From Italy to Gippsland

ITALIAN visitor Veronica Danieli has time to take in the sights of South Gippsland and Bass Coast, having been gripped by her father’s passion for cycling.

While she has travelled some of the way from Sydney by bus and train, Veronica has covered 500 kilometres on her push bike, having elected not to adopt the modern trend of motor-assisted riding.

Fish Creek sisters Bianca and Nadia Biesuz-Stefani have made her welcome since meeting Nadia by chance.

With the sisters born in Italy and speaking Italian, it’s not surprising they had plenty to talk about with Veronica.

The Sentinel-Times met the intrepid rider at Bianca’s Stefani Hilltop Gallery.

While the South Gippsland Highway was understandably not a highlight, she has discovered some of the delights of South Gippsland such as Walkerville.

Wollongong, Nowra, Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Merimbula and Bermagui are a few of the places she’s seen on her two-wheel adventure.

She hit the road with a backpack and a baby cart filled with other belongings, hoping motorists may slow down a little due to the possibility of a young passenger.

This scribe commented on her choice to forego an electric bike, saying it is rare these days, with Nadia responding, “That’s why she has such good legs.”

Those legs will power her on as she explores 

Inverloch, Phillip Island and Melbourne.