Day 09 - Torricella di Magione, Italy to Siena, Italy

Today we saw something for the first time since arriving in Europe: rain! There wasn't a lot of it, but it made the ride that much cooler in temperature, a good thing since it was the longest of our entire tour.

Knowing we had 115km ahead, we left Torricella very early in the morning, a large group at 6AM and the rest an hour later. The views were surprisingly dull for the first 30km or so, but then we've been spoiled by previous days. But as we started to pick up elevation, from the town of Castiglione del Lago onward, the views we've come to expect returned in full splendor. Rolling lakes of wheat and the humorous, elegant popsicle-shaped cedars reaching for the sky.

We had covered an impressive 83km by the time we sat down for lunch in the quiet town of Asciano. Given that distance in our legs, we were all famished. One table of four riders ordered 12 plates of spaghetti Bolognese between them. The waitress was most confused.

The final 27km to Siena included a lot of dramatic things: much elevation, some scattered showers, phenomenal views of undulating hills, and then a touch of chaos as riders in various groups tried and failed to enter the big city according to our directions. A group with Roger missed an exit and wound up on the highway, as did Nathan's group, which went even further down the wrong path, requiring assistance from Connie and the van to set them back on calmer, legal roads. Gradually, we all trickled in to Siena, descending on our hostel with satisfaction and exhaustion in equal measure. We also said farewell to one guest rider, Hans, and greetings to another, Mikael, who will be joining us until the end of the tour.

The views of this magnificent city heading into our hostel alone were breathtaking. We'll have our day off to explore the wonders of Siena.

Menu items offered in Asciano
* Buffalo mozzarella
* Croutons with spleen sauces
* Big Croutons with garlic and mushroom piggish
* Pappardelle with meat wild pig
* Thread with green pepper

Quotes of the Day
"I'm going to be so sick of pizza by the time I get home."
-AJ

"Hey An'So, I'll go up ahead and make sure there aren't any bears. If there is one, I'll wrestle him and you can claim the glory."
-Andy, doing his support job proud

Guest Rider of the Day: Hans
1. What was your best day so far?
Yesterday, the climbs from Umbertide. I learned a lot about climbing.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
Yesterday: no breakfast! I was totally disappointed.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
Mostly, to meet the people I knew from other tours, and new people. And of course, Italy.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Lemon. They make a new taste in the mouth after dust and sweat on the road.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
I have a bike lock.

6. Are you collecting anything?
No. Well, maybe pimples on the ass from sitting.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
I like the place yesterday, except no breakfast. I liked Gubbio a lot.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
I will get a Freeride seat and shorter cranks. And get rid of the squeak from my brake.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
Casablanca: it's still up to date! Also, Dancer in the Dark.

Rider of the Day: AJ
1. What was your best day so far?
Today. We got wind from all sides, some hills, and some rain. The only thing to make it better would be have it much much hotter.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
Arriving in Ljubljana and realizing my uni was not here.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
To meet all these different riders I've been reading about for years on the forum, and to get away from work.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Creme de caramel.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
No, I've used every one of them.

6. Are you collecting anything?
Shower curtain rings and Do Not Disturb signs.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
Rob and Beau's bathroom two nights ago. That thing was a palace.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
Get a brake and a bigger touring handle, like the one by Gus from Minnesota.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
Clerks 2, Freddy Vs. Jason, and Empire Records

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Created: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 20:55