Quite Approximate. Google Maps initially showed 3 routes. After going on some poor trails, we largely reverted to John's Organic Maps route. Definitely not the "blue" route shown.
Perfect weather again today—sun, 55-75 F, minimal wind. We did our best to route around central Rome, as our destination is a residence NE of Rome. We started at 9 am, stopped for cappuccino at 10:30, a panini at 11:45, and arrived before 4 pm.
Italian roads have a sort of accidental cobblestone surface, where the pavement surface on the right side of the lane is broken and/or patched and rides like cobblestones. With heavier vehicle traffic, we are forced to stay to the right, over the rough part. Cars routinely pass and cut in sharply to avoid oncoming vehicles. Looks worse that it is, unless they collide head-on and spin into us. Here, drivers have to be alert and we have had not issues.
Touring with my trailer vs. panniers offers more flexibility. ut the trailer tires can pick up thorns and glass bits on the edge of the road. One trailer tire has been losing air overnight, but staying firm for 3-5 hours of cycling. I checked the tire midway, but on arrival at Marco's, the tire was completely flat, perhaps explaining my slow hill climbing. This only the 2nd time I've had trailer tire issues on tours.
After climbing out of Valmontone, Google placed us on small lanes that turned muddy in places. We reverted to John's Organic Maps routing and tried to select better roads. Better usually means pavement, a wider road, and lots of traffic. Pick you poison. Today's route comprised rural lanes (paved, gravel, rocky, rutted, or mud), city streets with traffic, and enough vehicle exhaust to start a background headache. We had a long, gentle descent into the Rome basin, then a climb at the end to Marco & Isabelle's NE residential home.
Early morning view from our Valmontone lodging. My rear bike tire was completely flat in the morning. While I changed the tube and looked for something in the tire, John put the tube in water and found that the valve stem was loose. He said that new tubes often arrive with loose valve stems. Decades of riding and new info to me. Will now check every new tube.
Rainbow Sweet Rooms. Turkish restaurant in front facing the street, lodging in back with rooms above the restaurant. Well signed and one of the easiest B & B's to find.
57 Via San Giovanni Molino, 00038 Valmontone, Italy
Google Becomes John's Favorite Mapping App. Google offered 3 routes, one east of Rome, one directly through Rome but using more bike paths and lanes, and a similar one that circled the suburbs but went closer to the center of Rome. We chose the 3rd option, which appeared to be the shortest and least climbing. After a good start out of Valmontone, we encountered unpaved gravel lanes that transitioned into rutted tracks that were sometimes muddy.
Muddy Underpass. We had to carry our bikes, and then I returned for my trailer, trying to stay upright on the slick, raised mud ridge along the side. Not to mention, the mud was stale, stinky, and gooey. Part of the adventure of independent bike touring.
Cleaning Shoe Cleats.
John swore to never trust Google again, and that Organic Maps would save us.
Crossing the Tiber River over the bike bridge.
Beautiful Bike Bridge
Water Tower near Marco's home.
Marco & John. Marco & John shared offices at the U. of Washington while pursuing their PhD's.
Sharing trip photos in Marco and Isabelle's kitchen. A perfect finish to a bike tour, warm hosts, good shared stories, and regional cuisine. Marco swore, and I believe him, that the best restaurant in the area is his home. Tomorrow we will clean the stinky mud off of our bikes, pack them, and relish a relaxing day not cycling.
Dog of the Day. Isabelle said she was a "White Shepherd".
Congrats on a accomplishing a challenging trip; thanks for sharing your experiences!
ReplyDeleteI love the bike bridge! Enjoy your time in Rome and safe travels home.
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