We're going on a holiday now, gonna take a villa a small chalet...(how about a campsite), Dance to the Eurobeat, Yeah we're going be so cool, Twisting by the Pool.
Time to leave the campsite at Strada di Scacciapensieri. A beautiful campsite, good shade great facilities, but steep descent from the road. before we caught the bus yesterday into Siena we had a swim in the pool, very relaxing. It's not always about the bike!
Yesterday was 91 klm with 1300 mtrs of climbing, pretty easy at this stage of the trip, well today is even easier 70klm and 900mtr of climbing as we head north towards Firenze (Florence)
Deep into Tuscany is the Province of Chianti, we have Castellina in Chianti, Greve in chianti, Strada in Chianti, everything is in Chianti
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| ...and coffee in Chianti |
These boys cannot help themselves, always wanting to stop for coffee or an ice-cream, we could be in the lead group if we didn't stop!! How much fun would that be?
Chianti is a famous red wine district here in Tuscany, some of you may remember the famous squat bottle in a straw basket, that is if you are over 60!
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| Castellina and vines in the foreground |
We stop at a lovely small town called Castellina in Chianti, as we approach, the road climbs and snakes around in front of the Rocca Castle. The tower is 14th century.
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| Castellina |
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| Panzano |
Let's move on towards Greve in Chianti as we pass through Panzano and some more wonderful landscapes and the famous Pencil Pines leading up to an even more impressive Villa.
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| More Pencil Pines |
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| Greve in Chianti |
Greve Is another beautiful town in the region with the fast flowing river that runs through the centre. This is also well known for the monks who established a monastery here (Franciscan) in the 15th century
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| Strada in Chianti |
The ride through the hills which are full of trees with running rivers and streams, is full of climbs and descents. Then there is a break in the trees overlooking the valley and in the distance we can see Firenze. I am looking forward to visit this amazing medieval city.
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| Florence is over there |
When you enter a large city such as Firenze (pop 400k), I am always taken by surprise the intensity of the traffic after riding most days in quiet country back roads. We were in a camp on the outskirts of the town so our route was very interesting on major roads, ancient roads and finally along the River Arno, all very busy, so it was enjoyable to ride beside the river into camp. We arrived in the middle of the afternoon, very hot and dry. The camp was very new so the trees had not fully matured so shade was limited. The early arrivals had the pick of the spots. I told you we should not have had those 15 stops Paul & Garry.
New facilities, such as pool and additional games areas etc. were under construction. for future campers. We decided on the fence side where bushes provided some cover.
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| Karen & Steve from Alaska |
Tomorrow was a rest day and everyone was looking forward to going into town to visit the sites.
It was hot and people were thirsty. Tom from Florida USA bought a crate of ale and provided the thirsty riders a drink for 2 euro. Great idea Tom. Honour the Fallen, we sure do Tom. A welcome relief.
Welcome relief when the sun was low in the sky. Good food and rest. Bikes to be serviced as always Ype managed the impossible.
Ross not feeling 100%, Bill suggests he should have his follow up X-Ray to ensure the pneumonia has not flared up again.
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