Well arose to some sun showing through so fingers crossed we hoped to stay warmer and dryer today! Breakfast as usual and made plans.
Barries – cycle tour - Had to struggle once again with a 15% climb into the local town Trequanda which although only 2 km away makes it tough before being warmed up. Then a repeat of yesterdays first 20 km but without the rain and chill factor. Road to the bottom of Montepulcianao which is where we gave up shivering yesterday then on to Monticohiello which including a terrific 4 km down hill – all switch back turns just like Tour de France!
This is a fairly hill top small village which was apparently heavily involved with the resistance during the war (like most of this area) and had a number of local inhabitants shot by the Germans for working in the resistance and helping allied soldiers.
Wonderfully beautiful little village.
Wonderfully beautiful little village.
Shona caught us up here and we enjoyed another great Italian meal – mine was rabbit pasta again!! Of course including the compulsory wine (before a ride of course!!!!).
Following this another fantastic downhill – chasing Shona’s car (and passing) and then the natural steep climb again – this time up to the walled town of Pienza.
Julio shouted us some chocolate- yum, and some went and inspected a cheese shop (huge cheeses well priced (?$12 a Kg).
Managed to find a toilet before going – but oops no signs just Italian for boy and girl and couldn’t read either so had to guess – and then both were squat type and no toilet paper – oops!
Managed to find a toilet before going – but oops no signs just Italian for boy and girl and couldn’t read either so had to guess – and then both were squat type and no toilet paper – oops!
There were some storm clouds gathering so we headed off rapidly to S Anna.
When there, Darren said the rain was coming so four of us headed off full steam for home with the others joining Shona in the taxi – got home just before the rain arrived!! So a great days riding – rest day tomorrow for the Grande Fondo on Sunday. Tonight we are having a barbeque dinner – Italian style.
When there, Darren said the rain was coming so four of us headed off full steam for home with the others joining Shona in the taxi – got home just before the rain arrived!! So a great days riding – rest day tomorrow for the Grande Fondo on Sunday. Tonight we are having a barbeque dinner – Italian style.
My driver took me to see an Abby Abbazia di I think. It was fantastic.
The paintings on the wall were excellent. The detail in some of the faces was amazing. We then drove off to lunch. Scene after scene of Beautiful country.
The paintings on the wall were excellent. The detail in some of the faces was amazing. We then drove off to lunch. Scene after scene of Beautiful country.
It was good catching up with them for lunch. Another incredible day.
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