Touchdown Bologna

August 19, 2025

Bikes assembled, We find Bologna Combo.

Ann- Our chick-in was chocka. Wonder if we shouldn’t have got a 3.15 instead of a 4.15 shuttle. The shuttle though is straightforward, and we are in queue by 5pm. (Michael waits on the side with bike boxes on trolley, i join the snaking line which goes right back to the “economy “ entrance. )

At the weigh point we are told we are 2 kg over ( cost $ 174). But then our check-in person admits it just needs a re- adjustment - and we have to go away and come back in line again. We obey- unlike the French maman enfamille, who melts down completely, nor a young bloke who opens his suitcase then and there ( Michael said it was full of packets of new socks!)

So M resumes his sideline vigil, I rejoin the melee. A Chinese man has sheepskins and milk powder to reorganise, and a couple of Pasifika women have a big bin full of chocolates - all individually wrapped!
Despite this, eventually we have plenty of time to relax for the 7.20pm boarding.

Michael- After an initial bit of juggling with luggage, because we are a mere two kilograms overweight - we are on our way. The flight to Dubai is one of the few on which I’ve managed to sleep. Ann doesn’t fare so well. Some hours later we change at Dubai for Bologna. The most notable aspect of the flight is the welcoming music as we board - though the lively ‘Tu Vuo' Fa' L'americano’ doesn’t seem to speed our departure markedly. We’re flying what looks like a very new Airbus A350 and they are considerably quieter than other jets and the entertainment screen is subtly different enough from the A380 to be a little frustrating.

After landing and a couple of minor holdups, (always bring a euro coin for the luggage trolley) we’re outside in the heat of a late summer Bologna afternoon. Ann finds a shady spot on some grass and we rip the bike boxes open and start the reassembling. This is accomplished reasonably speedily, after which we load up panniers and search out the much publicised and lauded cycle station. This comprises a few tools and a pump with the required attachment missing. I’m able to somehow make it work though and with tyre pressures tight we face the next hurdle.

Ann- Getting away from any airport is always a challenge. Then to negotiate the traffic and avoid the motorways…I can’t see how to get us to the start of my Komoot route, but we see a cycle lane, follow it and with a mad dash on a car road, make it to my organised path.

Extensive roadworks means making up your own rules.

Then it is just a matter of making the turns, avoiding the many major road works, answering Michael’s “are we there yet?” calls, and eventually Combo Bologna hostel comes in sight. We stow bikes in storage room, stagger to ours, shower and crash by 8 pm - 6:30am Wednesday NZ time.

Today's ride: 12 km (7 miles)
Total: 12 km (7 miles)

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