Stage 13 Sibari - Sapri

And the wheels on the fire truck go round and round..

In the Fire Truck Today

Chief Fire Warden......

No Riding today, too risky as the infection has only slightly improved. Also it is a hard day on the road crossing from coast to coast from Ionian to Tyrrhenian Sea, at Italy's narrowest point. Sad to see the boys head off after breakfast, another hot day, 130 klm and 3000 mts if climbing.

Approaching Sapri

Cathy from Oregon California who partners her husband Jim, who are riding a tandem is also in the fire truck today along with our crew Hank (driver) and Gerdi, (chef).

The fire truck takes the shortest route as they need to arrive at camp first to provide soup and refreshments for the end of the day's ride. Gerdi also picks up new fresh supplies for our evening meal at a local Supermarket (Euro Spin).

We take the Autostrade, great road weaving through tunnels and high bridges which span across valleys overshadowed by wonderful Apennine Mountains which stretch from the north to the south of Italy. 
We arrive at 12.30 pm, lovely seaside town. We are staying at a hotel tonight, The Vittoria.  








Right at the back of the hotel is a bike shop, I know it will be handy for many of the riders as basic supplies such as tubes, repair kits, maybe even a bike top. Peter buys some gloves and I pick up a water bottle. As most retail have a siesta I enquire about trading hours. With sign language and gestures we understand each other. 9-1.30pm, then 4.30 - 8.30 pm

These little beauties are everywhere in Italy, The Piaggio, made by Vespa, the scooter manufacturer. I think they are classified as a motor scooter for registration purposes. 

Piaggio

More Gum Trees. Lovely park along the seafront.
Had a Gelati, went to my room turned on the TV, Von Ryan's Express was on, old Frank Sinatra war movie, great film in the 1960's sadly it is in Italian. Rest for an hour until the first riders start to arrive after a tough day.

Ross first day back in the saddle after his set back of a chest infection.  The boys arrive around 5.00 pm exhausted after some serious Goat Track climbs through the mountains.

Bottle Brush or Callistemon forms a beautiful hedge at the front of the hotel.

Quality Hotel for the Night

Home at last boys, great riding, now for some soup and a Gelati.