Day off waiting for a bike shop to open

Bassano del Grappa old town

So a day off today. Didn't intend it but ended up being a nice day looking around an old city.

This morning I woke and went to breakfast with all intentions of getting going. Over breakfast though did some more planning with regards to bike shops (to fix Rose's knock), and to plan some accommodation options. After some time of perusing the Internet I realised that my options were to stay here in Bassano until a shop opened (I had actually seen one so I new what there was one here), go to Feltre (over the hill from Grappa) where the web said there was one but accommodation was sparse and expensive, or just continue on probably for two additional days before the next bike shop.

After many umms and arghs I decided to stick with the known quantity of Bassano where I knew for sure there was a bike shop and knew for sure there was accommodation. What I don't know is when I rock in to the bike shop tomorrow will they be able to fix it, can they do it then and there, or will it take time? Those same unknowns will be everywhere though and such is life on the road. I will rock in there tomorrow all dressed up and hopefully they get the idea of my urgency. I have also been practicing phrases such as "my bike is broken, can you fix it?" all day.

So today I caught up on Skyping, then went out for a walk through the old city and eat up a storm (with a little nana nap in there as well). The city is quite amazing in that it is obviously old, around 1000 years, but is not maintained to the standard as other old cities I have seen. Maybe this is because 1000 years isn't old over in these parts? The wooden bridge in the photo is 500 years old which is quite amazing it is still standing as well.

The bridge was actually where lots of people met and drank Grappa it would seem. Apparently Grappa (aperitif) was first made here with the left overs of wine making (stalks, pips etc) and so has a bit of a following. I personally didn't partake as was looking for something more refreshing. The bridge was also the best place to make use of the cool breeze and shade from the 35+ degree sun.

It was funny to once again see a relatively busy town centre just turn into a ghost town at 1230 as everything shut down for a few hours. Now I know what it is like in their hot sun I can fully understand why!

Other than that did some chores with Rose and washing. Just now awaiting for Rose to be healthy again and getting back on the road.

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