Day 11 - Siena, Italy to Volterra, Italy

Leaving Siena was nowhere near as difficult as entering it, but still presented questions. Fortunately, the chalk fairy (aka Connie) had drawn unis with arrows on the street to show us the way when our maps and the world didn't seem to gibe. We only had 60km to Volterra (less than half of our previous ride), but quite a lot of climbing: a total of 1,155 meters. Much of that was on gently rolling hills, though we had several long and fairly steep ascents.

The first 20km brought us through a dense forest; our familiar countryside was all but lost, along with cars which were seldom seen or heard for minutes on end. Instead, it was the sweet sound of birds, and the occasional darting of lizards across the road. Fair temperatures all day also made for idyllic conditions. And naturally, as we rose higher and higher, the views just became more and more awesome and uplifting. The final push to Volterra was 3km up, with truly inspiring vistas of vineyards, wheat fields, and those peculiar, enchanting cedar trees.

With an early arrival, we had time to nap or relax and then explore the Renaissance fortress city of Volterra, still enclosed by its tall stone wall. With its impeccably preserved ancient buildings and streets, Volterra is another feast for the eyes. Quite a surprise has been our lodging, a converted monastery (still maintaining many of the old trappings, so to speak). We've never had so much space in our rooms or halls, with long, arched corridors in marble granting the place a solemn and serene appeal.

We enjoyed our last Italian dinner in a street café with a rambunctious waiter who darted in and out of the scene like a bandit. Unfortunately, the food was not as quick, and arrived in installments, for some an hour later than others. But it was a jovial time, and a lovely way to celebrate Joe's actual birthday. The cook was quite a character, too, and lavished us with limoncello liqueurs on the house, after which he climbed onto the table, and crawled down to Joe, attempting to plant him with a big birthday kiss.

Quotes of the Day
"I suppose it beats living in a cardboard box."
-Tim, sizing up the views with an understatement of the week

Australian tourist, motioning to MUT riders: "Do you require special insurance for such a dangerous sport?"
Connie: "Unicycling is less dangerous than bicycling, and you don't need insurance to ride a bike."
Tourist: "____."

"Beau, there might some Dad tax on that."
-Nathan, looking at Beau's Nutella dessert pizza.

"You can tell I'm not in very good form: two bicyclists just passed me up a hill."
-Roger, after a night of little sleep.

Rider of the Day: Joe
1. What was your best day so far?
Today: I rode the whole thing, made it in good time, and everybody was nice to me because it's my birthday.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
Day 4 when I had to get a ride to catch the second ferry.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
Because I tried to convince Andy to go to Italy last time, so I had to come when we finally did.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Bounty, lemon, and melon (cantaloupe)

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
My titanium spork.

6. Are you collecting anything?
Shoulder bags.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
Gubbio's bathroom and lodging. That was the place with the chandelier over my bed.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
I could go for a nice set of pedals.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
The one with the explosions, car chase, and the guy who goes, "Ahhhhh!"

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Created: Sunday, July 01, 2007 20:07