Patron of Bicyclists: Madonna del Ghisallo; Handmade Pewter Statue

The church of the Madonna del Ghisallo, set in the hills above Lake Como, is part shrine and part cycling museum. The Madonna, the patron of bicyclists, protects them especially when they are riding but also in all the other aspects of their lives. This small handmade piece has images on both sides and is meant to be given to cyclists to remind them of the protection of the Madonna and of the good wishes of those who know them. I designed, carved, and cast the piece myself in lead-free pewter. It comes boxed and with small "booklet" that gives the following history:"This statue makes reference, both on the front and back, to the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron of cyclists. The Madonna is associated with the protection of cyclists both when they’re riding and when they’re involved in other aspects of their lives. The story: medieval legend says Count Ghisallo was one day traveling near Magreglio in northern Italy when he was chased by robbers; he took refuge behind an image of the Virg