Does it feel lonely without all of the humanity?

Hi Scott,

Our bike bags came with the bikes years ago but I believe they are an older version of the bag that Bike Friday sell on their website. They are a very strong nylon material with good zippers. They do make packing the bikes on and off trains easier when folding the bike is required. We have a system that we also carry an empty light weight nylon duffel bag too. We load it up with Pat`s smaller paniers and all the extra stuff we pack along (helmets, water bottle etc ) to keep everything together. The three bags are rolled up tight and put in a compression type bag and Pat carries it strapped on to her rack above the paniers. We have used this system for years and pull it out when a train has no space for bikes or they prohibit bikes on board. It takes us about 15 minutes to pack up or unpack the bikes.

Wow - Matera is a really cool!

This is a very “unique” area. The Trullis are a must see.

Love how you capture the flavour of the areas you visit

Loved your write ups and photos of Rome. They bring back lovely memories and make me want to visit again soon.

It is such a fascinating place! All the best for your travels home.

What a great way to end your trip! It really is an amazing place.

Thanks for such a detailed write-up! Such an astonishing place. It makes me wish we’d taken a guided tour when we were there ourselves.

I suspect the next time we travel in Italy we’ll want to make regular use of trains to get between hubs. Unless I’ve missed it somewhere, I don’t see a description of how you’re managing bagging your bikes for the train. Are you carrying bags with you as part of your luggage? If so, could you give some detail - how much they weigh, how you manage packing them with everything else (how much space do they take), maybe a product reference?

"Thanks..." Scott...
Looks like ones I caught near Lunken Airport in Cincinnati.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_wall_lizard

This is such an extraordinary area up here on this plateau. I think it’s my favorite cycling area in Puglia.

I know, I know! Well let Bill tell you though.

I wish that bike could tell us its history. Such a functional setup.

Interesting piece of art to the left.

That's a wonderful example of a right sized vehicle. I'd love to se Piaggio Apes in the US in stead of the monster trucks. Much safer for those of us on two wheels.