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.
No comments:
Post a Comment