We got up early today so we could do most of our ride before it got really hot. The alarm went off at 5 and we were on the road before 8. Not bad for us.
Once we got out of Asti with its urban sprawl, the ride was very scenic. A few climbs but nothing overwhelming and some nice descents too.
The view from the top of the first climb. Is that the Alps?
The fun lasted until we popped out on SP 457 leading into Casale Monferrato. After one km, we turned on to Strada Vecchia Pozzo Sant’Evasio which was better, but still not great. A short diversion to a bike shop to pick up more chamois cream, then our route led us through the pedestrian centre. It was busy with people our doing their Saturday shopping and socializing. Nice to see that this town is thriving, even if we didn’t particularly like riding through it.
Over the bridge and onto SP 31 all the way to Vercelli. The fun part of the ride was over; it was flat highway the rest of the way.
Crossing the Po. We will be taking Strada Vecchia Vercelli aka SP 31 all the way to Vercelli.
I knew rice was grown in Italy but didn’t know until today we’d be riding through a rice-growing area. (We also rode past the YKK Italia zipper manufacturing facility, which I didn’t know existed, but didn’t stop for a photo.)
We were able to check in to our B&B early at 12:30 and soon headed out to find lunch. Unlike Casale Monferrato, the centre of Vercelli was very quiet mid-day on a Saturday. Perhaps it was livelier in the morning. There were several bars open with people sitting at outdoor tables, but nobody was eating, just drinking. It was only just past one, so that seemed odd. We opted for the first place we saw serving actual food. It was called Camillo’s Bakery (yes, in English) and offered an “international” menu. Al chose a burger (burgers in Europe are different than at home and, so far, have always been excellent) while I opted for a burrito. It was definitely different than at home but also very good.
After lunch, we hung out at the B&B until the outdoor temperature moderated. I was pleasantly surprised when I went out shortly after 6 to see the shops open and the streets alive. After my outing to see the basilica, I returned to collect Al and we went to a pizzeria for dinner. It was a busy place! We got back to the B&B just as the lightning and heavy rain began. Should be cooler tomorrow!
Basilica di Sant’Andrea “is the symbol of the town” according to the tourist literature. It was built between 1219 and 1227 and is currently undergoing some restoration. The wall behind the altar is covered and the altar is missing but the building is beautiful.
