Day 9 - Fri 6th October, 2017. Bologna- Modena

Day 9 - Fri 6th October, 2017. Bologna- Modena

Today is my last day in Bologna and I have really enjoyed this old City.

Today’s plan was to cycle to the City of Modena, to visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum opened in 2011.

The Garmin bicycle took a longer route then expected (48km), so it took about 2:20. On route, I passed the Lamborghini factory at Sant'Agata Bolognese then another 17km to Modena.

On the cycle out of Bologna, I followed a matt black Ferrari, covered in white camouflage decals. Not sure if it was a new model being tested, but I did cycle fast to get a photo.

The Enzo Ferrari Museum is a futuristic yellow dome, build half underground. It is near the railway station for easy access. Part of the museum is the house and early workshop of Alfreda Ferrari and the birth place of legendarily son and engineering innovator Enzo in 1898.

In 2007 our family had visited the new Ferrari Museum and I expected a bit more. It didn’t have some of famous Formula 1 cars, and didn’t present the background story easily. I expect it would have been updated and improved as it gets good reviews.

In contrast, this museum had examples of most famous road cars and had lots of reading material of famous locals such as the Maserati brothers. There were two excellent films shown on the large dome wall, one on the history and the other on famous owners and pop culture connections. My favorite Ferrari was still the 1970 Dino 246, although it never carried a Ferrari badge. In contrast  to the trademark V12 or some later Turbo V8s, the Dino had a small V6.

The old workshop had a great engine exhibition and two F1 race cars, one being 2009 F60 F1 car - won Belgium GP driven by Kimi Raikkonen. All up a great museum for anyone with a car interest- €16.

Forecast thunderstorms threatened and fortunately didn’t start till I was back. By overruling the GPS (set on bicycle routing), the trip was 8km less. Cycling distance was 99km and about 5hrs.

The last task before dinner was to buy some presents. (socks -small, light & ‘Made in Italy’)

The plan to have an early dinner at 18:30. This was changed when the cafes weren’t open yet, so I headed back to room to pack up my bicycle.

Dinner - was at the local cafe “Sotto Sopra” and included complimentary Bruschetta. I enjoyed strip steak in lemon grass for main meal and mascarpone desert for my last night in Italy.