the next phase to begin on my mark....

So after almost a week of RAD getting on roads and muddy trails,





El Ocho! 8 nasty switchbacks just outside of KastarowKarlow







top of Cougar Hill







...I spent almost another week getting my read on as temperatures soared, nasal cavities drained and sinuses ballooned up. That's the most eloquent way I could figure to write that I felt like absolute shit. But with all the riding I had been able to do in the last few weeks I was happy to get some much needed rest, and some time with my squinty eyes between the pages of some excellent poached reads.

And now for something completely different...

Off I go on the next little phase. I said goodbye to the good folks of Faenza with a secret pizza rendezvous at Villa Franchi with the fantastic 4: Ale, DJ Livia, La Una and J.Pizzle.





I really could not stay here, or entertain the thought of coming back year after year if I did not have the balance of my friends in town! And although LaUna technically works at the Farm, it was she who introduced me earlier this year to no less than 4 women I was pretty sure for a week at a time I might marry. Seriously. Since when is watermelon on the grass NOT a date!? And Ladies, when a fella suggests he can take a look at your new bicycle cause its making funny sounds, and suggests you bring it way out to the farm (where no one can hear your cries for help) and to come alone but don't tell anyone where you are going...well gosh its because he kinda thinks he might be able one day later to like you a little...DUH! For those introductions LaUna will forever be a friend, cause if I disown her she will spread all kinds of nasty rumors that while we are friends merely remain jokes to jostle my pride and cultural ignorance.

Friday night will be my last big night in Faenza, and if you are around you should come check out the first big show of local heavy hitters Herba Mate - they are gonna rock your dark socks off! Alessandro plays bass in the band and we will be encouraging him by throwing the absolute LARGEST womens and mens undergarments I can find at him throughout the evening's performance. Then the travel begins again...someplace south of this friggen COLD! Seriously! On todays first ride back since sinus infection I wore no less than the following; wool arm warmers, wool leg warmers, stretchypants and jersey, ANOTHER jersey, wool socks, fleece lined windstopper gloves, another pair of full length stretchypants, a vest, a cycling cap, and one of those buff thinggys they give Survivor contestants around my lower face just to warm the air I was breathing. It was COLD! and the SUN was out all day! But thats not enough for this Cali Native...Im getting as far south as I can, in the sun, on my bike, and with friends...maybe even some vino and olives...Ill keep you posted with pictures on that one. Internet might be spotty but I will be taking a ton of photos to share with you sooner than you think.



ciao ciao
S.