no surprise really but it's a late start for all on this hot day
we have an evening appointment for a bike tour of rome
in the meantime - there's a plan for a shopping mall visit
the promise of a large air-conditioned centre is also appealing
in 30 easy minutes we commute from rural italy to urban rome
inside the cool centre we agree self-indulgence is the best plan
so the ladies head off on a hunting and gathering expedition
sitting alongside a specialist coffee bar passes the time quickly
while communicating with people on the other side of the world
yes - the italians love their coffee - espresso shots sell in volume
this place looking like a pitstop before getting back into the race
we find a popular shop selling filled and toasted paninis - yummo
then it's a push into the heart of rome as we approach peak hour
feeling quite confident these days with the busy rome traffic
the lack of rules (or lack of observation) now making sense
the one unwritten rule dominates - we are all equals on the road
so give a little, take a little, stick to your course, relax and focus
parking ticket machines seem to be largely ignored but we partake
if nothing else we are helping the rome economy in a small way
load up and walk across a bridge to find the nearest suitable cafe
while an important phone call is made we sip beer and observe
the ears picking up a constant stream of 70s era british rock music
which does seem incongruous in this classy wine bar and cafe
but it works for me as we kill some time before the bike ride
at the appointed place we are part of a group of 20 or so others
the aussies dominate on this english-speaking tour led by simone
he a local with a good and humorous command of that language
we are set up with our machines and off we go on this 4 hour tour
first stop - the jewish quarter where simone's skills come to the fore
he is knowledgeable, articulate, proud and clearly left-wing oriented
the brief history lesson here on italy and italians totally engrossing
then it's single file through a maze of back-streets and small piazzas
this revealing a side of rome previously unseen - locals doing their thing
than in itself is appreciated - they seem well used to the tourist invasion
a stop at a bar selling one euro gelatos and cheap beer is well enjoyed
and we move on - the pattern is set - ride, stop, listen, learn, repeat
we cross the river and gaze at an abandoned bridge aged 2000 years
likewise a large waterway built 2500 years ago - he has us hooked
pointing at landmarks that surround us in the centre of ancient rome
and the story of remus and romulus - the city's founding brothers
simone warned us - no trevi fountain, no spanish steps - good-o
the mouth of truth is shown and dismissed as a tourist scam
then we overlook the huge, dry and abandoned circus maximus
last seen with a stage set up to host bruce springsteen - groan
but historically chariot races were the centre of attention here
we ride to and circle the ruins of the enormous baths of caracalla
observe an outdoor opera being rehearsed and gaze at st johns
that basilica noted of much more significance than st peters
with that an agreement a visit is required there when possible
as night falls we confidently circle the imposing colosseum
more engrossing history lessons on this still and warm night
the hours have ripped by and our final stop is perhaps the best
palatine hill - a hard ride to the top with stunning sights to see
we are parked at the musei capitolini designed by michaelangelo
then descend to an outlook over the now lit up roman forum
breath-taking really - and then a final further descent and cruise
back to our starting point, thanks and payment offered and accepted
we find an outdoor restaurant to fill the tummies and discuss the ride
totally fulfilling and another case of biking in a city the way to go
the drive home a bit of a struggle but nice to get back to home base
well past midnight and some issues to deal with - but - what a day....
