Ciao from Italia! – 7 – Bike Rides around Borgo a Mozzanno….

Looking out from the Devil's Bridge

The relief having gotten away from the city streets was palpable, as, after a brief stop in San Marcello,
we came to rest in Borgo a Mozzanno. An unassuming village on the Western bank of the Serchio
river, it boasts the spectacular ‘Devil’s Bridge’ as you enter from the North. Commissioned by a
local Contessa in the 11th. century, it bestrides the river like a huge lumbering stone brontosaurus,
comprising a number of assymetric arches – just wonderful!

The Devil’s Bridge

Quite by accident, while investigating the possibilities of a pool (unsuccessfully) and trying to navigate
our way out of the one way system (distressing) we stumbled upon a spot for motorhomes.

Deciding to empty some of the tanks, we entered the area, which was not really clearly marked, and on our way out
I noticed a grey plastic installation by a picnic table. I pulled over to have a closer look.

Home from home

To my amazement, it was a power point with 4 outlets, and 4 water sources – all free of charge! Suffice to say, being
familiar with the saying ‘never look a gift horse in the mouth’ – we installed ourselves, intenduing to stay here
for three days. The most surprising thing is, hardly any other motorhome has appeared while we’ve been here.

I'm pedalling as fast as I can.....

We soon discovered, uniquely situated as it is , Borgo is an ideal starting out point for 3 great bike rides around the
local area. The first we did was up to Bagni di Lucca, and back down the Eastern bank of the river.

Yesterday, we tackled the run down to Ponte a Moriano, criss-crossing the river, and found ourselves involved in
what appeared to be the Tour d’Italia, or at least something very similar. The route we’d chosen appeared to
be their route too, and they were whizzing past us at such a rate and with such regularity that I began to feel
like some old dear on a penny-farthing!

Idiot on a Bicycle

But it made for a great afternoon, as we took time to have a latte in Ponte a Mariano and watch the riders fly past,
Miki capturing them on film for later use as painting subjects.

By the end of the run, we’d covered at least 30k, and we knew it, as we hit the home stretch back to the motorhome.
That evening, we wandered out to the Devil’s bridge, and were rewarded with a great view of it as the lights came on
and bathed it in an unearthly glow.

Miki checks the map

Borgo a Mozzanno, and its surrounding area must be one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Kev Moore