Mantova is a lovely little place, with lots of old buildings and a beautiful big square. The local delicacy is pumpkin tortellini, which had to be tried. It was delicious. It tastes almost like marzipan but it isn't as sweet, quite an interesting sensation, especially with fresh Parmesan cheese and a smidge of olive oil. 😘
It has a huge church and interestingly a water fountain of a gargoyle (I think) with water coming out of its nostrils..... no idea who thought of that, but nought so queer as folk (so to speak) .
The Po Plain we cycled across today, is the largest in Southern Europe. The smell of jasmine was in the air. We went through one section of a cycle path catching the lavender with our legs, it was a delight.
We cycled thru Modena the home of balsamic vinegar. One small town we went into had the biggest most beautiful piazza, really unexpected, we turned into a cobbled street & there is was 🥰.
Cycling along very flat ground sounds easy and tbh if you are a sprinter it probs is. However, if you add a headwind it takes on a slightly different perspective 😳. Today I've cycled with Jo, Rob & Paul, Liz & Fi from Dartmoor & Chrissy & Rachel from The USA. It's good to chat & get to know people.
At the end of today's ride, we had a climb (I'd be disappointed if we hadn't 🤦♀️) of some 9 km at an average of 4% (ish). Not difficult in terms of gradient, just tough at the end of a long day, with 75+ miles already in the legs 🥴. I stopped to take a couple of photos (be rude not to really).
About one quarter of the Municipality of Guiglia lies within the Regional Park "I Sassi di Roccamalatina". It is known for a rich environment of flora and fauna. It has some amazing picturesque rock formations and there are spectacular sandstone monoliths that emerge on the surrounding hills. The sheer walls are where birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and the kestrel nest.
The ancient Castle of Guiglia, like any ancient village, was involved in bloody wars between factions, fires, earthquakes and suffered alternating dominations that gradually modified its original plan.
It is the sumptuous residence of the Marquises Montecuccoli, and has been since 1630. Today the castle can be booked for what are described as "Exclusive Sumptuous" events. Weddings, celebrations and conferences etc. "Exclusive Sumptuous" events sound interesting...I wonder if its possible to be invited to be such an event this evening whilst I happen to be in town.................🤷🏻♀️😎🤨
I think all the "easy" days are done & tomorrow we start the climbs thru the mountains ⛰️- wish me luck 😳😱🥴🤞
I'm now off for a shower, 33o heat & a large climb, doesn't leave you in the best condition. Have a lovely evening & thank you for reading.
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Well done Wendy I'm exhausted reading.
Thank you Lou. xx
Looks amazing- hope your legs aren’t too sore . Xx
Italy is beautiful . It’s rarely the legs, usually the bottom 😱
The pumpkin tortellini sounds delicious , not sure about the water fountain though. You really are visiting sone amazing places I am envious
Dx
The pumpkin tortellini was good 😋 The water fountain is a bit odd 🥴. Visiting these places you wouldn’t normally go to is why I love cycling xx
I thought I was doing well with my 3x30 minute cycle sprint sessions this week. TBH I thought of you whilst I was cycling and compared your efforts to mine!! No contest I’m afraid. Well done Wendy keep going, the blog is great x
3 x 30 min spin sessions not easy at all! A lot of mental strength & determination requires to actually get there and do it. It’s just easier outside xx
The easy days are done?!
We head into the mountains tomorrow 😱
Sounds like another great day Wendy, sounds like you are having a great time. Good luck with those hills!!
It’s a great ride. I think someone referred to them as “undulating” an interesting word 😱🤦♀️
Looks and sounds amazing Wendy. Seems that you are over those mechanical problems you had earlier. Can't wait to follow in your footsteps (or tyre tracks) this time next year.
The route is fab, bring plenty of sun cream & a spare inner tube. You will love it 😊
Another enjoyable read hope you are ready for the mountains 🤞