The European Chronicles 2023.8 - Morning In Sardinia
Morning Sun - Afternoon Rain
That's the pattern, at least so far. I seem to be a bit of a rain magnet. 😒 That said, the mornings are very nice...
Hotel Gorropu is on SS125, Strade Statale or state route 125. It is, it turns out. "legendary" in that it is one of those roads that is beautiful, fun to ride/drive, attracts "enthusiasts" and can, if you're not paying attention, bite.
Even has a cafe with swag...
The sticker will go on the inside of our garage door. 😎
Let's explore a bit, I head east/north, then back south, with the aim to get back before it starts to pour.
Relive 'SS 125'
In addition to beautiful sweepers and views, there's an interesting marble mine on this route. You can see the scale on this Relive screen grab:
They "carve" blocks out of the mountain...just waiting for a place in your kitchen, shower or floor.
The rain has held off; I find another entrance into the Goropu Canyon, opposite the hotel and cafe, and take a short afternoon hike.
Hang at the cafe for a bit, watching the Motos streak by. Lots of race suits and knee pucks...and they like to run in packs. Watch your mirrors, slide right, stick your left foot out, they'll go right by. Remember, my hamster wheel is set to stroll. 😂. The last thing I want to do is race through Europe. Fun to watch and follow for a bit...then reason returns...😎. Mostly. Really. Seriously. I swear.
SS131 that they are referring to is the major highway in Sardinia, running north/south on the west side of the island. SS125 was the "main" north/south road until 131 was built...there's a cultural divide here that feels a bit like Route 66 vs. Interstate 40, with the towns/businesses along 125 doing their best to survive. Including the hotel I stayed at...lovely place and people, good food, garage for the bikes. I was the only guest one night...
Time to head to the beach...maybe better weather????? I mean, I'm on an island, after all. 😎. Dude.
Arrivederci Hotel Gorropu!
This was a great ride on so many levels. More of SS125, and the even better SS198 and SP11 (strade provincial) brought me to Hotel Genna e Masoni, 900 meters from Spiaggia della Marina di Cardedu, aka the beach. 😎. Great blend of second and third gear sweepers, some Alpine hairpins, nice views. And it "flowed"; you know what I mean, some roads do, some don't. Rock 'n Roll.
We have cow.
The really fun part
Relive 'Sardinian Sweepers'
I'm not sure what these are but they smell sooooo good! Lining the road.
And, my absolute all-time favorite Italia road sign! Here, they even tell you which way they went... 😎
Forza Italia! Andiamo!
Predictably, about ten miles from the hotel it starts to rain. Up this long driveway, special Moto parking and a lovely terrace.
Within 30 minutes, it's pouring!
Easing my pain...inside instead of out on that lovely terrace!
Yikes! Get me outta here!
Ciao!
