If you would like to see details about our journey, check out our itinerary and our bike route.
Our last day on the road for this trip.
We woke up to sunshine and a brilliant blue sky. We. took our time getting packed, as check-out wasn't until 10:00 and we had only 19 miles to go.
The route was pretty, mostly on small roads and bike paths, with rolling hills, flat stretches, and a couple short steep climbs.
After an hour, we stopped at a nice cafe for cappuccini and cornetti.
After another hour, a couple bikers caught up with us at a roundabout and asked if we were Swiss, and offered suggestions for getting to Buguggiate. It turns out we are only a few miles from the Swiss border, and a lot of Swiss cycle down into this area on holiday.
It is Sunday, it is the first nice day in a week, we are in a popular cycling area, and the bikers are out in force. It is fun, it feels good, we are grateful for a nice last day of riding.
After another hour, we find a good pizza restaurant that is open, and we stop for lunch. We have lots of time. We want to soak up a little more of the Italian experience.
A half hour later, we make it to the top of our biggest climb and stop in front of the gate to our apartment in Buguggiate. As I review the check-in instructions from our host, the gate swings open and Vera greets us.
We have the most wonderful two-bedroom apartment with everything you could ask for, plus an incredible view of Monte Rosa from the terrace. And a washer. And a kitchen. And a living room. And a bathroom.
Showers, laundry, rest.
At 18:00, we hike a mile downhill to the grocery store for breakfast and lunch food, then back up the hill to a neighborhood restaurant where we have a quiet dinner with the locals.
It is late, and dark, by the time we return and tuck ourselves into bed.
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| A sunny day, a dedicated bike path, not too much climbing, lots of places to stop and eat. Who could ask for anything more? |
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| From the terrace of our apartment, we have this unbelievable view of Monte Rosa (15,203 feet), in the Pennine Alps, on the Italy/Switzerland border. |
