I feel conflicted: a part of me loves so many beautiful cycling routes here, I can’t wait to share them with the world. The other part doesn’t want anyone, literally no one else on them. Selfish, perhaps, but there is something very magical about cycling in complete solitude. The blue sky, the smells, sights, and the sounds all to yourself. And after the tourist season, I find a lot of routes just like that.
So, maybe there is a compromise. Perhaps I can describe the places, without saying exactly where they are. Though my guess is, if you know the area, you’ll know what I am talking about. Little not-so-hidden gems for the locals, but pretty unusual for the one-week visitor to find. Some of my favourite routes aren’t even all that hard to find, but when you go after the crowds have left, even those roads are devoid of car or bike traffic. Especially in the middle of the week. It’s heaven on earth to me, I wish it could always be like this.
I have no issue with finding motivation while here. I can’t wait to get on my bike, everything here is so inviting. The sun is shining, it’s warm, there are countless ancient villages perched high above with quaint cafés for a quick drink, and the routes are infinite. I don’t have to don endless layers of clothing to stay warm, it’s easy and free. It’s not like this everywhere, trust me. Oftentimes I am struggling to force myself out the door in frigid temps on ugly routes just to get some miles in. This is vastly, significantly, so much better.
I notice as I ramble on, I still haven’t said anything concrete or specific about my favourite routes. Just how they make me feel. So, I think I’ll just stick to that. If you want to know where these dreamlike spots are, you’ll just have to come here and ask me. Bring a bike and a lot of energy. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is ever-so worth the price of admission.
