Domodossola

The best laid plans ...

We were to have lunch in Domodossola, and return by train.

We set off in two groups, passing through the now-familiar town of Mergozzo along the lake. We continued north on a lovely side road, until ... we could continue no more. The road was under repair, and closed. Now, it would have been helpful to have posted a sign at the first intersection ... or maybe we missed it.

The second group was heading up as we backtracked. “The road is closed!” we shouted. They kept riding, and so did we (in the opposite direction). After we turned off the road, our leader stopped to study the map and re-route us. We expected the second group to catch up. [They didn't.] Meanwhile, we'd lost one of our riders, who'd kept looking toward the Toce River and his Garmin, and had stopped. [We expected him to catch up, too. He didn't.]

It wasn't turning out to be the sort of day for picture-taking. Without a route plan, I had to ensure that I stayed with the group. We paused next to a display of some armaments, but didn't venture into the park to learn more.

It was the sort of day for stormy weather. There would be thundershowers in the mountains, certainly. I was happy when we found our way to a scenic, less traveled road. One of the women in our group commented on my riding style. “You're such a smooth rider, it's like following a Lincoln!” [High praise, indeed.]

Much to our surprise, as we cycled along the main road, we found the rest of our group. They had spoken to the construction crew, who'd routed them to a nearby bridge over the river (for bikes and pedestrians). The same bridge that our missing rider had seen on his Garmin, and also taken.

Our journey was taking longer than expected, so we stopped for lunch in Villadossola. All we saw of Domodossola was the train station.

There was time, however, for some gelato. I chose Bésame Mucho, because ... why not? It was clearly a popular flavor, and it caused the concessionaire to break into song.

Some chose to ride back, into a stiff headwind. I was content to board the train. Our “short” outing to Domodossola was 36 miles, but only 721 feet of climbing. [Flat.]