Giro Stage 15 at Cossata & Road Trip

Today we saw the Giro from another perspective, the Gruppo going through a village not far from the start of the race.  We had intended to see the start and then try to catch the race along the way, however due to some missed turns early on the Autostrada getting out of Milan and some stops to take in the scenery along the way we arrived in Cossato (our destination was Valdengo) just as the roads had been closed for the race.  So we parked just off the main road and walked down to camp out waiting for the Gruppo to arrive.

Before staking our spot we had some Cicciolati Caldas (hot chocolates) which were awesome, the spoon nearly standing up by itself (check out the cup handles).  Quick break then to stake our spot.  I missed the caravan as it came through earlier than expected but the Gruppo arrived spot on estimated time, a local giving Lorraine the tip on when to start recording video.  Our spot was on the bridge near a corner so we had a brilliant vantage point for both video and photos, check out the guy fly fishing in the river below, right in the centre of town.  Also check out the video Lorraine captured, absolutely spot on, first the neutral support car, then the Gruppo and finally the tail end.  I also managed to capture a perfectly focused Quintana shot as he rode past me.  I was so excited to get that one.

Back to the drive though, the start was in a foothill town so as we were driving to the venue and eventually stopped at Cossato, we had the most brilliant views of the Swiss Alps as a back drop.  Lorraine captured most of the shots and the second hand suggestions that I have gleaned form Kevin and Scott are helping her perfect her photos (and potential post editing).  She must be enjoying it as its almost a fight over who gets to use the DSLR camera now.  Coming home she tried some artistic shots using the cars interior mirror.  They didn't quite come out the way she expected but 10/10 for attempting them, they're never easy to pull off.

Arriving back at Milan we went for some retail therapy.  I finally managed to track down the Vespa watch I have been chasing since I saw one last year and stupidly did not buy it at the time.  A few other things purchased such as the obligatory fridge magnets and themed shot glass and we were home in the hotel shagged.

Tomorrow its Verona on our way to Venice.  No more Giro stages unfortunately as they are almost entirely mountain stages and notoriously hard to gain a good vantage point without spending a whole day or more doing so.

Ciao.

Sean & Lorraine

PS.  You will notice photos of signs, this is so we can keep a record of what towns we visited along the way.  

Photos

Google Compositions

2017-05-19 Giro Stage 13 Finish Tortona

2017-05-19 Road Trip To/From Tortona
2017-05-20 Road Trip - Lake Como & Monza (race track)
2017-05-21 Giro Stage 15 at Cossata & Road Trip