Field Report: "What Fun, a Fondo!" & "My Madonna of Bicycles"

Ciao, Zio Tony Fans! Just checking-in to let you know I haven't been sleeping at the wheel. I've been doing Field Research!

I just got back from a long weekend exploring Lake Garda and Trentino, following in the footsteps of Guiseppe Garibaldi, JW Von Goethe, Charly Gaul, and Mary Emer-Calcaterra. If you don't know all or any of that cast; don't worry, you will!

I conceived the trip after signing-up for my first "Gran Fondo" (fabulous Italian amateur cycling events) which was staged this weekend on Mt Bondone just outside Trento, the capital of Trentino, home of the famous Dolomite Mountains. As usual, I relied upon the "Slow Food Guide" (to traditional places to eat and stay in Italy) to put a roof over my head and food in my belly; so, you can expect a full report.

I also had you in mind the prior weekend when Ole' Paint & I returned to Lake Como and Bellagio on our quest of the classic "Giro di Lombardia" climb to the Chapel of the Madonna of Ghisallo, the sanctified shrine of bicyclists. Like all good pilgrimages, I also learned something extra along the way, a little insight into the Italian passion for cycling.

So now, I've got to get to gathering my thoughts and putting pen to paper.

In the mean time, don't forget to keep your eye & mind out for some "Zio Tony, Let's Go!" ideas that tickle your curiosity (and get me out of the house!).

Ciao! Ciao! ZT