Twice yesterday at the hotel (san Lucchese), the staff complimented me on my Italian. Of course I only know a few words, but I do know the numbers - and that is all you need at the hotel – tell them your room number, “due cento sedici” (216). If this were France, they would turn up their nose at me. The French want, no they demand, you speak their language. But when you try, it’s never good enough, and they make you feel like a fool. The Italians on the other hand, joke with you, help you, compliment you. So I love Italy and hate France.
Photo at left is of chapel at San Lucchese
We’ve had an incredible, multi-course group meal each of the last three nights. I think everyone is now ready for a simpler, quicker meal with less courses. And maybe less socialization. So it is fine if there are no group meals the next three days. Tomorrow we go the Siena, the town that was the equal of Florence 600 years ago. It might have been still, were it not for the plague in the early 1300’s.
We ride for a while on SP2, the old Roman road to Siena (“All roads lead to Rome.”). The highlight of the day is visiting Monteriggioni, a town which has changed very little since they raised the town walls in 1260. This is our cappuccino stop but we also walk the walls – great vistas. Photo at right is the church as seen from the top of the wall. Also see composite photo at end of blog.
Today’s route is beautiful; aren’t they all? This is the shortest and probably easiest day but the hills we experienced today were steep – 10 to 12 % uphill and at one time, 25% downhill. Note, the steepest paved road in the world is 39%; it is in Dunedin on the south island of New Zealand.
Click here for today's route Note that the gap in the recording was not caused by Nixon’s secretary. My GPS batteries died and I didn’t notice for a while.
MEET THE RIDERS
Ronnie and Nanette Bryant are long-time DATES members who ride long miles. Ronnie once rode the 750 mile Boston-Montreal-Boston event and they both trained for a while for Paris-Brest-Paris, also 750 miles. They finally came to their senses and decided to focus on touring. They were on our BAC Costs a Costa tour in 2005 and also the DATES tour in England in 2007. Ronnie and Nanette don’t drink coffee; their favorite caffeine beverage, even for breakfast, is Dr. Pepper.
Photo below is a composite of 10 photos taken from the Monteriggioni town wall
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