Laghetto di Vivaro

Nice flat spin across the Magredi gravel fields to vineyards above Rauscedo then back through Vivaro.  Cold but it made for a good workout.

Frozen Laghetto di Vivaro

People have pitched fairly big stones out on the ice to
test the thickness; as you can see they didn't break through

Even the sunny side is frozen stiff

Castello Roganzuolo

I intended to go to Refrontolo via San Fior but got lost (as usual) and ended up in the southern end of the morainic hills of Colle Umberto.  This turned out to be a great place to ride and explore.  It's technically not in Colle Umberto but in the comune of San Fior.  A hilltop castle caught my eye and I rode over to it to.   Lovely place, I'll definitely be back.
 

Church and campanile from below

Campanile in olive grove

Refrontolo far in the distance; next time

Coat of arms on gate post

The castle's church

Down the hill in San Fior, copper onion-domed chapel 

Castello di Toppo

I was making a little loop through Meduno, Travesio and Arba when I passed under Castello di Toppo and suddenly turned toward the climb.  It's on the south flank of Monte Ciaerlac: all these years I've never tried it, not sure why.  The route I took was a hiking trail and I quickly hopped off Fedaia to push.  Before long it was too rocky to push so I picked the bike up and carried it.  I considered stashing it in the brush temporarily to save energy but decided to haul it to the top in case there was a rideable road down.  Good call.  

At the castle I took some pictures, very impressed by the condition of the ruins.  It's in great shape.  Next time I'll try climbing up on the paved road which I descended today.  I'll try it on Maxima because the road has some +20% stretches.   

Read more about Toppo here: http://borghibellifvg.it 

Arco entering the castle

Inside the rampart walls

Wall Detail

Wide view of the extensive outer walls 

I think this may have been the tower 

Well-preserved high south wall

Westward-facing structure 

View from the southeast

The chiesetta, Monte Raut in background

Oderzo

Another cold, clear windless day, perfect for long flat riding.  Once initially warmed up you have firm control of your temperature and exertion level.  I only got cold near the end when I flatted along the irrigation canal from Porcia to Roveredo.  Even then the sun was bright enough to avoid shivering.

Oderzo is a lovely town in Treviso province with a beautiful piazza.  Enjoyed a very pleasant day.

Campanile, topped by San Gabriele

Campanile from opposite side with octagonal church

San Giovanni Battista

Clock tower

Porticos with medieval painting along the eaves

Statues along the bridge 

She's walking along Fiume Manticano

Monte Cavallo Gruppo to her north

Meduna Livenza Confluence

Another flat ride, windless and sunny, from Giais to Prata di Pordenone to the confluence of the Meduna and Livenza rivers.  Wonderful day and a great workout.

The old Meduna bridge at Prata di Pordenone

The Meduna river shortly before joining the Livenza

Sun reflecting from the Livenza

Bridge shadow on the Livenza

Fiume Veneto

Il Bora has calmed to a normal 10-20 kph wind, and daytime temps are generally slightly higher than 0°C.  It's time to begin training for Spring.  Decided to try a flat ride, this time to the southeast.  Down to Cordenons then east to Zoppola, where I crossed SS13 and headed west to Fiume Veneto.  The first frazione of Fiume Veneto I encountered was Pescincanna, along the river Fiume.  A few more km and I was in Fiume Veneto proper.  I then headed down to another frazione Bannia.  Each had a nice church and bell tower so I took some pictures.

I was doing good heading back toward Zoppola then went astray.  Not a total loss though because I found a shortcut through Murlis.  Have to use that next time.  The road returns to Cordenons  crossing the Magredi nature preserve.  This is a beautiful area if you are ever near San Quirino or Cordenons.  

San Michele Arcangelo church at Pescincanna

San Nicolo' Vescovo in Fiume Veneto

Fiume Fiume at Fiume Veneto

Campanile at Bannia

Perpeuta e Felicita Church, Bannia

The Magredi's beautiful wild grassland 

Lower Valcellina

Il Bora (our cold northeast wind) is kicking up today but I tried to get in a short ride on Maxima.  I intended to ride along the Cellina river embankment but missed a turn and rode down into the dry river bed instead.  This turned out to be quite fun because the usual wet spots are frozen so you can ride the whole way.  Didn't slip down any, but the rear wheel did break through the ice once into shallow water.  From below Montereale I continued under the old railway bridge, under the new highway bridge and finally exited at the narrow old bridge between Vajont and San Leonardo.  From there up to the hydroelectric plant where the aqueduct from Barcis Dam supplies an irrigation canal network.  The ride home was great with the Bora at my back, spinning the biggest gear on the flats.   Fun unplanned ride.

     

Old railroad bridge connecting Sacile and Gemona

Aeration fountain at the irrigation canal head

Failure to Pedal

Took a break from riding awhile.  First I caught a cold and reasoned not riding in the cold would  shorten the duration.  Then our dog Teddi had serious heart trouble and I wanted to be nearby to rush her to the vet if she worsened.  After that a Siberian cold front settled in.  But today my Athletic Director/Motivational Speaker Marilyn told me to to ride or else.

Wasn't bad, no wind nor precipitation.  I did an easy loop to San Leonardo.  I think I'm ready to resume pedaling.  

Sporting my Aviano Draghi jacket at
Crous de Clap, ancient stone and wrought iron cross