Via Francigena

“The Via Francigena  is the common name of an ancient road and pilgrim route running from France to Rome and Apulia, where there were the ports of embarkation for the Holy Land,^[1] though it is usually considered to have its starting point on the other side of the English Channel, in the cathedral city of Canterbury. As such, the route passes through England, France, Switzerland and Italy. The route was known in Italy as the “Via Francigena” (“the road that comes from France”) or the “Via Romea Francigena” (“the road to Rome that comes from France”).^[2] In medieval times it was an important road and pilgrimage route for those wishing to visit the Holy See and the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul. ”

Self-guided Cycling

We elected to do a self-guided (just Sandy and me) tour from Florence to Rome. We had previously ridden in France, Spain, and Portugal, and felt our marriage could stand the stress of the trip.

A quick word about self-guided riding . . . “Self guided  cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or have a wife with such!). Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travelers attest.  Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travelers (impossible for some!) as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.”

Our route took us through Florence-Greve-Siena-San Quirico-Racidofani-Lake Bolsena-Viterbo-Sutri-Formello-Rome

Way Too Many Photos

Leaving on a jet plane . . . PDX-Chicago-Rome

The Duomo . . . Florence

Up on the roof . . . Florence

The first hills . . . St. Peter’s tomb above Florence

Our hero in Siena

Lunch time?

Via Francigena

High rollers’ lunch on the trail

Sandy on the road less traveled

End of the day . . . well deserved!

Not looking forward to tomorrow! More hills!

Riding instructions . . . why we got lost

Cascade Sotheby’s . . . Lake Bolsena branch

Fueling up . . .

Cassia Antica . . . over 2000 years old!

“What if we can’t make it?”

A little mud never hurt anyone . . .

Our ponies . . . they did some nice work!

Another wicked climb!

Beautiful (flat!) cycle path along the Tiber into Rome

The Tiber River  . . . Rome

Wow! St. Peter’s Square

One more adventure . . . cycling across Rome to drop off the bikes!

We made it! What a trip!

Wonderful Trip

We had a wonderful trip . . . I’d like to thank my wife/navigator supreme and partner, Sandy, for accompanying me, pulling me up all those friggin’ hills, and making this another truly memorable  experience.