So, while Mrs. Doc and I were in Italy for a few weeks, we made the trip from Bellagio in the Lakes District up the mountain to Ghisallo, which is a church (patron saint of bicyclists) and museum of historic bikes and bicycle memorabilia, most of which references Italian riders and champions. The Giro d'Italia and Giro de Lombardie pass through here in some years, and it's easy to see why- the roads are super steep and the scenery is gorgeous.




On the plaza next to the church is a monument to both race winners and fallen riders:



The tiny church is crammed full of framed jerseys, medallions, pictures of local and national riders who have passed away, and a number of historic bikes, like Bartali's winning 1949 Giro Francia bike:


And Moser's record setting Hour bicycle:


Here's a link to a slideshow of more pictures of the inside of the church:
Chiesa Del Ghisallo Slideshow by rccardr | Photobucket

The Museum is fairly new and much more extensive because it has so much more room to display bikes and artifacts, including newspaper articles, pictures, posters, and assorted interesting bike-ish related items, like this blown up shot of Coppi and Bartali:


The tools and a bike of Abe, who I'm pretty sure started Gigante in the 50's:


Coppi's world record setting Hour Legnano from 1942:


And a huge collection of pink race winner Giro d'Italia jerseys:


Not to mention a whole bunch of other stuff. All in all, well worth the trip. Here's a link to some more pics of the Museo:
Museo Del Ghisallo Slideshow by rccardr | Photobucket

Sometimes it's nice to be home sick, and catch these threads as they pop up. Thank you for taking the time to post these, I visited before the 2012 L'Eroica but it was a gloomy day. It's really nice to see the same setting in the glorious sun. I really regret not having programmed in enough time to have my wife drop me at the bottom and ride up to the chapel from the lake. Did you have enough time to do some riding there?

Thanks for the post! I have always wanted to visit but haven't yet come within striking distance. One day!

Thank you. A nice taste of Italian bicycling history, and scenery.

Thanks for sharing!!! Maybe some day...

Thank you for sharing. Easy to see how cycling continues to enjoy a rich tradition over there. Some much to fill a young lads head with grand dreams !