We briefly awoke at 4:45 am to the sound of rain - pouring rain, with wind gusts that drove sheets of water against our windows. I declared it a good omen as we were to be on the road at 9:00 am, and it couldn't possibly keep raining that hard (could it?). Well, maybe it is the candles we've been lighting in various churches along the way, or just plain dumb luck, but by 9:00 am the sun was out and the temperature had plummeted to a Minnesota-like 60 deg. F!
Today's ride was wonderful in so many ways. We had some short, hard climbs to warm us up and some steep descents to whoop it up. Best luck for us is that rain threatened again around noon - as the drops started to fall we pulled up under a roadside grove of trees, donned our rain jackets and covered our rack packs. While we barely got wet as we rode to the next town, some of our group were caught in the deluge just behind us and needed to take refuge in the support van! We also avoided another shower during a short snack break in the town bar. We emerged to sunshine once again and started the BIG climb up to Montalcino. The 8k took us 50 minutes - there were prolonged stretches of climbing where I stayed in my lowest gear for 10-15 minutes. Believe me, it is a low gear!
As we wanted to have more "town time" in Montalcino, we forsook the optional ride down and back up to a notable abbey - after hot showers and laundry we enjoyed strolling/sketching/snacking time under sunny skies and wonderfully comfy, cooler temperatures.
In the evening rain showers started again but we were armed with jackets and umbrellas so all was well. We toured the imposing 14th century Fortezza (fort), walking the wall (more like jogging) as the rain and wind buffeted us. The fort was also the location of our group wine tasting - we learned all about Brunello wines and the various rules surrounding their classification. Of course, my favorite was 49€ a bottle - a 7 year old Brunello from a five-star year. Despite the offer of free shipping, we passed on buying a case :-)))
The evening of this great day was capped by a lovely dinner at a restaurant recommended by both our guides and Rick Steves - Taverna il Grappolo Blu. It did not disappoint! Peter had Tuscan sausage with white beans and a side of melted Pecorino cheese and honey. I had Riboletta (Tuscan bread soup) and a side of spinach. It was all so good we got dessert too! Guess I'm rationalizing that tomorrow's ride will flame it all. Buena notte!
Midmorning and the group is still fresh and energized! From left Cliff, Lois, June and Deb.
Still kissing up to the locals. I'm finding the vast majority of Italian dogs to be as sweet as can be.
Free ranging Jack Russell with a big attitude - he was facing down a car!
Once again each hill town had a wonderful aura all its own.
The clouds were massing for some big rain but also made exquisite shadow patterns on the landscape.
How beautiful can you get? This beautiful.
Peter captures June at the start of our epic 8k climb into Montalcino.
End of the climb - June surveys the vast Tuscan plains WAY below.
Peter sketches the city hall tower
The wonderful end result of Peter's sketching!
Umbrellas were defeated in the rain and wind as we toured the Fortezza walls.
The wine tasting was educational and delicious - the group was so happy!
Peter and June cap off the evening with a great meal at the cozy Taverna.
Thanks again for reading! Siena tomorrow and continued blogging on Wednesday. Amazing to think it will be all over in only 4 more days...
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