Cycling Day Six - The Final Ride

Final Ride – Saludecio

Woke up this morning feeling the effects of yesterday’s hill climb and the accumulation of the week’s riding.  Neither of us have done this much riding since we were in our twenties.  As a result, we chose the shortest ride of the day – 53 km to the hill town of Saludecio (yes, it seems all the towns are on the top of hills).  The other choice was 99 km to Urbano.  The week’s riding has definitely provided us with newfound strength and a ton of confidence but I think we were okay with the short hop and look forward to a few days rest.

The ride was great.  Just enough hill climbing (700 meters of elevation change) to make it interesting, the down hills exhilarating, and the vistas most memorable.  Most of the farms have half their crops in and the fields have been turned and readied for fall planting.  When we do stop along the way the silence is almost eerie.  You can almost feel the slow pace of farming life.  The farmhouses appear to be all cut from the same clothe – a combination of beige brick and stone.

Admiring his Bike after another uphill climb.

When we reached Saludecio it seemed like we were the only ones there.  One café was open and soon we had the two baristas on the hop.  Enjoyed our Latte’s (no cappuccinos today) in an outside courtyard overlooking the valley.

Entering Saludecio.

The downhill run was the usual blast and back to the hotel we rolled.  Always back for lunch at 2 pm.  This time our group was the first to arrive and we had first crack at the buffet and tables by the pool.

We returned our bikes to the rental shop.  I loved my bike.  I took pictures of it when we parted.  I felt like I was leaving an old friend.  You have to have a lot of confidence in your bike when you let it freewheel you at 65 km down a mountain road.  I don’t think I’ll ever ride as nice a bike again.  An Italian made “De Rosa King 3”.  They told me if I lost it I would have to pay $3000 Euros.  I don’t think I can afford that expense but I know I will now buy a road bike and clip in shoes.  Yes, I may even wear the spandex under shorts, over.   Hopefully no one I know will have to experience seeing that.  You would think I would have lost weight over this week.  I guess I have been balancing the calorie burns with the buffet table.  Deborah of course is slimmer than even normal.

The De Rosa King

Dinner tonight will be quiet compared to last night.  The hotel had formal seating for all the guests at poolside rather than in the common dining hall.  Each country was recognized.  Canada first due to the greatest numbers.  The DJ played Oh Canada and we all sang our hearts out.  The U.S. was next, followed by Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.  We had a served four-course meal with champagne, red and white wine and cocktails if you chose.  A mostly naked Brazilian Dancer and Fabio the Flame Thrower/Eater/Dancer entertained us.  The hotel staff and owner serenaded the group and dancing to midnight followed.  Deborah might have been the most energetic dancer of us all.

Check out in the morning and then train to Siena for a two-night stay before beginning the trekking to Montepulciano, through Tuscany.

End of Bike Week!

Ciao!  (for a few days)

Cycling Day Five - San Marino

The results of yesterday’s wet roads were visible at last night’s dinner.  Fresh abrasions were in abundance.  We were aware of two folks going down in our group, one on a traffic circle and one on a cobblestone street but there were many more in the other groups.  One lady in the Toodlers went down hard, broke her hand, embedded her eyeglasses into her forehead and was hospitalized with concussion.  She received a standing ovation when she arrived at the evening dinner.

Day Five arrived bright and sunny after last night’s heavy rain.  Many glasses of wine were had by all last night and I am afraid much tough talk about riding abilities ensued.  As a result of all the talk and alcohol we ended up riding today.  I would blame it on testosterone but I don’t think the same reasoning applies to Deborah and she was equally committed to riding.  We gave up our seats on the bus and rode to the independent city-state of San Marino.  25 km of rolling hills and then strait up to the hilltop city.  We were encouraged to ride when we found out there is an alternate “straight up”.  The primary “straight up” is 10 km at 16% grade.  The alternate “straight up” is 6 km at 8%, 1 km of flat, and 4 km between 8 and 11%.  8% is like the hill we trained on from the Kilgard Reserve up to Straiton.  The difference is that the Kilgard hill is about 1.5 km.; this was 6 km, followed by more.

Pre Dinner Drinks - where decisions are made.

Only two other brave souls of the 100+ joined Nola, Glen, Keith, and Phil in the steepest “straight up” group.  Deborah and I were the only others in our group to ride and we took the modified “straight up”, everyone else rode the bus.

We started well.  The 26 modified hill riders were divided into two groups. Due to yesterday’s getting lost incident, I rode sweep in the second group.  As we cruised along at about 25 km, my chain came off.  I yelled “chain off” but no one heard me, and the group disappeared over the horizon.  I was left to fix the chain and then pedal like hell in the hope of catching up.  After two km of complete oxygen debt sprinting, I finally caught the group.  I didn’t ride sweep anymore.

That is the final destination.

At about the 25 km mark we assembled at the bottom of the hill(s) to San Marino.  We received the directions about where to go, what to expect, and where to meet at the top.  I asked the leader if it was okay to go ahead of the group.  He said yes and off I went.  When you are eating three gourmet meals a day, you have to find the calorie burns when you can.  Deborah was happy enough to be on the hill.

Just as I began to pull away I noticed I was not alone.  Dave from Phoenix was only a few meters behind me.  I know it seems incredibly stupid now, but there we were, two white haired 60 year olds, pushing as if they were in a race, completely living in the moment.  Dave from Phoenix passed me.  I passed him.  No words were spoken.  This went on for the entire six km.  I was proud of myself then, and feel a little foolish now, but the two of us finished the 6 km at least 20 minutes before the others.  Unfortunately, we didn't stop there.  At the meeting spot, Paulo asked everyone to remain together for the last 3 km of the even steeper stuff.  Dave from Phoenix said he knew the way and we were off again.  Unfortunately Dave from Phoenix is 60+ and had forgotten the way.   Rather than wait for the others we pushed further.  We were hopelessly lost.  Luckily Dave was not above asking for directions and we finally met our group at the top of San Marino sipping cappuccinos overlooking the valley.  Dave from Phoenix and I shared a back slap and a few laughs, all the while never acknowledging that we might have been racing.

Paulo asking, "Has anyone seen Dave and George?"

Deborah powered her way up the entire distance without stopping and still found time to take a few pictures along the way.  After her experience the day before, she was somewhat sympathetic about my plight but self-inflicted wounds do not usually get much attention.

Reunited at the top.

After a very short rest for me, it was time to return home.

Two of the Stick People Leaders - one stuffing newspaper inside his shirt for  warmth until we get to the bottom where the temperature is much warmer.

The return trip was a blast.  We hit 65 km an hour at one point on the straights between the hairpins on the downhill.  On the flats we kept it up and drafted along looking like a passing train.  We maintained 30 km an hour and went for stretches of 39 to 42.  Boring numbers to readers but incredibly exciting for us.

Back home now after 68 km (don’t know where the extra kms came from), completely gutted and so thankful we chose to go.  A great experience.

Drinks around the pool tonight and decisions around Day Six - the final ride.

Cycling Day Four - Wandering In The Rain

Today will still be memorable but not for the usual reasons.  We joined the 60 km tour along with Warren, Marci, Nola, recent Toodler graduate Sam.  It was Warren’s birthday today so sister Nola stepped down a group to spend the day with him.

Nola and Marci Before the Ride.

The Birthday Boy was Unimpressed with Paulo's leading of Happy Birthday!

These Italian Ladies Could Have Cared Less About Us.

Everything started out normal except that the group had grown to 32.  32 is a bit unwieldy and it lends itself for longer waits at the top of the long hills for everyone to catch up.  On the other hand it is kinda cool to be part of a whooshing line of cycles as it winds itself through the curves.  On the flats today we hit 33 to 35 km.

The Line Snaked Away into the Horizon.

The disappointing part of today was that we were unable to reach our destination.  After days of clear blue skies we were faced with clouds and showers.  The temperature was still 26 but our leader Paulo had to keep scanning the skies and changing our route hoping to avoid the showers that were in the area.  Unfortunately we were unable to avoid them.  The showers either moved to us or we climbed a hill and the change in temperature resulted in rain.  The rain was not the problem.  The wet roads were.  Negotiating curves on a slippery surface is a little too exciting when you are riding a bike frame on two pizza cutters for wheels.  Riding was a little more tense today than fun.

To make matters worse we had a new “sweep” Claudio responsible for the end of the group.  With that many numbers the leader could not simply look back and see that everyone was there.  Claudio usually pulls bike wrenches but today he got to fill in as a tour leader and designate Sweep.  Unfortunately, Deborah (riding the slower hybrid) was at the end of the group on the days longest hill.  Unable to get any momentum before the hill she dropped back.  Claudio passed her and continued on the hill.  She soon lost sight of the line and got lost.  No phone, no money, no language … much worry.  It was a long climb and as we waited, we realized we were a group of 31.  Paulo gave Claudio a reaming out and sent him back to find her.  After a wait, they crested the hill and I would like to say that all was well but in reality it was all Deborah could do not to kill the little Italian stallion.

Paulo on the Phone Trying to Find Claudio - Disappeared Again.

We stopped for cappuccinos again to wait out the weather but there was no real improvement.  The trip was abandoned.  We cruised home as fast as we could and arrived back at the Belvedere in time for yet another meal.

There is Always time for Another Coffee.

Warren’s birthday celebrations will carry us to and into the evening.

Not sure we will ride tomorrow.  San Marino is on the menu but the choices are ride 60 km with the last 10 strait up or take the bus from the hotel.  Depending on the number of drinks consumed tonight, I think we will ride the bus and not the bike. 

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!

Cycling Day Two - Gradara

Gradara

After much discussion we decided to join the Toodlers again for a 40 km trip to Gradara Hill Castle.  We looked carefully at the 60 km trip but the 40 km included what we had done yesterday, with only a 7 km increase on the way out, with a 8% grade, to another, further hilltop town.  Plus… we don’t know if we are quite ready.  We opted instead for Gradara that included a 300m rise (in the last 1.5 km) to the castle. 

I did make the trade up from my rental Hybrid to a Go-Fast Road Bike.  I am glad I took the easier ride as it allowed me to get used to the bike.  It handles differently, like moving from a sedan to a sports car.  For the first half hour I felt like I was going to lose it on the curves.  It is so light I could lift it with my two smallest fingers.  The tires are narrow enough to fit into an ATM Credit card slot but it is soooo much faster.  I found myself braking on the flats to prevent running up on the bike in front.  The only times we are free to go at our own clip is on the hills.  The leader gathers everyone together at the bottom, describes the turns and elevation, stresses how everyone is to ride at their own speed, and then releases the hounds.  I know it doesn’t sound like much but it can be exciting.  On our one and only serious hill, Deborah and I finished top three in the group.

The Countryside was flat or rolling hills.

Danielo was our guide once again.  Out of town a similar way, over the freeway and into the farmland.  We could see the picturesque hill town castle in the distance and slowly made our way there.  Being Monday, there were a few more cars on the road and a few near incidents in the traffic circles.  It is an odd dynamic.  Cars in the circle have the right-of-way but bikes in a line seem to take a civil right-of-way, albeit not a legal one.  Of the many cars that stopped in the circle for us, two did not.  The guide gave him a chewing out with his hand and we were on our way.

Danielo giving out the riding instructions.

Gradara town/castle has a 360-degree view of all the farms, villages and the Adriatic in the distance.  We stopped for an hour and toured the original castle (built in 1150) and explored the shops and café’s within the fortified walls.  When we finished touring, we returned to the wall entrance and sipped cappuccinos while awaiting the Toodlers to regroup.

Taking advantage of the rest stop.

Time to Go, really!

It Was Straight Up.

My new friend - One of the Stick People in the Fast/Far Group.

What goes up must come down so the return trip was much faster.  I lost my chain part way down and the group stopped while Danielo fixed the chain.  The first thing he did was bring out the rubber glove for one hand and of course some smart ass had to make a comment …. And soon we were all in stitches.

I think he said, "bend over" in Italian.

Back to the hotel we flew.  Danielo seemed to like to have his group back first for lunch at 2:30 pm.

After lunch, shower, and change we hit the beach for the rest of the afternoon.  Deborah and many of the others took an Italian cooking class before dinner while the rest of us drank German beer in the Italian sun.

Haven’t decided about tomorrow’s ride.  Dinner, drinks and decision to follow.

p.s. Phil, the most serious biker in our group did 105 km today.  This was in the space of 4 and onehalf hours.  It included two 8 km, 8% hill climbs.  I am not sure we will ever consider that to be fun.

p.s.s. Deborah met a City of Abbotsford employee she used to work with at the pool.  He flew over to bike with a friend but he had never biked before.  He was moving extremely slowly when last seen beached by the bar.  One of many Canadians here for bike week.

Cycling Day One - Morciano

View From Our Belvedere Balcony

Cycling Day One

On the evening of our arrival, the hotel put on a reception and dinner for all 100+ participants for the biking week.  The wine was poured freely (I suspect not so free when all costs considered but at least "prepaid") and the food was both varied and excellent.  Each group had designated seating but cross talk with bikers from around the world soon ensued.  Many carafes of wine were consumed and the noise level rose accordingly.  The ‘first night’ excitement was palpable throughout the room. 

After dinner and much brave talk, each person signed up for their chosen tour.  We talked big but in the end we signed up for the “Leisure Tour”.  We, included Warren & Dianne, Sam and Cheryl, Linda, four others and ourselves.  The Leisure Tour was 40 kms to the hill town Morciano and back.  Marci and Keith chose the “Panorama Tour” along the coast covering 60 kms.  Nola, Glen and Philip chose the “Adventure Tour”, a hill climbing 80 kms.  Each tour started at 15 min. intervals from our hotel on the beach and returned at nearly the same time.  Clearly the elevation climbs and speed were the differentiating factors.

Up at 7:30 a.m. to ready us for a 9:30 a.m. start.  Joined everyone for the buffet breakfast in the main dining hall.  The stick people gathered around the fruit and yogurt.  I did the same to appear to fit in.  It is important to “look” the part if one is to be successful.  After the sticks moved to their respective dining areas, I tucked into the bacon and eggs, after all I am on holidays (can retired people be on ‘holiday’?).

We convened in our respective start areas at 9:30.  Our group, self-dubbed “the Toodlers”, had a great local leader.  He talked about safety being a big issue and we started by learning all the hand signals given by the leader at the front.  Communicating with his hands seemed very natural to our Italian Leader. He also gave a strict lecture about staying in line and communicating with the person behind you. 

Ready For the First Ride.

We began by meandering our way out of the town following main roads.  The traffic we encountered had a much different attitude toward cyclists that exists back home.  Cars were very respectful and cognizant of us as we negotiated round-a-bouts, “downtown” village squares, and faster regional roads.  We did have to be wary of the roads themselves.  We might complain but our secondary roads are in much better condition than anything we encountered today.

Once the confidence was up, we began to enjoy the scenery along the way.  Distant hill top vistas, olive groves, fruit orchards, and vineyards lined the way as we cruised between 18 and 20 kms. per hour.  We climbed to one baby hill town of 500 feet.  We stopped for cappuccino and a little exploring in Morciano, our goal for the day.  Taking a different route home we had one more stop in another village and were witness to a village wedding for Lucia and Laura.

Looking at the Countryside along the way!

Coffee Break in Morciano

As we approached Riccione, the speed picked up as folks gained biking confidence and visions of a fabulous hotel lunch back at the Belvedere started to rise.

Lots of Riding But also Lots of Sightseeing.

All in all it was a leisurely day.  Personally I think we could have done a little more work but it was a good way to start.  The only downside (and it was minor) was the fact that I had to bike in line following a rather large lady, with her biking shorts slipping a little below the equator on occasion.  Not a pretty sight to follow.  Eventually I found a reason to stop and check my bike fitting.  

We are thinking about moving up to the next level tomorrow or the day following.  I noticed a couple of old fat guys in the next level group.  

When we got back we joined up with our fellow riders from the other groups.  Everyone had a great time and Philip was proclaimed the top hill (up) rider of the entire Belvedere group.  The tour leader let him pass them on the long uphill on the 80 kms.

Off to dinner, drinks and sign up for tomorrow.