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Hi Guys!!!
This time is the time for an internationally known as the most beautiful italian region: TUSCANY! Which is the first word that comes up in your mind thinking of Tuscany? CHIANTI along with its hills and vineyards! Isn't it?! Well, hereby I will proudly show you a new point of view of Chianti and I will prove to you that Tuscany means also beautiful sea! Let's start this post with this "new Chianti' side". What am I meaning with that? Here you come...Reading on books or internet about Tuscany, I have always been shown breathtaking places and pictures I hadn't been able to find them. I couldn't explain it to me until I have been hosted by a biker who suggested me to riding over the famous "EROICA". A dusty trek which goes throughout the Chianti for about 220km. A unique way for experiencing the Chianti, which allows me to finally see the places I had been viewing on holiday's brochure and website. I can firmly say that since I have done the Eroica to all of those asking me advice for visiting the best of Tuscany in few days I say: RIDE OVER THE EROICA! These are the "Crete Senesi"! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8414443_n2.jpg I bet you won't leave Tuscany without a picture like these! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...0692906_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4383145_n2.jpg So, the Eroica it's all about dust and typical Chianti landscapes? That's should be enough but it won't be. You have to say that between the stages of this trek you have the chance to even visit most of the traditional medieval villages! Montalcino! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...0423989_n2.jpg Monteriggioni! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2012882_n3.jpg Broglio's Castle! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2185298_n1.jpg That's another classic Chianti's pic...of course! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6942541_n2.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4374710_n3.jpg ...and of course, I couldn't miss the chance to get postcards of Florence and Siena! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8598026_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7054918_n3.jpg The last picture is a gift for all of you are following me since the beginning of this post! Do you ever heard of San Galgano? Well, this a very little village famous for its church. Inside it you can find a sword sticked in a rock. Yes, the King Arthur's legend! Who knows maybe the real King wasn't Arthur maybe it was an italian one!?! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...95799608_n.jpg To all of those willing to more about the EROICA, here is the information link: english That's instead is the Tuscanian sea I was talking about at the beginning of this post! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3023593_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...1477090_n4.jpg Hope you have enjoyed it! Alessandro |
Hi Guys!
In the previous post we have just entered the Central Italy visiting Tuscany. Now we go on to the region of Marche. It's a region almost unknown but in a kind of way similar to Tuscany. For example in Tuscany we have the "Chianti", in the region of Marche we have "Chienti". For that we usually call Chienti "the Chinese vineyard" as the chinese are known for their fakes! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7215487_n1.jpg The Sibillini mountain chain is part of the Central Apennines and are shared by 4 of regions of the Central Italy. The Marche are the offroad side out of the 4! With some friends I have been offroading, even by night, to the Fargno Refuge. About 1600 meters high, not too much but enough to be inside the National Park. Whilst riding on top of the refuge I fell off the bike three times. Once for wild porks crossing the trek, once for a barn owl taking off and even once for a fawn! A natural paradise framed by shining stars blue sky...indeed! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg The Milky way!!! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg Sadly, Time to wake up!! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg What does it mean riding on a dusty trek?...Here is the answer! I promise, in the morning my gear was black! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg The lake of Fiastra, what a beautiful color. Spotted it along the road between the Sibillini and the north of the Marche! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6669332_n1.jpg I don't know how many of you are aware that Marche is also a famous "riders producer" region. Especially in the sea side of this region Valentino Rossi and Marco Simoncelli were born, not to mention the others. And there I went! I have been visiting the dirty track of Tavullia, the Valentino Rossi "play ground". Sadly, it wasn't there, he was scared to eat my dust! Then I went to Coriano paying my respect to who could have been the next Valentino Rossi....Marco Simoncelli! Gone but never forgotten.... http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...01294771_n.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7053153_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7993140_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2638882_n1.jpg The final shot is dedicated to the beautiful sea...that's the Conero, the most famous coastline of this region! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...1838370_n1.jpg |
Hi Guys!
Need your help...I got lost in my country! I didn't know where I was and the only clue I have was this picture. Every shop around me was plenty of these wild faces! :) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2599042_n3.jpg I was in Norcia! together with Amatrice one of the best place in Italy where to eat a proper italian course! ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...9612527_n1.jpg And it isn't enough! It has got also one of the best roads in Italy for getting up to there...the fantastic Forca Canepine! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7506615_n3.jpg Norcia it's also known for its plateau...of which you have surely seen a picture of its lentils florescence...and of course...the "Little Italy"! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3336933_n2.jpg One day I went to Assisi the town of San Francesco for a spiritual break and then I discovered Assisi to be next to Mount Subasio and Mount Cucco...where the freedom meets bikers and parachutists! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2496136_n3.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...5093402_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...5631522_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8039505_n1.jpg What do you think? :) Alessandro |
Welcome back Guys!
I have to apologize with all of you for having skipped the bike change in the previous post. As you have seen I have left the saddle of a Yamaha Tenere 660 in favor of a brand new Honda Crosstourer 1200 DCT. So, before talking about my impression of the Honda, hereby is my opinion of the Tenerè: "Don't call it Little Tenerè! Does the maxi-enduro has necessarily to be a maxi-motorized bike? The Tenerè 660 answer firmly NOT to this question! It lacks of horsepower as its engine has about 50cv, that's true, but all we know that who goes slow goes far....and everywhere (in that case). Together with the Bmw F800GS, Tenerè is surely the most appropriate bike to switch between tarmac and mud...so stylish nowadays. Thanks to facility with which it can be ridden even a beginner like me can have fun in offroad. Promoted!" http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...Eminimizer.jpg Do you agree with me? ?c? Alessandro |
Guys...I'm back!
and I'm back with another one of my best regions in Italy. The first was Trentino, the second was Sardinia and hereby I show you the Abruzzo. We are in the Center of Italy in the middle of the spectacular Gran Sasso National Park! The Gran Sasso it's the majestic peak of the Apennines (2.912 meters)...The Big Stone...indeed! I could can see the Gran Sasso from many side. I will show you all of them starting from my favorite....Campo Imperatore! Our "Little Tibet", as you can see yourself! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2987848_n2.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4254944_n2.jpg Another beautiful place where I was able to admire the Gran Sasso it was the peaceful Lake of Campotosto! It's really relaxing place... http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...47238480_n.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2456509_n2.jpg Abruzzo it's also a region plenty of gorges together with perfect roads! In particular I want to show you the most famous ones: The gorges of Scanno with the namesake lake. http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...0815417_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6210124_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4971920_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...5649740_n3.jpg Ok, great! But what about pure and funny riding? Well, You should definitely ride over the Forca D'acero! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6055790_n1.jpg Time for a goodbye postcard for all of you! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3144694_n3.jpg |
Hi Cleland!
Welcome on board :thumbup1: During this journey I have tested 8 bikes of which I make a report every time a I had to change them! If you go back on this post...you will find reports about the GS1200A, Ducati Multistrada, Ducati Multistrada Gt, Yamaha Tenerè and soon I will tell you about the Honda Crosstourer DCT. have a look.. :thumbup1: and of course...if there is something specific to ask me..then let me know! Ciao, Alessandrobier |
Cleland...whenever you come to Italy you know someone will welcome you! ;)
Wow...you are quite a great globe-trotter. Where I can find your report of your Us trip? Thanks, Alessandrobier |
Hi Guys,
Getting to southern Italy now with the very first region of the south: The Campania with its Naples! Here, the wildest Italy begin as you can really have more chance for adventuring with your bikes than the northern part. I always felt to ride alone in Campania, as the inlands are all about little villages, farms and the Apennines. I will start showing a picture taken whilst riding through the Mount Terminio. One of the most beautiful forest made out of beeches, it was a shame to find out here and there some rubbish. (You never know what people can able to do!). http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...1551434_n1.jpg That's the Matese mountain chain! I was in the region of Campania but behind the rocks there was the region of Molise. http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6946937_n1.jpg The caption of the following picture should start with a classical "once upon a time....". Indeed, the plateau you see in the picture it was a lake today pumped. The only chance to see water there it's during the winter when lots of snow falls! Here is the plateau of Laceno... http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...7550661_n1.jpg Campania it's also a very vulcanic land. You know, Naples, the biggest city of this region lays over the Vesuvio (a tricky position, though!), and here it is! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3967670_n1.jpg And that's another one...a strange one! It is a not anymore active volcano on which you can walk over. I felt like walking on the moon, really! It was in Pozzuoli... http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8173308_n1.jpg Am I missing something out of this report? mmmm...Yes! Honestly, I'm sure that all of you have heard about the Costiera Amalfitana which is a truly magic and unique place. However I wasn't sure about telling to you my riding experience there as it was a real nightmare. It was in early september still with hot weather and was so crowded with tourist's buses and traffic that it was almost impossible to me to take pictures have a relaxing ride. I was really pissed off .... by the way, here you have the pictures I've managed to take! That's Positano, the nicest town by the Costiera Amalfinata...by far! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4168268_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6783037_n1.jpg The last postcard is dedicated to my "Darling" which has taken me till here! ...at the background: CAPRI! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...6632781_n1.jpg |
Hi Guys,
Some days ago I showed you the outstanding beauty of the Sardinian sea. With any doubts I have been always considering it the most beautiful sea we have in Italy by far! Then...I went to the region of Puglia for the first time in my life and things changed. In my opinion Sardinia is still the best but from now on I'm aware that Sardinia is not the only italian region to be considered for holiday by the sea....just look at that: http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...57090660_n.jpg Incredible...isn't it? And this place (Leporano) is just 10km away from the city of Taranto!Of course, don't go there on sunday or you will find all Taranto in there! ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2814282_n1.jpg We want to ride our bike but when beaches like this one come up along the road you are on...I'm sure you will pull over and get this picture too! ;) Riding over the coastline in Puglia it's a real pleasure for your eyes as you will continuously have this kind of view! Here we are at the Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2394327_n1.jpg Look at this natural swimming pool...Image to wait there till the sunset with your wife and a glass of wine and make a romantic plunge! ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...2401186_n1.jpg Puglia is a region of fishermen and how do they go fishing? They have two ways of doing it: - The traditional one with their "Trabucchi" http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8715631_n1.jpg - The modern one with a bike and a boat ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8223349_n2.jpg ...And where do those fishermen lives? Amongst many villages I have seen, I feel you mustn't miss out the opportunity to see: - Alberobello, the village of the "Trulli". http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...25257002_n.jpg - Polignano a mare, the village is erected over a bay which is in the center of the village itself! http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...1842510_n1.jpg So, if you are thinking of a summer holiday in italy, what would you choose...Sardinia or Puglia? Speak your mind! Alessandro |
Hi guys...i'm back!
Let me tell you that I'm really happy how all of you are appreciating my report so far. It gives me the good spirit to keep writing! :D Before I carry on with my report, all of you should know that for apparently unknown resonable explanations the regions of Molise and Basilicata are called "ghost region" as nothing seems to happen in there. By the way, if that way of saying could be almost "right" for Molise I have to say that it doesn't count for Basilicata. I have never been there before and as much as the most of the italians I used to judge going there as pointless. Nothing couldn't be much wrong! First of all, there it is the city of Matera, a world famous city which has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera"). The Sassi are prehistoric settlement, the first human settlements in Italy. http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3503367_n1.jpg Secondly, but not less important Basilicata is also famous for having a mountain chain which deserved to be called Dolomities....yes, as the mostly known Dolomities in northern Italy. Furthermore, their incredible feature are two little villages nestled right on top of the rock's cliff. http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...92414932_n.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...3058888_n1.jpg Basilicata is also touched by sea especially the stretch which goes between Campania and Calabria. This little stretch got my attention for its stylish town of Maratea and its coastline road...100% like the most famous Amalfi Coast with the only but unique benefit to have the chance to ride over it completely alone! No tourists...no traffic...no buses! ;) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...9136224_n1.jpg http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...4603757_n1.jpg A place like the Monument Valley to who have never been to the real Monument Valley it's just the cherry on top! :) http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...0559362_n1.jpg So that, has Basilicata got your attention? ?c? |
Hi Guys!
Time for a bike review now! As you could have seen on my last post about Basilicata, I have changed my bike from a Honda Crosstourer DCT in favour of a sport tourer like the legendary Honda Vfr 800. Therefore I have got to give you as usual my impression on the Crosstourer. Honda Crosstourer DCT: "The 130 horse-power engine give me almost the same happiness feelings which could only give me the Ducati Multistrada. What's more, this Honda is more comfortable than a Gs1200. Does it sound like a great bargain? It is...indeed! I consider myself to be a "traditional" biker but had lots of fun getting to know with the DCT (the automatic gearbox). Of course, it has some limits, but not the limit you might think it should have. It's not the kind of automatic gearbox which makes you deny the day you thought of trying it. Instead, its paddles are easy to use and the changes between the gears are fast enough together with the engine power even on low revs. You can see its negative points just pushing the bike to the limits because the gear changes are calibrated on revs and sometimes happened a gear change in the middle of a curve. That's not a good thing, especially if you didn't ask it...you know! By the way the gearbox it has a double-clutch and you won't feel it...just hear it. It will takes you a while to get used to but it's worthed...I promise!" In a nuts shell: "You must try it!" http://www.ridesoul.net/wp-content/u...8039505_n1.jpg |
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