Day 08 - Gubbio, Italy to Torricella di Magione, Italy

We left Gubbio at 9AM without breakfast (we couldn't wait for the hotel to serve), so had to forage in the morning for snacks. Many found delicious croissants early on and headed out of glorious Gubbio (a place definitely worth revisiting for a longer sojourn). At about the halfway point, we avoided a hilly route and entered the town of Umbertide for gelato and a light lunch. Shortly thereafter, it was uphill for a long slog (some of our riders called it exceptionally nice, especially those named Roger). 400 meters up in the heavy heat is at any rate a good work out. From the peak of Castel Rigone, it was a giant plunge down toward our destination, the small town of Toricella. With 60km behind us, it was very nice to relax in our laid back hostel. There, we were met by Leif, a long time friend of uni touring (and an excellent travel writer) and his girlfriend, Catalina. Leif actually lives across the street from our hostel (when he's not traveling the world) and so knows the area very well. We all enjoyed a splendid dinner near by, accompanied at first by a rather comical pool aerobics class, and then a gorgeous sunset.

Quotes of the Day
"Me and the sun, we're no longer friends."
-John, after recovering from nasty heat rash on the arms.

"Joe, I have good news and bad news. Well, actually, only bad news: this town has no gelato."
-Rob

Rider of the Day: Rob
1. What was your best day so far?
I did well today and yesterday, and riding with Joe on Day 3.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
When I realized there were more hills than expected on Day 4. And when I realized this town has no gelato.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
Last summer I did a lot of riding (20 miles every day) and Andy said it would be good for me to come on the tour. When I discovered all my buddies would be on the tour, I went for it.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Lemon, strawberry, and melon. But lemon is my favorite.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
Up until this tour, I had a GU in my bag for 2 years, but I gave it to An'So.

6. Are you collecting anything?
I'm collecting a spoon from every gelato I eat. I already have 13 or 14.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
My favorite bathroom was the one last night with a Jacuzzi tub and gold metal faucets. We had a lounge in our bathroom.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
First, make the whole thing out of carbon fiber, because carbon fiber is sweet. Then, use Kevlar honeycomb for the core.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
Purple Rain. Actually, the whole Prince Trilogy. I love Prince: he got me up the hill today.

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Created: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 16:08