reminder of Napoli’s toxic waste problems.
A former industrial estate – a big parcel
of oceanfront property near Bagnoli –
is now a completely inaccessible and
contaminated ghost town due to the
corrupt mismanagement of the Camorra
mafia, who dumped toxic materials here
that poisoned many sites and villages.
I have to say, I really embrace e-bikes,
even though I’m not ready to give up my
regular bikes yet. I love the perks of the
pedal assisted bikes. You can pedal further
than ever up steeper inclines, and even
riding up staircases (and we found lots
of them) becomes possible. The pedal-
assisted Shimano Steps E8000 is not like a
motorcycle, nor does it have a gas throttle,
instead it feels like a bicycle with a little
extra “va va voom”. It opens up many new
ways to enjoy two wheels.
Early the next morning we took the ferry
from Pozzuoli to Ischia. The island is only
10km by 7km and is towered over by Monte
Epomeo. Many believe the mountain is a
high energy source, and according to people
who believe in a hollow earth theory, it is a
gateway to the legendary underworld city
of Agharti. It was worth the steep climb to
the top at 789m, even though it was raining
and we couldn’t enjoy the views until we
dropped below the clouds.
There was an amazing trail network in the
mountains and we got a good dose of real
mountain biking after our days in the city.
The riding was rather rocky and technical.
We passed by thermal hot springs and
crossed some vineyards before we ended
our day in the picturesque fishing village of
Sant’Angelo.
I would describe Neapolitans as loud,
dramatic gesticulators with effusive
emotion, warmth and passion. There is a
need to fuel their unrestrained enthusiasm
for life with excellent yet simple food,
created with the fruit and vegetables that
grow rich in flavour under the warmth of the
sun and the rich volcanic soil. If you want to
experience Italy’s la dolce vita, then head
south, because Naples is the epitome of the
Italian sweet life.
To celebrate the end of our five days in
the city, we toasted la dolce vita with some
tasty local Limoncello.
bucket list busting | MTB | 67