2017 - day 9 (10 September Bressanone to Bolzano)

Have you ever heard of Bressanone or Bolzano?? Well neither had we but believe me they are two of the most beautiful cities you will see anywhere.
The weather forecast was right - we started off in drizzle and it continued throughout the day until we arrived in Bolzano. Wet weather gear was on and apart from wet hands and wet feet we stayed mostly dry on the inside. It really didn't detract from the enjoyment of the day. It was just the most beautiful ride, mostly following along the banks of the fast flowing the Isarco River as it descends through the valley.
We saw the most extraordinary engineering of roads, railways and tunnels which all squeeze into the narrow gorge carrying immense amounts of traffic and yet preserving the extraordinary beauty of the river and it's Valley-  castles, vineyards,  monasteries and huge farmhouses a day barns perched on the sides of steep escarpment.  This is surely one of the most scenic and spectacular rides anywhere.

We arrived in Bolzano early afternoon as we kept on pushing on through the rain and booked into the lovely old hotel and a well earned hot shower and change into dry clothes.
Now this is why doing these tours in this part of the world is so rewarding - after such a beautiful ride  through magnificent scenery on fabulous bike ways we found we've arrived in Bolzano on the final day of their city Festival!
This is a magnificent city. Beautiful architecture and at least 6 town squares that we found, each with different bands playing - alpine horns, brass jazz bands, regge, traditional local folk music - all just fabulous. We drank local wine and enjoyed a lovely pasta meal - travelling certainly provides unique and unmatched experiences.

Added to this, we all get on so well - haven't laughed so much in Ages!

Tomorrow is a big day - 75 km with some uphill to add to the fun so hopefully the rain has cleared for us.