Ride to the Fiametta Winery 9/26/2014

Yesterday was our last day riding and even though I had a cold, I had to get on the bike and join in the fun. After all, this was our last day here. The weather was spectacular and once out on the road, I knew I had made the right choice. Today we rode to the Fiammetta Winery, once again over hill and dale,

Spectacular views have become the norm but I know they will soon end and so I savor each one as I ride. We stopped for coffee along the way in a very small town whose name escapes me at the moment. But the service was impeccable and the cappuccino excellent.

Our group made it up the steepest of the hills and 

were watched by the locals as we headed to the winery. 

Marina and her crew of the Belvedere Bicycle Hotel  have provided us with a five star experience during our time here, but this was the icing on the cake. We were greeted at the winery with Prosecco and a smile as we took in the amazing view and headed to the vineyard to harvest some grapes.

Our efforts paid off and all the grapes were collected and added to the wine barrel for "processing" by our riders.

We were treated to an gastronomic extravaganza with homemade ravioli topped with fresh truffles shaved over the top by Marina herself. Wine was served and fresh figs passed around and the meal completed with homemade biscotti, coffee and dessert wine.

The festivities included music and dancing to celebrate the harvest. And what harvest would be complete without the stomping of the grapes? Yep, all the riders hopped on in for a turn in the barrel!

After all delicious food and wine we carefully rode back to the hotel for the last time. What a way to end the week! Thank you Marina and the wonderful stay at the Belvedere!

Off to to Roma on the train today and begin the journey home tomorrow. I will be sad to leave but am ready to come home. 

Ravenna - 9/25/2014

I am ending my stay with a pretty miserable cold but will ride one more time today as It is hard to say if I will be back here again and my Dr, (Margaret) has given me the okay. We had our rest day yesterday in Ravenna a town known for its Byzantine churches with incredible Mosaics.  We took the train in both directions & then wandered about for a few hours taking in the sites & of course lunch.  Lots of history and even Dante's tomb.

Me standing in front of Dante's tomb

This is a charming town dating back to 600 BC and many of the streets are paved with cobblestones. 

In the town center people either stroll or ride bicycles and several lsmall alleyways lead down to interesting bakeris, shops and small cafés.

The mosaics end churches were breathtaking. Here are a few pics od some of the ceilings from the churches and the mausoleum we visited. 

Last night was a Spanish themed dinner with a large paella freshly made by Marina, her mother & Fellice. 

BTW Fellice is a former world class road racer who still leads all of the really long & hard rides here & even the young guns can't out ride him.  He rode the Sea to Sky event this year from Vancouver to Whistler & he is still looking for the hill.  It was not steep enough for him.  

Today is our last ride which will include a visit to a vineyard after that the sad reality of leaving this place will kick in.

Caio!

Up, up and away to San Marino - Tuesday & Wednesday 9/23 & 24/2014

Buongiorno from Riccioni!

San Marino is a small republic situated on the slopes of Mount Titano, on the Adriatic side of central Italy between the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions and surrounded on all sides by the Republic of Italy. It is the smallest independent state in Europe after Vatican City and Monaco and, until the independence of Nauru (1968), the smallest republic in the world. 

The last time we visited San Marino we we took the bus up and had time for sight seeing and some serious shopping. This time we took the long way up by bicycling, climbing over 1600 feet in just six miles. We had 10-15% grades to climb but felt so terrific when we finally reached the top - what an accomplishment! 

Are we REALLY riding all the way up there?

Up and up

When we reached the top we had time for cappuccino at an outdoor cafe which happened to be conveniently located next to a small leather goods shop. Good news Bob! I have three pockets in the back of my cycling  jersey and they conveniently fit all three wallets that I purchased - success! 

Wandering through San Marino

View from the top of the world

The overall ride was 45 miles, but these hills are killers. Once again the scenery was magnificent and we truly earned the faced-paced twisty downhill coming home.

----------------------------------------

Last night was the Belvedere pool party which is quite an event starting with drinks and appetizers on the outside deck then moving to the pool area for dinner and dessert. Here are a few photos from the party.

What a welcome!

Have you ever seen a vodka shrimp cocktail? With REAL Vodka????

Yummy desserts too!

The entertainment included music, dancing and these lovely ladies - vavavoom!

--------------------------------------

WEDNESDAY 9/24/2014 - Ride to the cheese factory

--------------------------------------

This morning I went on a shorter ride of 35 miles and since everything starts at the sea and goes up into the hills one is sure to find climbs. This was a bit more of a slower paced ride up to the hill town of Mondaino. A lovely hill town and fort and then on to the Il Formaggio della Fosse sella Porta di Sotto (very loosely translated as the "cheese factory).

 Mondaino has for years been one of the capitals in the production of Pecorino di Fossa.

In the ancient artistic Mill of Porta di Sotto, huge pits are filled in the Miocene sandstone below the floor and are filled with cheeses for fermentation during the four days of Palio del Daino, in August. They are then covered with wheat and sealed with a cement covering. This creates a vacuum which removes the fat and salt from the cheese as it rests for the next few months. The pit is emptied in the “Fossa, Tartufo e Cerere” time, in November, an event of typical autumn products. Needless to say the cheese is amazingly delicious! 

Uneventful ride home, except for the flat tire I had, and just like in Arizona it takes one guy to do the work while at least five others supervise. 

 

A Long Day - Lots of Climbs 9/22/2014

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in Italy. We were scheduled for a ride of approximately 48 miles yesterday, but somehow our guide was a bit confused and took us on the 58 mile option. Now in Arizona this is not much of a big deal, but here we are riding in hilly territory and it is a big difference. We had many climbs with grades of 8-10% and some up to 14% making the ride pretty tough - total of 3600 feet of climbing. 

The Canadian contingency (friends of Margaret)

Patti coming down the cobbles of a small hill town

No worries though, we rode through beautiful territory and every turn brought even better views. We went through the towns of Santa Maria, up to the hill town of Montagiano, on to Fano and home through San Pietro. These small towns are as charming as their names and seem to exist in a different time with their cafés and portable retail stalls.

What I cannot send you photos of are the incredible roads we are riding and while we have plenty of uphills and even some bumpy spots in need of road work, we are treated to some of the best downhills with plenty of sweeping turns and views that take my breath away. Each turn brings a new view, sometimes of the distant sea, or a field of vineyards and others are lined with a canopy of trees. Of course all of this keeps me smiling throughout the day and I feel blessed to be able to ride. What an adventure!

As we were returning back to the hotel the skies opened up and we were "treated" to about six miles of rain, just enough to get us pretty wet and our bikes very dirty. Good news Is we didn't melt and all made it home safely. 

Great day riding, let's have a glass of wine!

Margaret's picture she took at dawn yesterday. 

Today we ride to San Marino. They have promised to keep it in the 45 mile(ish), but no matter what the day brings we are assured to be treated to some magnificent views!