We rode a little over 50 miles along the coastline, moving in and out of sight of the ocean. A predictably flat ride - lots of little towns, but nothing too exciting. Riding "along the coast" sounds exotic and exciting, but basically, it just looks like Myrtle Beach with signs in a different language.
However, after about 50 miles in the baking heat, we turned inland. It was literally 5-6 miles at the most before we started to see this... (not Angelo, of course, but the mountains...)
Incredibly, just a few miles from the coast, we move into true mountains. We rode another 30 miles or so into the town we'll be staying in for the next day and a half - Isola del Gran Sasso. However, before I tell you about that, we passed a sign that I wanted to pass on to Re...
If you have no idea why that picture's in there, don't worry about it! Tonight, we're not in a campground, but rather a local summer camp that Peter spent some time at several years ago. That means... NO TENTS! Yes, we'll actually be in beds tonight and tomorrow, which we're greatly looking forward to! We're in desperate need of the rest day as we gear up for the last stretch of riding....
It's amazing to think that this journey is almost done - we'll rest tomorrow, and then have the biggest climb of the trip on Wednesday. Wednesday afternoon/evening we'll have a long car transfer, followed by a ride to Pompeii on Thursday, through Naples on Friday, and finishing in Rome on Saturday...
Thanks to all of you who have been following along with our journey via this blog. I'm so looking forward to reconnecting with Amanda and the kids, as well as many of you who read this regularly. The time in Italy has been good in so many ways and I've learned a bunch, but it's definitely just about time to go home...
Let me leave you with a view from our window - more pics from Isola Del Gran Sasso will be on Facebook and here in the next day or so.
4 comments:
Sweet mountains. You're making me miss France.
Tell the mexicans that I said "Hola".
GO BRIAN GO!!!
I am glad to see that your spirits are so high after spending so much time in a tent! I am anxious to see how well you do on the mountain stage, now that you are in Lance shape! Still praying for you and looking forward to connecting with you upon your return.
Not quite "Lance shape", but thanks for the thought. Our last mountain stage will be tomorrow, climbing Vesuvius, which is super cool. Looking forward to it - I've been whipping Juan on the mountains so far... :)
Hi there...what an experience this has been for me. I am so glad I was able to enjoy all the scenery and bike with you without all that strenuous exercise. It sounds like you are having a blessed trip in may ways. We all miss you.
By the way, we will be thinking about you this weekend. It's CAMPING WEEKEND AT CODORUS. There are about 12 campsites reserved and since Wendy handled it this time, hopefully it won't rain.
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