Pisa to Sicily 2025
Contents
Last year's autumn ride in Portugal was spoiled by disappointing weather. When I heard that this Italian trip was going to take place I signed up. It was classified as challenging and there appear to be some days when distance and climbing fall into that category. The weather, particularly the temperature, could provide an extra challenge. My friend Richard agreed to join me and share a room as we had previously done on the Rhine and Portugal trips.
Preparations and Getting to the Start
The bike being used for this trip is my Spa Cycles Aubisque which I have used on two of the 2024 trips plus my 2025 LEJOG. Well, almost the same as I'm a perpetual tinkerer. So the 650b wheels were replaced by 700c and the mudguards were changed to fit the latter. Most important, however, was that the leather saddle which caused me several discomfort on the LEJOG (due, I suspect to getting soaked in Ireland in 2024) was replaced. After many miles of testing I opted for a Selle Anatomica NSX2 saddle which was almost new.
The bike would go to Bike Adventures in a box to be taken to the start on their van, as on the previous trips but how would I get to Pisa where the target arrival time was the afternoon of Saturday 6th September? After due research I concluded that the most convenient flight option would be the afternoon EasyJet flight from Gatwick which, however, was only on weekdays and not Saturdays, so I booked the Friday flight. If everything goes to schedule then I would have time to explore Pisa.
Day 1: Pisa to San Vincenzo
Day 1 (7th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
66 miles is a moderately long day with a hilly section in the middle. A fairly early start may be prudent to accumulate as many miles as possible (and try to get over the hill) before the weather gets uncomfortably hot. I have a strong memory of the discomfort of cycling up the hill to Davos on a hot and humid afternoon on day 12 of the Venice trip.
Day 2: San Vicenzo to Magliano
Day 2 (8th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (0ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Day 3: Magliano to Tarquinia
Day 3 (9th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Day 4: Tarquinia to Lido di Ostia
Day 4 (10th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
At about 77 miles this will be the longest day on the trip with more hill climbing than the previous 3 days. A substantial, but early, breakfast will be needed. This is a near as we get to Rome.
Day 5: Lido di Ostia to Sabaudia
Day 5 (11th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Day 6: Sabaudia to Baia Domizia
Day 6 (12th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
A nearly flat day apart from one significant hill which it will be prudent to climb before the day gets too hot.
Day 7: Baia Domizia to Pompei
Day 7 (13th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Day 8: Rest day in Pompei
14th September
Day 9: Pompei to Megazzeno
Day 9 (15th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
A relatively short day but the first 14 miles are spent going uphill with the top of the climb marked by a tunnel about 1km long (bike lights advisable). The descent should offer some scenic views of the coast.
Day 10: Megazzeno to Marina di Ascea
Day 10 (16th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Day 11: Marina di Ascea to Sapri
Day 11 (17th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
It's not a very long day with the main feature beinga substantial climb between 23 and 29 miles. Probably the wise strategy is to reach the top before the worst heat of the day.
Day 12: Sapri to Marina Guardia di Piemontese
Day 12 (18th September) Summary
Distance 5 miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
Almost 60 miles and some significant climbing. I'm hoping, however, that the profile data is misleading as it may not allow for tunnels.
Day 13: Marina Guardia di Piemontese to Porto Salvo
Day 13 (19th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
A fairly long day at about 70 miles with the worst of the undulations being in the first 1/3rd of the ride.
Day 14: Porto Salvo to Messina
Day 14 (20th September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
A day of two parts either side of a ferry. The first is almost 60 miles and somewhat undulating with a 7 mile ascent between 32 and 39 miles. The second part is only about two miles from the ferry to the hotel.
Day 15: Messina to Catania
Day 15 (21st September) Summary
Distance miles: Total Ascent = m (ft)*
Elapsed time = hr min: Moving time = hr min
Average moving speed = mph
*Ascent according to my Garmin Edge 1040 which usually agrees closely with Google Earth. My Edge 530 usually records about 15% less climbing which is more consistent with RWGPS. I assume that the newer hardware is more accurate.
The Journey Home and Concluding Remarks
Easyjet to Bristol has been booked as at a convenient time and relatively easy for the final journey home.