DOPPIO ESPRESSO - SV Does Bergamo, Tuscany. . .

It has been a little while since the last post – I can explain. As a wedding present, my now ‘almost wife’ got me an amazing present – 8 days in Tuscany! We stayed on an organic biological olive oil farm (extremely cool – have a look at www.agrifuturismo.com but make sure the volume is DOWN on your computer should you be viewing this page at work).

After our last few posts when we were in Milan. We then went to Bergamo. I must admit a very strong liking for Bergamo. Not only because I was able to ride part of the Giro course from 2007 – right at the spot where Gilberto Simoni attacked near the finish, only to be caught by a flying Stefano Garzelli (one of my all time personal favourites) only to complain that Garzelli had used the moto to catch him and win the sprint. See video:

Do not try this at home kids. . .

But also because of the wonderful hospitality of our hosts at L'angolo del poeta (Poets Corner? This may show my soft spot for Robbie Burns. . .) http://www.http://www.angolodelpoeta.com/ Certainly one to see for great riding, excellent topography, some pretty good bike shops and brilliant food.

This guy finished his training and went straight in for a small cake and espresso . . heaven! Please note impeccable bike choice. . .

Our 'place' in Bergamo. . .

Before we arrived at Tuscany (we stayed between Firenze and Sienna for you Geography buffs out there) we went to La Spezia for a few days. I will credit Andrew Hay with the ‘first to recognize the home of Alessandro Petacchi” award. Yes, La Spezia is where he grew up, and if you were to visit La Spezia you would know why he is such a great sprinter – he was in a hurry to get the hell out of there. Once out of the city centre however was when the riding became brilliant. La Spezia is surrounded by oceans and mountains. Have a look at these pictures (as usual - click to enlarge)!

I took in a long climb to get you this photo. . .

We stayed at the Jolly hotel right on the water, and while a bit on the pricey side, it was certainly an advantageous spot for riding.

dodgy picture from Hotel room window. . .

Amazing riding here and I really enjoyed myself - I would strongly suggest it for a cycling specific vacation spot but little else. . . . .anyone from La Spezia out there? Should you bring your cycling spouse there is also the option of seeing La Cinque Terre (also outlined by Andrew. . .).

More to come soon - now get back to work. . . SV