Cycling Day Three - Santarcangelo di Romagna

Santarcangelo di Romagna

Well Warren, Deborah and I graduated from Toodler College today and joined the bigger boys and girls on the 60 km ride to Santarcangelo di Romagna and then on to a BBQ at the hilltop home of the Belvedere Bike Hotel owner, Marina.  All the rides ended up at Marina’s Farm House for lunch so everyone in our group sat down together.

It was quite a change.  Going from a group of 10 to 12 to a group of 22 much more experienced riders.  Going from an average speed of 18 to 20 km to an average of 24 to 26.  Going from one hill climb of 300 m over 1.5 kms to several hills (and higher speed down hills).  The biggest, King Hill (we provided the moniker) was approximately 5 km at a 10% grade. 

Deborah did not take any hand held camera pics while riding along today, at first.  It was simply too difficult.  In the beginning we had to be so focused we didn’t really appreciate all the beautiful vistas and villages that were there that first hour.  Later, as we were more comfortable and were better able to read the riding habits of those around us, we became more relaxed and appreciated the beauty we were sailing through.  It can be a little tense and fearful for your safety when riding in a large group.  One person screws up and many can go to the pavement.

The day started with a rather leisurely cruise out of town.  A few surprise short hills gave us a quick insight of what was to come.   You had to get your gears right ahead of time or risk coming to a complete stop when it got too steep.  By the time we got to the King Hill, we were ready.  Deborah, (the only one of 22 not on a road bike and without her feet attached to the pedals for the upstroke power) finished in the top half of the group.  She performed so well the leader took a moment to congratulate her at the top of the climb.  I began near the back of the pack and had just made my way to near the front when I suddenly felt like my heart was going to explode like a Canada Day bottle rocket from fatigue.  I thought I was having the big one but when I looked down I realized I had another gear to use.  I had even pulled out of the line of riders so if I had gone down, no one would have had to pile up over me.  As soon as I straightened out the gear I made it too the top much relieved.  Warren was right behind me and soon Deborah crested the last part of the hill.

Along the Way.

That Blur Might be Deborah's Shadow.

We stopped for cappuccinos in Santarcangel di Romagna.  I must admit I was too gassed for coffee and just sat around and rested.  The café was right in the main square and in front of the city’s community school.  It was interesting to see all the Mums and Dads picking their kids from the school at lunchtime.

Soon we were off to ride a further 15 km to Marina’s house for a lunchtime BBQ for 100+.   We arrived with most of the other riders in attendance.  The BBQ was fantastic.  All of the meat food groups were represented except fish.  Pork, Beef, and Chicken were in abundance as well as lots of stickmen greens.  Champagne was served and we were serenaded by one of the leaders that performs in local bars in the off-season.

Lunch is Served!

Marina's Yard at the BBQ

Congrats to the Riding Queen(s) - Nola and Deborah.

Okay, Okay, who has never bought a shirt on holiday they might not wear again.

The Group - difficult to get them all to stand still for a pic.

Other Riders - Great View

George, Deborah, Nola, Warren

At the end of lunch our leader gave us the option of 20 km home, with a major hill, or 25km on the flats.  We opted for the shorter distance and the hill.  By the time we hit Riccione, Warren, Deborah and I were in the first group of five.

The Final km Home.

A great day and we are in that state of healthy tired.  We have a couple of hours to recover and then it is more drinks, dinner, and tomorrow’s decision to be make.

Ciao!