54km ride (34 miles) to Lake Garda. We started an hour late because of the rain, but once we got on the bike paths, no rain. Good timing......We hurried along since we thought it could start up again at any time. Lucky, it didn't
We arrived at Lake Garda in two groups. Scot took a quick way down with all the traffic. Janet, Gloria and I took the boring bike path down with all the other bikers. We didn't hook up again for an hour or so, just before the ferry was to leave for our 4-hour lake cruise. BIG lake, think Lake Tahoe on steroids. Villages and resorts on all sides and the ferry stopped probably six or more times on the way down.
No one thought to brings books, computers, puzzles or cards. A long 4 hours. Add the clouds and the rain for the last hour, not a high point of our trip. When we got to Simione, after a quick check with the TI, and pouring rain, we found our hotel, settled in to anticipate our last day of biking tomorrow.
Our last biking day started clear and humid. A solid 54km, (34 miles) with a total of 333km, (207 miles) in 8 biking days. We'll take it. Couldn't have done it without Scot and Janet, thanks guys!
Now, the highlight of the day. We stumbled on al Bersagliere dal cionca di Ferrari Carla in San Giorgio. Early afternoon as we headed east to Verona, Scot stopped due to what we were smelling coming out of the kitchen. The parking lot was packed but we started to go in to see if there was a table available. NO! Reservations only, especially on Sunday. As we were starting to leave, a kind gentleman sitting close to the entrance told us to wait, disappeared and returned shortly to tell us we would have a table in 20 minutes!
Everyone was local and dressed up having come from Sunday Mass. We were the only 'tourists' dressed in sweaty biking shorts. They sat us at a long table for 8 with us on one end and an older couple on the other end. They were actually waiting out front with us as well and Janet and Gloria struggled to carry on a one-way conversation in Italian.
Menus came out and some real surprises here. First the prices, Really, really low! Game on! Appetizer, a bottle of wine, salads, main courses and dessert--47 Euro. And, when Scot and I went to pay, two shots of Limoncello were waiting for us at the register.
Now, during lunch, the older couple continued to look at us and smile. Part way through our meal they passed their extra french fries to us! And, after the meal, they came over, more one-way Italian, pictures, handshakes and kisses. Amazing!
Finally, what did we order? My car'ne sala cotta (cooked salted meat.....I think it was beef) was trumped by Scot's stracatto d'asino (braised donkey).............Yes, the menu was in English. Scot used to eat horse in a former life, so the braised donkey sounded ideal! We all tasted it. A bit stringy and chewy, but a great gravy. Scot pronounced in PERFECT!
A real memory maker today. Oh, the tiramisu for dessert was the best ever.
We arrived at Lake Garda in two groups. Scot took a quick way down with all the traffic. Janet, Gloria and I took the boring bike path down with all the other bikers. We didn't hook up again for an hour or so, just before the ferry was to leave for our 4-hour lake cruise. BIG lake, think Lake Tahoe on steroids. Villages and resorts on all sides and the ferry stopped probably six or more times on the way down.
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| They take their bike bridges very seriously. |
No one thought to brings books, computers, puzzles or cards. A long 4 hours. Add the clouds and the rain for the last hour, not a high point of our trip. When we got to Simione, after a quick check with the TI, and pouring rain, we found our hotel, settled in to anticipate our last day of biking tomorrow.
Our last biking day started clear and humid. A solid 54km, (34 miles) with a total of 333km, (207 miles) in 8 biking days. We'll take it. Couldn't have done it without Scot and Janet, thanks guys!
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| Along the shores of Garda, lots of resorts. Many closed now that it is offseason. |
Everyone was local and dressed up having come from Sunday Mass. We were the only 'tourists' dressed in sweaty biking shorts. They sat us at a long table for 8 with us on one end and an older couple on the other end. They were actually waiting out front with us as well and Janet and Gloria struggled to carry on a one-way conversation in Italian.
Menus came out and some real surprises here. First the prices, Really, really low! Game on! Appetizer, a bottle of wine, salads, main courses and dessert--47 Euro. And, when Scot and I went to pay, two shots of Limoncello were waiting for us at the register.
Now, during lunch, the older couple continued to look at us and smile. Part way through our meal they passed their extra french fries to us! And, after the meal, they came over, more one-way Italian, pictures, handshakes and kisses. Amazing!
Finally, what did we order? My car'ne sala cotta (cooked salted meat.....I think it was beef) was trumped by Scot's stracatto d'asino (braised donkey).............Yes, the menu was in English. Scot used to eat horse in a former life, so the braised donkey sounded ideal! We all tasted it. A bit stringy and chewy, but a great gravy. Scot pronounced in PERFECT!
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| OK, here it is, braised donkey. It DOES NOT taste like chicken. |
A real memory maker today. Oh, the tiramisu for dessert was the best ever.
 |
| Success! 207 miles. |
Thanks for a great trip Charlie and Gloria! It wouldn't have been half the trip without you. And thanks Eurobike. Reschen to Verona is a great choice for any fairly capable cyclist.
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