It would take the Earls roughly 8 months to travel from Rathmullan in Ireland to Rome in Italy. During their epic journey, they spent 21 days at sea and traveled overland for about 50 days. They also rested for 3 months in Leuven, 3 weeks in Milan and for shorter periods in Arras, Binche, Halle … Continue reading Flight of the Earls in 1607 – A summary of the Earl’s journey from Rathmullan to Rome
There have been over 1,000 books wrote about the Carthaginian general, Hannibal and in almost every book, there is different route for his passage over the Alps in 218 BC. The audacity of Hannibal in marching his army of 50,000 men, 5,000 horses and 37 elephants across the Alps has sparked the imagination of many … Continue reading Hannibal crosses over the Alps in 218 BC – A summary of the possible routes Hannibal may have used
Inspired by Daniel Friebe's wonderful book "Mountain High" and his sequel "Mountain Higher", I decided to put together a list of the highest climbs tackled so far on the Tour de Travoy. I was amazed just how many climbs have featured so far on my travels around Europe with over 100 listed below. Some of … Continue reading Mountain High – A summary of the highest climbs so far on the Tour de Travoy
The main aim of the 2019 Tour de Travoy was to cycle from Rathmullan in Ireland to Rome in Italy. On the way, I passed through France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy just like the Earls over 400 years ago. The Earls traveled about 2,500 km from the time they landed in France to arriving some 7 … Continue reading A summary of the 2019 Tour – All roads lead to (and from) Rome
Roughly two months after arriving in Normandy to begin the European leg of the 2019 Tour de Travoy,, I was overjoyed to make it back to Normandy in plenty of time to get the ferry back to Ireland. On my way back to Cherbourg, I even had time to take a small de-tour to Saint … Continue reading Visiting the site of the Irish Red Cross hospital in Saint Lo where Samuel Beckett once worked before getting the ferry back to Ireland (2019 Days 63-68 Falaise to Dublin)
It was perhaps fitting that 24 days after leaving Rome, I arrived in the French city of Le Mans, which is famous for its 24 Hour Race. From Le Mans, I then made my way to Mont Ormel where the Battle for Normandy finished in August 1944. Completely by chance, my visit coincided with celebrations … Continue reading 24 Hours in Le Mans before cycling to Mont Ormel where the Battle of Normandy ended exactly 75 years ago (2019 Days 60-62 Amboise to Falaise)
It is known that Leonardo da Vinci left Rome on August 12th 1516 and that he arrived in Amboise almost 3 months later on October 28th but where he went in between has been the subject of speculation ever since. Also fascinating is the fact that Leonardo, who made thousands of sketches during his lifetime … Continue reading Veni, Vidi, daVinci – Leonardo’s journey from Rome to Amboise in 1516 – (Part 3) Geneva to Amboise
In Part 1 of this 3 Part series looking at Leonardo da Vinci's journey from Rome to Amboise in 1516, I determined that Leonardo and his entourage probably left Milan around about September 25th but where they went next has been a mystery for the last 500 years. Thousands of books have been written about … Continue reading Veni, Vidi, daVinci – Leonardo’s journey from Rome to Amboise in 1516 – (Part 2) Milan to Geneva
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci set off from Rome with three assistants and at least one guide and traveled for over 1500 km all the way to Amboise in northern France. It would take Leonardo and his entourage three months to make it to Amboise travelling most of the way on horseback. Leonardo took a … Continue reading Veni, Vidi, daVinci – Leonardo’s journey from Rome to Amboise in 1516 – (Part 1) Rome to Milan
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci set off from Rome with a few assistants and traveled for over 1500 km to Amboise in northern France. Leonardo had been invited to France by King Francis 1 and offered a generous pension and lavish accommodation at the Chateau Clos Luce in Amboise. Leonardo would end up spending the … Continue reading Cycling to Amboise on the River Loire, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last few years of his life (2019 Day 59 Chambord to Amboise)
Today's featured photo show the Saone river at Macon in France. The Saone river may not be as famous as the Loire or Seine rivers but it is some sight especially at Macon about 50 km north of Lyon where the Saone river flows into the Rhone. I passed over the Saone in August when … Continue reading Racing from the foot of the French Alps to the Formula One circuit in Magny Cours (2019 Days 55-58 Culoz to Chambord)
Today's featured photo shows the spectacular view of the River Rhine from halfway up the climb of the Col du Grand Colombier. Also in the photo is the Lac du Bourget which is the largest lake in France. Surprisingly, the Rhone does not flow into the Lac du Bourget but around it instead though a … Continue reading Col du Grand Colombier – A grand day for climbing arguably the most scenic climb in France (2019 Day 55 Culoz)
Tour de Travoy 