Granny Gears and Egos

Everyone who rides, especially in Indiana, is familiar with the granny gear- that infamous third front chain ring which indicates you are too much of a weenie to conquer climbs with the gears of a true roadie. In today’s ride from Gavi to Acqui Terme, there was no shame on my part in utilizing the extra spinning this gear allowed. The ride went from one small town to the next, each having a castle at the top of its hill to guard people of ancient times. In between towns were vineyards and countryside, and hills. Lots of hills. One member of our group called the towns we rode through “casting calls” because they fit every Italian stereotype: little old women talking to each other through windows, men with 70’s-ish track suits sipping on cappuccinos, and kids playing soccer in the streets (their summer vacation began today).

The small villages we passed through had cobble-lined streets that were so narrow only the tiniest cars could traverse them.

Anyone who knows me from my racing days knows that on the bike I fiercely competitive, aggressive, and loud – the opposite of myself in normal life (Clearly she’s never met herself in normal life -Editor). So, of course, when the option became available to do an extra loop, with a 10 km climb at a 10% grade, it didn’t take much convincing to make me game (Apparently she was delirious from the previous riding -Editor). Unfortunately, soon after turning off for the extra mileage it became apparent that my engine wasn’t in tune for that kind of riding. At Mortobello, I swung off and rode into to Acqui Terme. The ride into town had several switchback descents that reminded me of the Giro. Here is where my navigational issues became problematic. Making it into town was a non-issue. I found the hotel and received instructions in broken English regarding where to find my tour group at the local pizzeria. Barefoot (I had forgotten my shoes in the SAG van), I headed off into town while several Italian men whistled and tried to get my attention. I aimlessly wandered in the wrong direction before walking back to the hotel again to receive further instruction. This time I was given a map with directions drawn in the final destination circled. (Note: at this point my cognition was less than clear after riding nearly 70 km with plenty of climbing). Again, I made my barefoot way through the town of Acqui Terme, again with the background of whistling from Italian men. Shortly thereafter I found myself entirely lost. Thankfully I ran into a small group of British tourists whom I quickly learned were as bad at reading a map as I. After asking a few locals, I finally made it to the pizzeria. Everyone had finished their meals and passed all of their extra pizza down to me at the end of the table. It was the most delicious pizza I have ever had.

Back at the hotel it was time for a shower and…. an Italian bath. After a quick shower I joined the rest of the group for a bath in Italian spring water. Fantastico! We had to wear pretty silly shower caps, and it was here that I discovered Italian men prefer to sport Speedos- aye-yi-yi!

My tour group is fantastic- we all get along so well and have such a blast. We spend most of our time together drinking wine, telling stories and laughing. I can’t believe what wonderful people I have met on the trip.

This is some gellato we had after lunch. I had a combination of nutella and lemone.

The city of Aqui Terme is amazing as it has buildings dating back over one thousand years. It is a small, but lively city. People walk and bike everywhere through town and everyone seems to know one another.

Acqui Terme is the hometown of Enrico, one of our tour guides. Before dinner he gave us a walking tour of the city. The Romans conquered and developed the area. Some original ruins still remain.