Sid and Doris Bonkers and their Epic Journeys
"Everybody is normal until you get to know them"
From Sardinia to Santander on a relaxed timeline with only a few smallish obstacles remaining. Here we are in Sardinia (hooray!) so only one major section of the Epic Journey is left to plan – “simply” get to Santander in time for the ferry on the 4th September. The ferry only goes twice a week and all the cabins are…
Read moreSee it. Do it. This is a really important rule, and is perfect for Regret Prevention. Do not go past something you want to do (buy, eat, photograph etc) and think “wow that is really great, next time I see one of those I will do/buy/eat/photograph it. Because there won’t be another opportunity. This applies even if you have seen…
Read moreVegetation – Road Signs – The Sweet Smell of the Strimmer – Road Laying Machines – Roofrack Of The Day 1. Vegetation We’ve been in “Mediterranean Arid” (as I think Kew would call it) pretty well since crossing over the central Bulgarian hills, but in Italy it’s definitely different. Trees to inspire Roger Dean, often full of extremely noisy colonies…
Read moreIn which Sid and Doris ride away to holiday land, Neilson at Baia di Mori on Sardinia (you knew we were on Sardinia?).Perhaps inspired by yesterday’s dawn raid on the SS125 we are up for 7.30 breakfast which is magnifico. We see more of the art that is a feature of the place. This includes a large motorbike, with fierce…
Read moreIn which Sid and Doris have a high paw day climbing from Arbatax, Sardinia, at sea level, to the Glenna Silana col at 1016 metres and ride on to Dorgali to make a 73 k day with 1193 meters of climb.We both had misgivings about this route, lying awake on the boat, thinking about what food we had and what…
Read moreIn which Sid and Doris suddenly find themselves at sea, on their way to Sardinia and a holiday.At Vasto we told our hotel host we were headed for Civitavecchia and she made mountain signs with her hands. Today we finished the ride over the Apennines to the sea with a ride that was half joy and half delivery. 78 kilometres…
Read moreIn which Sid and Doris find the Appenines have almost been crossed, with splendid mountain views, vile roads and the excitement of crossing the Tiber. We can be on the West coast tomorrow. We start the day with some more repairs to Doris’ saddle. In her defence, this saddle was transferred from the previous bike and has done all of…
Read moreSome thoughts about food. The right food in the right place – Is it dinner time yet? – Would you like a coffee with that sir? – Have you done your homework? – Self catering? Really?1. The right food in the right place We set off determined to eat the food of each country, and not to go for the…
Read moreIn which Sid and Doris visit earthquake hit Aquila and enjoy an early end to the day in Renaissance Chieti. The breakfast room at the Hotel de la Poste is full of cyclists about to set off on 100 k days and big climbs. And us. We will do 73 k and 663 metres of climb, a breeze. Appropriate Breakfast…
Read moreHot air hand dryers – More reasons not to compete in the Tour de France – Vending machines – Stones on the roof – Major Bumsore – The Milestone Question – Prevailing winds, truly. 1. Hot air hand dryers I used to LOOOOVE hot air hand dryers when I had a motorbike. I remember sitting under one in a motorway…
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