Day 9 - Saturday 2018-10-13 Castellina to Madona di Pietracupa return.

Charlie and I started with a reconnaissance ride north towards Greve to see the elevation change. The drop was 340m to our turnaround at 10.5km. It was a fantastic descent (some 15%), and very cold at the river just past Grignano. The climb back was exhausting in places and we soon warmed up. Being the weekend there some other cyclist out and a lot of red Ducati’s.

After another big breakfast, the plan was for the four of us to cycle to Madona di Pietracupa. It was another scenic hamlet village.

We had a walk around the interesting Saturday markets in Castellina.

The descent to our destination was a great twisty, scenic route. We settled on a restaurant with a great view and pastor. The waiter even talked cycling.

The 11km  return ride was up hill (240m) and took 50mins. Karen changed to the second battery on the ebike

We then relaxed around the pool, soaking our legs in the cold water to relax the muscles

Dinner was last night leftovers as we watched the moon in the clear night. The days have been 22°c and the evenings down to 8 °c.

Early morning ride north on ST222

Early morning ride north on ST222

A fine selection of market cheese

A fine selection of market cheese

Castellina Saturday Markets

Castellina Saturday Markets

A wine tasting of local produce

A wine tasting of local produce

 Balsimic Vinegar  

 Balsimic Vinegar  

Ducati’s out for a Saturday ride

Ducati’s out for a Saturday ride

Madona di Pietracupa

Madona di Pietracupa

Soothing the muscles after a day of cycling

Soothing the muscles after a day of cycling