“The bicycle is the noblest invention of mankind.” – William Saroyan

Just outside the ancient walls of Vicenza, Italy, there stretches a ribbon of pavement whose tangled extensions lead to ancient Palladian villas, to medieval towns, to a prehistoric lake, and even to the grand city of Padova (aka Padua)—the second oldest university in all of Italia, and whose students and lecturers included the likes of Galileo, Casanova and Copernicus.

What is this magical ribbon? It is the E7 Bike Path that starts just beside the famous Arca della Scala—a Palladian arch over a steep outdoor stairway leading 190-some odd steps to the pilgrimage area of Monte Berico.

The E7 Bike Path is almost entirely off road, on its own designated trail, and its flat-to-gently-undulating incline is doable for most, even for those with kiddos in tow.

While the trail begins in Vicenza, its tributaries branch off in all directions, leading to (seemingly) endless choices, but one of my favorite, easy, I’ve-got-an-hour-or-two-for-some-sunshine-and-exercise rides is the one to the tiny village of Lumignano.

The route along the way offers a gorgeous sampling of the Veneto region: vineyards and wheat fields, Palladian villas and tiny chapels. The first section traces the base of Monte Berico to your right and rows of houses to your left, but soon, you’ll be ushered into Viale Riviera Berica—a scenic road headed in the same direction. Instead of using the road, however, you’ll use the lighted bicycle crossing to cross Viale Riviera Berica, where the E7 bicycle path continues.

You’ll pass the stately Villa Rotunda—perhaps Palladio’s most famous villa, and the inspiration behind Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.

The ride to Lumignano is just under ten miles one way, and the path is more or less flat. For the first eight or so miles, it’s a straight shot paralleling the road. And then, just after you follow the angular curve around a gas station, you’ll spot a paved trail jutting off the right between vineyards and fields.

This is my favorite part of the ride, and it’s also the grand finale. This glorious little path is on my top-ten Most Charming Bike Paths, and if you pedal along it, you’ll understand why.

In the distance, the limestone cliffs and church spire of Lumignano signal your destination. And if you suddenly feel the urge to belt out “That’s Amore,” or whatever Italian-inspired song you happen to know and love, you will not be alone. There is just something about this peaceful, pretty and oh-so-Italian pathway that never fails to remind me how fortunate I am to be alive … and riding a bicycle.

Once in Lumignano, grab a lunch or a snack at the warm Ai Lumi hosteria. The owner/chef often makes his own pasta, and sources local produce, game and truffles from the Berici Hills. For beer lovers missing the beer culture from back home, Ai Lumi also offers craft beer from a nearby brewery. It’s good! The food is delicious (of course), and besides, you’ve earned it!

Other things to do in Lumignano:

“Lumi” is famous for its rock climbing. It has the most developed rock climbing infrastructure within the Vicenza province, but if you’re not into that, there are many well-marked hiking trails taking you through woods and into the hills above Lumignano.

And if you’re lucky enough to be there on the first Sunday of the month, Lumignano’s ancient cliff-side hermitage (Eremo di San Cassiano) should be open to the public. It’s an easy-ish walk, but there are some steep inclines along the way—an understandable challenge since the hermitage is build into the cliffs above town. The views from there are gorgeous, and along the way you’ll learn a bit about the unique geography of these hills.

Down the road from Lumignano, another charming town called Costoza is worth a visit. You can also link into the bike trail from there (just use your map app). Costozza was once a stomping ground of Galileo’s! There are some unique sites to visit while there, but I think I’ll leave that for another post.

So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and cycle!

#Vicenzacycling #Lumignano #Galileo #cyclinginItaly #Vicenzaarmy