Day 3 - Polazzo sull’Oglio to Sirmione - Oh The Places You'll Go - 2025

April 13, 2025

Day 3 - Polazzo sull’Oglio to Sirmione

Redemption

I’ll admit that yesterday’s post was like coughing up a load of bile. We had one more little phlegm ball to expunge this morning, the underwhelming breakfast at the soulless Agriturismo, and then we set off for the day.

The potentially heavy rain that was in the forecast turned out to be a light drizzle that let up after about an hour. It was fine to ride in and what was more than fine was the route!

For the majority of the day we were back into the Italy we’ve come to love for cycle touring.

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Full redemption for the BI-12 route. The entire day was wonderful care free (i.e. car free) riding through gentle farm land and vineyards, interspersed with interesting and well preserved towns and villages.

Bellissimo!

To top things off, we had a wonderful evening catching up with Andrea and Maria Chiara. We first met Andrea in 2016 when he stayed with us for a few days at the start of his Great Divide Ride. He returned the favour in 2019 when we spent some time with him and his now partner Maria Chiara during our Copenhagen to Lecce tour.

I’ll let the pic’s fill in the rest. Off to breakfast!

setting off for the day. Note the rain gear!

Classic Po valley farmland. Great roads that we had largely to ourselves

After passing through Rovato we were starting to get into vineyards. They are always great for cycling

We are in the Franciacorta wine region.A very small DOGC that produces Italy’s equivalent to Champagne

Ah, vineyards, castles, hedgerows, deserted roads. What’s not to love? Just missing the sunshine but we’ll take 4 out of 5

We’re now on the lovely Ciclovia Della Cultura cycle route, part of the BI-12. The signs are a little confusing - Bici a Mano means ‘walk your bike’. I don’t think so

Gnarly vines just about to burst forth in a growth spurt

The weather conditions weren’t great for stunning protos - think more sumblime. This was beautiful country to ride through today but you really had to be there to fully appreciate it too. I can’t fully blame the weather for the pic quality, lots of it comes down to the skill, or lack thereof, of the photographer

The great Italian cycle infrastructure we were expecting or at least hoping for. Well marked intersection of two beautifully paved cycle routes!

Great lunch at a very lively and packed Tratorria due Stelle in Brescia. Although it wasn’t cold while we were riding, it was nice to sit down in a comforting warm place for lunch.

In Brescia. We’ll have to come back and spend more time here

Quarries east of Brescia. I couldn’t really capture the full scale of them but this was an extensive quarry. I imagine it’s been in operation for centuries

Another landscape photo as we were nearing Lake Garda and Sirmione. Once again, in the sublime category and you had to be there

Image not found :( — Maria Chiara pointing out her favourite!

SOTD

Redemption Song by Bob Marley

After slagging off the BI-12 route yesterday, it’s full redemption today!

Cheers from Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda our friend and host Andrea!

Today's ride: 84 km (52 miles)
Total: 278 km (173 miles)

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Michael LakeLooking like a great trip … you’ll love Slovenia !

Here’s a reco for SOTD … https://open.spotify.com/track/1oV1tu8utgHQjLJsEK9sVl?si=VAkOshsoQT2S6Go9MiejKw

Ride on !!
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1 day ago

Lyle McLeodTo Michael LakeThanks Mike, I think that song will work well!
Looking forward to Slovenia for sure!
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22 hours ago