we have out the compress (Blue Cloth of Glory) and running water Sid soothes himself by mopping down the bikes so soon the pain is forgotten. He is a bit funny.

There is much more up to the Boutique Hotel Convent at Susa where they have the best bike garage of the trip so far.

The climb from Turin to Susa has made a long day but is a good down payment on the climb over the Alps.