Cath: Ljubljana - Germany - Bike Bimble

Cath: Ljubljana - Germany

Many things were realised in the following weeks. To travel with the bike other than on it, is a bit of a drag. FlixBus is a European bus company that has recognised the rise in bike tourism and sees an opportunity to cash in/help us out. It makes it much easier than a plane, just ride up, bind up all your bags to fit the 'one piece of luggage' rule, then when you arrive, pack it back together and in minutes ride off. So I did this. I got a bus in the early hours (repaying my late-night noisy dorm buddies with my early morning rustles) from Ljubljana to Ulm, then rode the remaining 60k to Aalen. In Aalen was the Limes Junior Acrobatics World Championship and not only did I have one niece competing, but two.

Drowning my sorrows now that I was on my own

Bike mid flixbus journey with the Chinese laundry bag carried all the way through Africa for to be used on this day. (Suzie looks to be exhausted)

Indi doing her thing in the middle of the pack

I spent a whirlwind five days, stumbling through culture shock and learning all things Acro. The people, the rules, the scoring, the expectations. It was an emotional and physical ride for all involved: athletes, coaches, parents and supporters. But what an opportunity, to see family members from Australia competing in Germany.

Next was family visit stage two in Italy. But to get there I first had to visit 'the Germans'. Our good friends in Oberstdorf had agreed to look after my bike while I bused over the Alps to Italy.

Italy

Cath has an uncle who lives near the Brescia in Italy. her mother had not seen her brother for years. Not to point out the grim reality, but, well, everyone is getting older and family is important. So for at least a year, my brother and I have done nothing short of bully my mother to dig deep into her wallet and then into her memory and pull out the fruits of all those Italian lessons and book a trip to Italy. My brother lived in Turino in the early 2000s and a friend's 50th birthday party was scheduled, so what better time to get mum organised. We would both be around, so she had some company.

Unfortunately, despite mum being adamant for years she would not visit Italy in the summer due to the heat, our persuasions landed her there in July, and, during a heat wave.

Well, that's not so bad to look at. Stresa

Trying to keep some fitness. Harder to get the running legs back than I thought

Not much can be said about the two weeks of leisurely wandering about Italy that is different to what you would expect. Lots of good food, wonderful views and loooooots of gelato, with a splash of good coffee.

Bicern: Hot drink on a hot day. The waitress questioned if I knew it was hot....

Sacra di San Michele: dragging mum up and down the steps and she is still smiling

It was wonderful to spend the time with my brother, my mother and then later just mum. Getting older it's easier to see what's obvious...family is important. And getting the opportunity to spend time in Italy with my mother is something to be very grateful for. Thanks for coming mum, I know she was exhausted at the end. Let's do it again next year?

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