DI 12 Todi to Orvieto

Photo: Todi from 10 km towards Orvieto

Today is our last riding day and a glorious day it is. In terms of terrain and distance it is much like yesterdays – two long climbs in the morning and a then steep climb into town at the end.  The first two climbs are gentle and don’t require the low “granny” gear. Between the two climbs we stop at Prodo for coffee. Harry wanted to buy property in this quaint, isolated community.  See photos below.

 

 

 

 

The second downhill is especially nice; an extremely smooth road, gently downhill, wide switchbacks, sometimes tree lined, sometimes spectacular vistas.  I did not stop to take pictures, merely savored the moment.  -- The climb into Orvieto was very steep and with heavy traffic.

I forgot to mention that, 10 km from the end of the tour, I had a flat tire. I believe this was the first flat tire any of us had the entire 12 days.

We were in town by lunchtime so had plenty of time to dissemble and pack the bikes.  It takes approximately an hour, depending on several factors.

Click here for details on today's ride.

MEET THE RIDERS

You’ve met the ten couples who are riding, so today you’ll meet the people who designed and conducted the tour for us.

At left is Luca our guide. Luca is a geologist, teacher, spelunker, climber, canyoneering guide, former local champion skier, and who knows what else.  He has guided us, assisted us, and taught us.  Luca has made this more than just a bike tour; I think we all now know more about Italy and Italians.

Behind the scene, however, is the team who had designed and planned the tour as well as make all arrangements –‘where we go, where we stay, often what we eat. They prepare a “road book” for each of us which describes in excellent detail the roads we ride on, the turns we make, etc. Click here to learn more about Viadelsole's staff.  Because of another tour that Viadelsole did for us in 2005, I’ve been emailing with Bepe for over 6 years.  This is the first time I met him. Photo on right was taken this morning when he drove out to tell us “good-bye”.