It was very quiet waking up in our studio apartment in San Lorenzo al Mare. Out the front door we could see a few people walking by, but this small beach is really out of the way. Such a neat spot. Pat was not feeling 100% this morning and was not sure that the mussels at last night`s dinner agreed with her. There was no breakfast offered with our stay which was a good thing as she only wanted some bananas and yogurt.
Our check out is a bit different this morning as it was scheduled for 10 am. Not that that is an usual time, but our host, who we only communicate with via google translate, requested that we return the keys to him at that time. 10 o'clock worked for us and we were packed and ready to roll shortly after.
Pat was looking forward to today`s ride as the first 24kms were on the old railway line that we rode a short section of yesterday. Beginning in San Lorenzo al Mare and ending in Ospedaletti the path is a scenic 24 km route running along the Italian Riviera in western Liguria. It was a great change from being concerned about sharing the SS1 with traffic. Although, we had an opportunity for this experience later on in the ride.
The first tunnel that we encountered was a bit of a surprise as it was around 1 km in length - which is long. Halfway through the tunnel there were no lights on today. We have front lights for our bikes, but we did not put them on expecting the tunnels to be lit. Fortunately, a rider passed by with a light and we quickly fell in behind him. At the end of the tunnel, we stopped and installed our front lights!
The Capo Nero Tunnel was even longer at about 1.5 kms. In the tunnel there are overhead signs commemorating the classic Milan to San Remo bike race. With a distance of 298 km it is the longest professional one-day race in modern cycling. It is the first major classic race of the season, usually held on the third Saturday of March. The first edition was held in 1907.
The signs hanging from the ceiling provided many interesting facts about the long history of the race. Our necks were very tired when we reached the end!
The most unique accommodation of this trip. It was a renovated cellar area of an old two story building. It was large enough to have our bikes inside. The washroom facilities are behind the wall.
70 per cento. It is the percentage of victories claimed by Eddie Merkx at Milano-Sanremo. Ten times competing, seven wins! The tunnel is full of fun facts.
At Ospedaletti we stopped and had a snack of treats that we had bought earlier along the route. The cycle path had officially ended but we still made our way along the waterfront riding seawalls, dedicated bike lanes, small roads and pedestrian bridges.
Reaching Ventimiglia, we rejoined the highway as we made our way through the busy town. We suffered a few miscues here: crossing a one-way bridge in the wrong direction and taking a tunnel as a short cut that left us far below the road above that we needed to be on. Sigh. The climbing began as we left the last town in Italy. Reaching the top of the headland it was a fast downhill before reaching the border between Italy and France. Although border buildings are there, no official personnel from either country were visible.
Climbing up over the headland past Ventimiglia provided some great coastal views. Cap Martin in the foreground and you can just make out Monaco beyond.
Very close to the border as we rode along the waterfront, Menton came into view. It looks like a pretty town, with the old part perched on a hill. We only booked a single night here but after reading a strong review from another Cycleblazer, we added a second. We will also need some time to plan the final few days in France and our method to get back to Geneva over the next half dozen days.
Arriving into Menton along the water and looking up at the old part of town.
Today's ride: 45 km (28 miles) Total: 1,041 km (646 miles)
Rate this entry's writing
Heart
8
Comment on this entry
Comment
2
ann and steve maher-wearyPat hope you are feeling better soon.
Very interested in your ride along the coast from Italy to France. We are considering it for the spring and I am reassured reading your blog that it is doable. I know it is late on the beach season for you guys. For us it might be late June which may be too busy. Loved seeing Scott swimming in October! Reply to this comment 2 years ago
