Scusi! Day 3

Scusi, the internet was out yesterday making posting impossible.

On my last trip to Italy I was usually the last person to roll out of bed and make it to breakfast so I decided this trip would be a new leaf for me. It was indeed. I ate breakfast solo but still greatly enjoyed a second morning of prosciutto, café Americano and the rest of it. We rolled out for a day of unending hills. We cycled to Greve in Chianti and stopped for some coffee- I opted for a strong espresso which was perfect. While there I walked into the Salami store which was packed with prosciutto, salami and sausages. It all looked so delicious, but I resisted the urge to avoid an upset tummy on the bike. The town square was a flurry of activity as they were getting ready for the Chianti Classico festival that will take place at the end of the week. We headed out of town with a brutal climb to Sugame pass and Lucolena. The climbs and descents a few harrowing switch back turns. The Giro d’Italia traversed these roads recently and the markings on the road cheering on the likes of Vincento Nibali are still on the road and definitely provided additional cycling motivation. After more climbing my legs felt lucky to break in Badiaccia a Montemuro for lunch. We had pasta with tomatoes, pasta with wild boar sauce, frizzante water, and (of course) chianti. It was a welcomed break.

I felt better after lunch and, despite the advice from Steven to hold off on doing extra loops early, I couldn’t help myself. The extra miles included a long, steady climb to Badia a Coltibuuono and a winding descent into Gaiole. In Giaola we stopped at the L’Eroica store. A famous race takes place from near this area which takes place mostly on gravel roads and all bikes have to be at least 30 years old. The store was filled with retro wool jerseys, leather old fashioned cycling shoes and cycling memorabilia- it made the extra miles worth the effort. After leaving we headed back with a final climb back to Radda in Chianti.  Nina and I stopped for a gelato before rinsing off. I had a nocciola gelato, which means hazelnut. Oh. My. Goodness. It was heaven in a cone. Not too sweet, a little creamy, and a perfect nutty flavor.

Nocciola gelato, perfecto!

After a quick shower we convened for an Italian lesson and headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner. The first dish was homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach paired with a local white wine. The second dish was a filet with a fruit compote paired with (surprise) chianti. We had our choice for dessert and I chose the crème brulee. It was served on fire, but there was still a strong alcohol taste after the flames extinguished. My legs could definitely feel the miles on the brief walk back to the hotel.

Ciao, time to rest up for another day on the bike!