While visiting close friends who I haven't seen for ages, and with time to explore the country side on a bike, I got a little lost following a group of local riders who took me into the hills. I figured the best way to find where I am is to keep going up... and up, and up. But before setting off again, I found a little shop where I stocked up on freshly picked plums, peaches and blueberries. Some warm from the oven bread also caught my eye, just in case this turned out to be a really long day in the saddle.

After climbing up to where the road turned to sand and actually just circled the peak of this little mountain (794 meters), there it was, the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore (with parts dating back to the 11th century) overlooking Lago Maggiore, the largest lake in the lake region of Northwestern Italy. As I sat down, all good things in life seemed to come nicely together: good food, majestic nature and peace of mind, the simple life! At one point a little dog came by, just doing his daily rounds, but giving me a good laugh with his funny attitude.

After filling up with more water from an ancient looking faucet on side of the abbey, fully reenergized, I took the long way around the lake for what turned out to be a beautiful 100-mile day! But honestly, the good vibes I got from this ride could (and do) often come from weekend jaunts to places just hours away or simple local morning park workouts. ;o)