Day 12 - Volterra, Italy to Bastia, Corsica, France

Our last day in Italy was a bit of a choose your own adventure, with many different paths to the same ultimate destination: Livorno and our evening ferry to the French island of Corsica. We mainly stuck together, after plummeting 200 meters in altitude from the heights of Volterra. Our lunch break in between two small towns at a restaurant overlooking the gorgeous scenery was another gorge-fest, with 21 orders of pasta between 16 people.

Overall, we had far more in the way of climbing than expected, close to 1,000 meters, and in one case the grade was in the red zone, above 16%. Special mention goes out to Beau who attacked hills like a mad man, zooming up with the speed of a roman candle, and then glided down (to be clear: no feet on the pedals), one footing it, hand wheel walking, and hopping up on narrow ledges and rails. His endless energy is an inspiration.

Heading toward Livorno, we dropped down again from our hefty altitude, snaking around a network of very tight switchbacks that required skill to navigate, especially given the cars joining us. But man, was it fun!

We didn't see much of Livorno save for the ferry terminal. Waiting for our giant, square shaped boat to first unload its passengers and autos was quite amusing, as the people in charge of the often helter skelter operation were nervous, chain smoking men in general's uniforms, and their underlings seemed not to know what they were doing. RVs and camper vans tested everyone's engineering limits, but somehow it all went smoothly, and no one got run over. Dinner on the same ferry was delicious, and we arrived with only 1km to ride to our lodging in Bastia, Corsica. The only bummer was not getting our passports stamped, since we were traveling within the EU. Time now to practice our French.

Quotes of the Day
"Uchh, that was horrid!"
-AJ, after sampling the toothpaste and mouthwash flavored Campari soda at lunch.

"Some kids like candy. Beau just likes hills."
-Dave

Rider of the Day: An'So
1. What was your best day so far?
Today: my legs felt great and I did all the climbing without dismounting, and my knees didn't hurt on all the down hills. I was going fast!

2. What was your worst day/moment?
I had several. Day 4 because I had to go in the car. I was exhausted and it was really hot. Also, I probably didn't have enough food with me.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
Just because I thought it would be a great experience to be with other people, and to do such an accomplishment with others.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Strawberry, strawberry and strawberry. My Mom makes the best, and I try to recall the memory.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
All of them, because I never received my bag from the airport!

6. Are you collecting anything?
Maps and brochures.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
Lodging would be Ljubljana, and bathroom, Zadar.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
The location! (I would have mine.)

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
Howl's Moving Castle, The City of God.

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Created: Sunday, July 01, 2007 20:10