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CYCLING IN SICILY<br />
By Hilary Agius<br />
Initially it was a slow start, in the dark hours on a November Sunday dawn, where we, a lone band of 26<br />
cyclists, gathered around monster bikes and other vehicles to board the new catamaran J La Vallette. All<br />
in lycra and rainwear and sporting our muscle powered MTB’s. Once these were tied up in the vessel’s<br />
cavernous hold, we proceeded for breakfast or for gazing out to sea while we killed the 90 minute journey<br />
north. Once off the boat and onto the coach our guide warned us of ‘molto fango’ which is Italian for ‘much<br />
fun ahead’ or something to that effect. Excitement builds up as the weather is announced (novoloso most<br />
of the day and pioggia in the evening).<br />
The trek consisted of 50km of mostly country, non-asphalted roads, along the Chiaromonte/Giarratana<br />
area, north of Ragusa, ending thought the Pantalica nature reserve. A large part of the route was along a<br />
disused railway track (without metal rails of course) but including several unlit tunnels and winding above<br />
a valley floor. The pace was fast and we sped past lovely valleys, misty countryside and relics of the bygone<br />
steam age – including water tanks and train station buildings. Words cannot do justice to the experience<br />
and views. A short 3km stint was over pebbly ground ( another relic of the train) slippery for the tires and<br />
punishing for the riders’ arms and bike’s suspension.<br />
The final 13km of the route went through the pristine national park of Pantalica, with its un-spoilt scenic<br />
views – gurgling rivers, tree lined cliff sides and of course more tunnels. Right up to the restaurant where<br />
we ate and hosed the ‘fango’ off the bikes before boarding the coach back to port and home. In summary<br />
all was great (but not clean) fun, nobody hurt and only 3 punctures (in 26 bikes) for this trip. The general<br />
consensus of the group was to do more of the same, as soon as possible.<br />
Thanks to <strong>Virtu</strong> <strong>Ferries</strong> (www.virtuferries.com) for making this enjoyable day possible.<br />
Advise for those interested in this type of adventure:<br />
1. Travel light but get a helmet, rain gear and torch.<br />
2. Insurance and/or E112.<br />
2. Study weather forecast before – have a plan B tour.<br />
3. Use tennis shoes, as I found SPD’s sticking to the pedals at the wrong moment when off-roading on<br />
slippery ground.<br />
4. Carry light food – cereal bars - and water. A few first aid kits in the group are also a good idea.<br />
5. Be physically fit for the 4 hour ride – less aches afterwards – and the ride takes longer.<br />
6. Full off-road tires (not slicks or semi-slick tires). Best to give the bike a good service, especially brakes<br />
and carry spare inner tubes. MTB’s are advisable for this one.<br />
7. Take a small camera – much to photo.<br />
The Sprockets MTB group who cycled 50km, mostly off-road, from Chiaramonte Gulfi to Parco Nazionale di Pantalica on Sunday 30th September. Lovely<br />
countryside, scenic valleys and views, great company and good fun sum up the day. Route start is a 40 minutes drive form Pozzallo, hence travel was by<br />
catamaran. Our group’s website is http://www.thesprockets.org – anybody interested cycling with us can register or write to us via the site.
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