Classic ride:Milan-Pavia

This half-day ride takes you to what used to be the Lombard capital. Farm houses offering refreshments dot the route through the countryside. The itinerary partly follows the Naviglio Pavese cycle path and partly follows the country roads south of Binasco. You can take a detour in Samperone to visit the Certosa di Pavia monastery. Once past the Cascine Calderari, cross the road and take the cycle path that heads into Pavia. Visconteo Castle is in the heart of the old town, along with the Medieval Towers, the Duomo, some wonderful basilicas and the charming Ponte Coperto bridge which crosses the Ticino river. The return leg can be made by train from Pavia.