I don't know what Lake Garda is like for swimming -- in mid-June. We're just stopping for the day in Bardolino, and I thought we might just relax in the water. Cold? Of course it's cold.

-- Is it too cold for swimming?
-- Is there a better place than Bardolino to stop for an afternoon (we're heading from Piedmont to Trento and just want a relaxing 4-5 hour break on the way)?
-- is this a stupid idea, in general?! We will have been cycling every day for the previous five, so this is a travel-day/rest-day.

Thanks

Fabulous idea. Why not see if you can rent a boat and just be brave and dive in!! (note: Tim, I know NOTHING about the company I just linked here to so you would have to look around, I just did it for effect and I like the picture)

quote:

Originally posted by Diana Strinati Baur:
... just be brave and dive in!!

Brave? Me? Us? Hey, one thing "old" gets you (besides slow cycling legs) is the sense to dismiss "brave" both from one's vocabulary and, more important, from one's mental urges.

I only plan to be "brave" while attacking your famous barbera and Trento's famous Teroldego! Yes, I will dive into those with bravado.

Ciao

I have spent a lot of time on Garda, but my beach experience is limited to the north end of the lake in Riva and Torbole. It will be COLD! Whether too cold for swimming will depend on you. Not too many people are in the water at the beaches at that time of year, but there are plenty of wind-surfers in wet suits. Since you are on the way to Trento my suggestion is to stop at Riva or Torbole (a bit younger crowd). They are my favorite towns on the lake; really lively and fun. There is a different feel to the tourism there IMO. There are a number of bike shops too if you need anything and a cycling caffe/shop in Torbole right on the main drag heading to Riva. - also a couple of good shops just up the road in Arco. I always try and pick up a couple of local squadra uniforms while I am there. Have fun.

quote:

squadra uniforms

What are squadra uniforms? I remember my husband asking where one of the workers in Sarteano got his work pants. The friend with us is a hunter and thought they would be great. The guy looked at my husband like he was nuts and couldn't away from him fast enough. We kind of felt that his Italian wasn't so great and probably asked if he could get in his pants by his response.

Sharon J

quote:

Not too many people are in the water at the beaches at that time of year,

---except the Germans.... We had Germans here two weeks ago who went in the day after I opened the pool.


Tim, I am a bona fide member of the Coward Club -- in fact I was named queen of the club when I refused to dive into the coastal waters of Sweden during mid June. Man, you think Garda is cold.... THose Vikings, such a sense of humor (coupled with a shot of Aquavit)...

[/QUOTE]
What are squadra uniforms? Sharon J[/QUOTE]
Sorry Sharon - It's a team uniform for cycling. I'm one of those shaved leg spandex guys.
Matt

Thanks, all.

Matt: Riva and Torbole both sound cool and like good places to stop. But it seemed to me that from looking at maps, the fast route from Brescia (by way of Piedmont) to Trento would be the autostrada route, so the easiest diversion route would be that southeast end of the lake. No? Seems like a long way to Riva on slow lake roads. Please let me know if I'm wrong. I'm open!

As for the shaved-leg scene ... We've got five days in Piemonte (including the Colle di Fauniera upon which a monument to Pantani rests), then Trento for five (Bondone, Maghen/Redebus, Vezzena,), then Bolzano (Pordoi, Sella, Mendiolo), Bormio (Gavia, Stelvio, Mortirolo), then ... Advil. Maybe Advil much earlier.

By the way, I sent my wife the link to your Web site. THAT is what she wants to do. She wouldn't come on our trip with nine cyclists who, first, ride the rides then -- as she puts it -- then talk, yap, relive every pebble and pothole the rest of the night. Smart woman. Plein air in Italia. Next summmer?

Ciao

Pedalforte - You have WAY more experience cycling in Italy than I do, but I would take the road through Salo' along the west side of the lake if you are on the bike. You are on the bike correct? In a car I would take the east side of the lake north on the autostrada and then cut back west at the top of the lake. The lake road is reasonably flat. Even if you meet traffic on the lake road it should not be an issue on the bike. The biggest drawback is that as you head north there are MANY tunnels on the west side of the lake. I have seen numerous roadies on that route, but the tunnels would make me nervous. If you have some extra time I would recommend a stop at Il Vittoriale in Gardone. It is Gabrielle d'Annunzio's eccentric villa and gardens - I think the singularly most interesting spot on the lake. Rugged climb up from the lake road. Hope this helps - I know you will love Riva.

Oops - Sorry Pedalforte, I got so carried away with directions that I neglected to acknowledge your very kind referal of our site to your wife. Needless to say, she is very welcome. Thanks!