Stage 12 Villagio Mancuso - Sibari

Inside the hotel Room

There' a fine line between pleasure and pain...

Tuff night sore throat, temperature rising, Ross not riding today, I decide to ride , even though there is 1200 mtrs of climbing and 145 klm distance, we do finish on the coast so there is a  lot of downhill. Also a rest day to follow.

Wagons Roll

Mancuso is a mountainous plateau region of Calabria, the highest peaks around here are over 1900 mtrs. The air is cool but another sunny day. This area of Calabria contains the National Park created in 2002 and was settled by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC.

Fig trees are in abundance on the La Sila Plateau, beautiful woodlands abound. Villagio Mancuso is 1350 mtrs .Lunch was on the edge of Lago Arvo a lake situated fairly high up on the plateau at 1300 mtrs. As always the crew provide a wonderful lunch, rolls, drinks salads, cheese ham, fruit etc. 

Garry hits a 'Pothole' and punctures immediately, his second so far on the La Bella. Garry playing his tunes from his phone and another timely song by the Divinyl's as we grind out another climb. "A fine line between pleasure and pain." 

I am pleasantly surprised at the extent of the Greek influence (Magna Graecia) Greater Greece throughout southern Italy. But watch out Rome is on the rise and had started to spread it's influence in this region in 500 BC.

 First glimpse of the Mediterranean  on the horizon about 20 klm away what a lovely sight as we start to descend.

The roads are bumpy and challenging descending, you wonder is it linked to the funding allocation for a more prosperous Northern Italy?

We are arrive at the camping park which is situated right on the beach, replenish our depleted bodies with soup and fruit. Feeling ordinary but the lure of a swim in the Med is too strong to refuse. Gum trees are all over the park in Sibari. 

Liam says the photo of our swim is both hilarious and horrendous at the same time. Sean says my eyes have been soiled for ever. Trade mark riders complexion. Skinny upper arms, and suntan legs and arms, with lily white bodies. I agree a pathetic sight, from the bronzed Aussie image that we are trying to uphold. 

Rest day, the boys go into town for a look and see and also for something to eat. I am feeling unwell, slept a lot of the day. High temperature chest infection. 

Ype & Gerrie Prepare Food for Finish