Alison and Alison and the art of re-tyrement

Cycling adventures in retirement

Day 12 Venosa to Barletta

Distance 42.34 miles

Elevation gain 778ft

Temperature 79 degrees

The Cathedral of San Andrea in Venosa was open. We venture inside before the service starts.

We have visited many Baroque style churches and enjoy the simplicity of the Cathedral in Venosa. The building is empty and we leave without a stamp for our Credenziales .
The day started with a climb and a view over Puglia and hundreds of wind turbines.
We were cycling along a nice, well made road when it disintegrated.
It has been exceptionally hot. So thoughtful to put these nice dual purpose shaded areas along the route for our comfort. They double as solar panels.
Well that’s a surprise. We fancied another day by the coast. Did we take another wrong turn? Whatever happened to our routing and journey north? Can you guess where we will be tomorrow? If so, you know more than we do.

We have a new friend. She is horrified at the routes that Kevin has taken us and has made some interesting suggestions. We don’t like to say we are quietly confident for the rest of the journey to Rome, but we have great expectations.

The Colossus of Barletta. A huge 5th century statue washed ashore in 1309. The guide book says it is missing a fibula from its shoulder. An interesting example of how the human body has evolved. When we trained the fibula was in the leg.

Our accommodation is opposite the Duomo. We visited it this evening. Two Cathedrals in one day and no stamp. Our paperwork and credentials are beginning to look rather flimsy.

Finally, a plea to those installing a shower in a B&B. On arrival at our accommodation, the first thing we want is a shower. Our needs are simple. Enough room to turn around. Sufficient hot water to clean ourselves. No flashing lights, spa jets, confusing levers. We may be pilgrims, but it has been a long hard day and we really, really don’t want to have to kneel to wash our hair.

Tomorrow we have a new plan. Could be interesting.

Good night.

alisonmiddleditch

One response to “Day 12 Venosa to Barletta”

  1. malcolmchoat8206f59a7e avatar
    malcolmchoat8206f59a7e

    Don’t understand what the problem is with kneeling to wash your hair. All pilgrims should spend part of the day kneeling and praying at shrines to their favoured saint.

    Did you not realize that a shower is a dual function installation. Apart from the personal hygiene side, essential for all elite athletes of whatever age group, it is a shrine to St. Biciclus – patron saint of …… yes, you’ve guessed it.

    You’ve really spoilt my returns on the book I’m running, cheeky little bets as to where the next stage will end. As you were supposedly heading toward Benevento I hadn’t seen that coming. Who had the rush to the head and urge to see the sea, Alison, or Alison, or Kevin, or Wendy …..? It’ll be real pot luck if I guess where your next overnight stop will be.

    Keep cycling. One thing though, if you see Brindisi on a signpost turn around and go in the opposite direction.

    Love, Malcolm & Evelyn

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment