hungover tour guides...
One last van to unload...
a group ride with all levels of cyclists...
Some climbing in sticky slippery mud...
and descending HUGE ridge lines...this goes all the way into town below...and that was only the first climb of the day!
I had a few tricks and treats packed away in the folds of my fully loaded panniers as well as a wicked awesome costume to keep the atmosphere light...this bike probably weighed 40 pounds. Chi Chi always gains a few in the winter months...for the snuggling...
circa 1980's dangerously UNpadded helmet radness...
cut off jumpsuit...
the signature arrows the company uses on the guided tours. Several wrong turns off of cliffs and u-turns at the bottom of steep descents were had...
a couple adult beverages supplied by Jameson and Wifey (of course I carried them...as well as extra jackets, a bag o nuts, 2 apples and an orange, tools and spares...)
the group dynamic was RAD! A very uniquely Italian etiquette out there...
across rivers...
through jungles...
through farmland obviously getting ready for colder months ahead...
and down some crazy steep trails covered in slippery fall foliage...
this section was so steep everyone behind me could smell my brakes burning and I had to reposition the valve stem before continuing...
Our fearless and fit leader and host was Stefano who not only knows the trails, he knows the farmers along the way by name. He is also the brains behind an epic week-long mountain bike event that will make you cry...
(we came down the trial behind him BTW)
The climbs were tough but I was continually amazed at the fitness level of the folks I work with. Aside from Claudio, who as a hill climb FREAK was not only the first up despite challenges from us all for a prize beer but would go back down and pass you again! Everyone was able to run a modest pace and actually joke and talk most of the way...even the smokers were up in the top five!
Johnny Montana and I agreed that this is not a "fire road" its His and Hers Single Track...
And what would a day in Italy be with out a castle or two...
We rode into Brisighella...
Regrouped and had a little snack, and talked some shit while we waited for the vans to come back and scoop us up.
All in all it was 13 people and due to a little mishap with the second van key 13 hours. I would say that's a lucky day. Wouldn't you?
Sunday was met with a little road ride for me and Chichi while the final dinner prep went down. A host of folks came out and it was great to see so many faces I will remember from this experience all in one place. Faces being stuffed with grilled sausages, and veggies, roasted pheasants, salads, lasagna, olives from Yorgos the Greek tour leader, and vino galore.
We ate and ate and ate, had a few laughs, played some frisbee and bocci. It was suggested that we go for a walk and a small cell of us stayed back to don masks and try to scare the shit out of the others cutting through the orchards, a plan that was soiled by our uncoordinated attack cry, and the fact that we only had a wine opener as a threatening weapon...
Then we ate some more,
We talked, had great wine and the rest of the beer Jame-O has been cranking out this summer. It was fantastic. Like a pre-thanksgiving thanksgiving. And I had a lot to be thankful for. With another year almost behind me, a full belly, and a full heart I slept like a baby...
that reminds me, don't forget to clean the baby...might I suggest "baby cleaner"
S.
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