Tantalising Trani

Italy (Puglia) Stage 11 – Gravina In Puglia to Trani 64 Km (Sun 13 May 2018)

Weather: 16⁰C min – 25⁰C max, clear and sunny

Route PhotosTown PhotosLinksVideoOSM MapTrip MapsStravaInteractive

“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still” ~ Chinese Proverb

No need for navigation today, I just followed the long, straight, SP238 all the way to Trani. My originally planned route, following back roads and laneways, was 84 Km but last night I made a decision to go direct, thus reducing the journey to 58 Km. The Strade Provinciale (SP) roads hold no fears for me now because there is very little traffic at this time of year.

As it turned out the trip ended up at 64 Km, thanks to the polizia sending me on a diversion due to an organised bicycle ride for incapacitated riders (mostly on recumbent bicycles and tricycles). They obviously thought I was one of the group, blowing their whistles and waving at me when I tried to continue in the direction of Trani!

You must think I can’t make up my mind where to head next … I started at Brindisi on the Adriatic Coast, went across to the Ionian Coast, back inland and across to the Adriatic Coast at Polignano, inland again to Gravina, and now back to Trani on the Adriatic Coast! The reason for my convoluted course is that I am following the “Grand Tour of Puglia”, designed to showcase the best of Puglia.

As a consequence I have experienced the amazing diversity that Puglia has to offer. Today’s ride was different again, with lovely countryside featuring mainly wheat crops. It was so pleasant steaming along on such a smooth road, glancing sideways to admire the vistas and the wild wheat heads waving gently along the edge of the road.

After a long climb to a maximum elevation of 600m at the 15 Km mark (not so steep as to necessitate engaging the smallest of my three chain rings), I enjoyed a steady descent for the rest of the trip to Trani. At times I reached a speed of over 45 kph without even having to pedal!

Trani is a historic fishing port in Puglia, and it’s a lovely place to explore, wander or relax. It is a popular seaside destination with a charming marina and a quaint historic centre. Crowd are attracted to its waterfront bars and restaurants and love to promenade along the harbour front admiring the yachts and fishing boats as well as the elegant seaside buildings and especially the large cathedral dominating the seafront. Behind the cathedral it also has a picturesque historic old town with medieval buildings and palazzi. I just wish I had more time to wander through the limestone-paved streets and squares and enjoy the quiet elegance of Trani. Another of Puglia’s gems!