Stage 22 Castel del Piano - Siena

Sing us a song Castel del Piano Man, sing us a song tonight well, were all in the mood for a bike ride and you've got us feeling alright...

There is a narrow steep lane off to the side of the piazza where we had some refreshments last night to watch the sunset, so I took the boys via the piazza, as we were leaving for the days ride the next morning The view was stunning looking deep into the heart of Tuscany and where we were heading

Piazza del Piano

Below is the view from the lane, as usual towns like Seggiano are built on a hill top, but first you have to descend.

Yesterday Garry took a detour with David (Flying Doctor Fame) and rode up Mt Amiata which is an extinct volcano rising to 1490 mtr, as if the short distance of 76 klm was not enough for Garry & Co. No chance of an eruption as the last one was 300,000 yrs ago. 

Mount Amiata was visible for most of the ride towards Siena. Just a reminder to Garry how hard the ride was. Great riding boys.

Seggiano

Riding through this beautiful region of Italy we passed through wonderful fields of barley and wheat, magnificent Tuscany Homes with pencil pines lining the driveways. I could not help but call to mind The Gladiator scene as Russell Crowe was running his hands through the barley fields, roads lined with pencil pines as he returned to his family which had been murdered.

The Fastigiate Mediterranean Cypress is straight out of classical antiquity, it is a symbol of mourning I have learned. No wonder you always see them around cemeteries, also comes in handy for making wreaths.

Italian Pencil Pine

Montalcino

San Giovanni d'Asso

Could not resist stopping here in Montalcino, right there on the corner store for an ice cold coke. Face Time home explaining how tuff things are on the road in the heat and blue skies.

This is one of Italy's most important grape-growing areas which produce Brunello wine. Great views over the Asso valley from the refreshment stop and the direction we are riding too. Past history it was famous for it's leather goods. Elevation is 560 mtr with a pop of 5000 and the walls date to 13th century. The landscape around here has been added to UNESCO World Heritage as the landscape reflects today what was written and painted by Renaissance artists.

San Giovanni d'Asso is the next town we pass through

a small commune that is overlooked by a large castle.

Truffles which are a fungal fruiting plant and sell for thousands are found in this area.

 Never tried them, the only truffles I've had are Cadbury's, much cheaper

 Lunch stop at Chiusure at the 54 klm mark, very nice, overlooking beautiful countryside, as always Ype & Dino put on a great spread.

Great effort from Peter who arrived before us, time to push out the zzzzzzzzzz during lunch stop.

We saw a number of organised riding tours in this region due to the rolling hills in this area with plenty of sharp pinches to test the legs.

We exchanged stories and experiences with one of the tours in this area. Still not as good as Bike Dreams. I think they were a little envious of our lunch spread.

Time to move as we head towards Siena, not before we pass through Asciano with it's 11th century Romanesque basilica.

Not long before the distinct Mangia Tower becomes visible. Pull into campsite mid afternoon after 91 klm of gentle riding. Approx 5 klm from Siena centre, large groups head into town by bus and taxi, we take the bus. Arriving by bus gives no hint of the medieval jewel that is hidden behind what appears to be a normal Italian country town.

Piazza Salembeni

Mangia Tower & The Piazza del Campo

                          

                                       Old Streets of Siena

The Palio di Siena is a traditional medieval horse race run around the Piazza del Campo twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August. The event is attended by huge crowds. Seventeen Contrade (which are city neighbourhoods originally formed as battalions for the city's defence) vie for the trophy: a painted banner, or Palio bearing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Famous Palio di Siena Race

The town of Siena was humming, bands, music and groups dressed in medieval costumes. For good reason, tonight was a special one. As there are 17 Contrades only 10 can be selected for the race, and tonight was the selection of the final 10 riders.

Little Drummer Boy

Part of the many colourful costumes that were visible throughout the town, the sounds of the marching bands was spine tingling.

Another superb sight in Siena is the Cathedral, wow very different. Begun in the 12th century it is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Come they told me, Pa rum pum pum pum

me and my drum

Siena Cathedral

Wilhelmus van Nassouwe

ben ik van Duitsen bloed

den vaderland getrouwe 

Sing loud and long boys. An excited Dutch Crew partied into the night singing the National anthem (Above)

after Tom Dumolin wins the Giro 2017 Cycle Race.

Above Ype, Wilbert, Jaap & Hank

Stage 21 Capodimonte - Castel del Piano

On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again, the life I love is riding with my friends, and I can't wait to get on the road again

Garry This is how we do it..Thanks Jill leave it to us from here.

This is the start of the twice daily injections. It is also the start of the famous Tuscany Region of Italy

I am also back in the saddle and looking forward to the day. This is a lovely part of Italy and reasonably close to the west coast, another sunny day on the road.

This region of Italy is known for it's wines such as Chianti.

Sunrise on Lago di Bolsena (can you see the 3 planes trails)

Rocca Farnese in Valentano

Pretty as a picture this town of about 2-3000



Only 22 klm into the ride and a we arrive at the beautiful town of Onano, pop. 1200. The name is unusual as it is the same if you read it from the left or the right. This is called a palindrome, I didn't know that, thank you Google.

Onano

Onano Coffee Stop

Too good to just ride through, hard decision but we decide to stop for a coffee break. Dave William, Steve, Jim and Cathy all take a break.

Better keep moving as we have only been on the road less than an hour. We already have a reputation for multiple stops for ice-cream, coffee and coke, with endless sight seeing

Castell'Azzara

Pass through multiple villages, San Valentino, Montorio, then Castell'Azzara, 47 klm mark, must be time for a Gelato hmmm. What flavour this time boys?

I have heard many opinions why Gelati is so good, ingredients, flavours, pastes, process, etc. for me I don't care it tastes fantastic. My shout!

Let's get moving onto Bagnolo, Bagnore and beyond

The countryside in the Tuscany region is wonderful, rolling hills, beautiful green valleys and the early summer farming is well underway, with hay being baled, corn and wheat etc ripening nicely. 

Riding into Sta Fiora hot and sunny and another stunning little town. We have to stop for a coke...make it a gelato as well, says Garry

Sta Fiora

Great day on the road and we finally make it into town, a lovely camp site nestled under shady trees.

I am on kitchen duties tonight. Each person is rostered on at least twice over the La Bella trip. Pasta tonight with the usual red wine.

As I was the holder of the Marmot I had to nominate the next recipient. I chose the Crew for appreciation of their tireless work and enthusiasm

The Giro is still in progress, riders all keen to see if there is a TV, we found a tube TV (24" in old scale)

The site is owned and run by a lovely mature aged couple who cannot do enough for us. We quenched our thirst from Giovanni's own stock. He orders more from the local to meet our needs. Grazie Giovanni

Castel del Piano

The end of another day, so the crew asked if we wanted to go into Castel del Piano for a Gelati or a drink, I'm in (of course). The piazza was a lovely surprise and particularly as dusk was approaching.