Last night we all had supper together, a buffet. Superb, excellent, delicious 😋. Meats, cheeses (Mozzarella, hard cheeses, goats cheese), warm bread, asparagus, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, a selection of pasta, hot chicken..... a veritable feast to both the eyes & the taste buds. I will have to cycle like a demon tomorrow to use up a few calories 😁🤦♀️. The photo is of the Po Valley at sunrise this morning (not taken by me, my photo skills are not great)
One thing that I have noticed this week (amongst many) is the temperature difference when you are cycling next to a river or a body of water. The temperature goes down quite noticeably, I've never ever noticed that in the UK!
The rock formation in this part of the world is amazing 🤩
Including today, give or take a mile, we have now covered 464 miles (747 km) with 21,688 ft (6.610 m) of ascent.
Getting to Pistoia we covered 67 miles (108 km), 5587 (1700 m) of ascent and only 16 climbs 🚴👍. The longest one being approx 9 km at an average of 4.3%. For the non cyclists out there reading this, that may sound relatively easy, however, as most people know an average is exactly that 🚴. You have to take the rough with the smooth (so to speak), and IMO, it is best to think what goes up, has to come down eventually. In my case probs at the same speed🤭.
My descents, especially on hairpin bends are not fast or pretty and the brake pads take a bit of a hammering 🫢😲. A lot of the Italian roads today were not in the best condition, probs not dissimilar to the UK 😳.
A lot of Europe have these bike repair stations, really helpful, strategically placed & really very useful 😊
We did a lot of climbing today on "undulating" 😱 Tuscan Hills, it's very pretty, although a tad exhausting. I heard a cuckoo and saw a couple of birds of prey. Passed a small farm making & selling Pecorino Cheese, I would loved to have bought some, but putting it in a smelly back pocket & suitcase probs. not the best.
Pistoia is in the Italian region of Tuscany, my knowledge of Italy is quite limited, however I do understand that Tuscany is famous for wine & food, so in my estimation it has a lot going for it! 😋😋 so supper should be good this evening.
I do like to uncover odd facts about some of the places I visit, and Pistoia is no exception. Pity I'm not here on 25th July....... this sounds about as random as the chestnut festival in Portugal😁😵💫
"Joust of the Bear", a ceremony that is mentioned even in a chronicle dating back to 1300, when a dozen riders (I presume on horses 🤷♀️) organised a ritual combat against a bear. Despite many changes, this traditional ceremony was staged every year until 1666, when the abandonment was recorded by the ritual celebration of the people. It was revived in 1947, and takes place on July 25 Piazza del Duomo, where the best horsemen of the city's traditional quarters tilt with lances at a target held up by a dummy shaped like a bear, well why wouldn't you? 🤦♀️🥴
The last picture, is the lovely view I have from my hotel room 🥰. So I'm off to shower, grab some delicious Tuscan food & collapse in a heap before day 8, 68 miles & 6000 feet of climbing 😳😱. Thank you for reading, have a lovely evening.
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Just reading the buffet made my mouth water.
I an amazed that that you have reached Tuscany already the scenery is wonderful. I am intrigued by the bike repair statiob never seen one before
Have to say it was delicious 😋
They have those creations in Spain & France, really helpful & can be used for both regular & e-bikes.
Reading about the food made me feel hungry sounded very nice and the weather looks good
The food was excellent & the weather has been superb today 😊x
Well done Wendy - don't like the sound of those hills !!!!
If you go near Cannara try and get some pics as we have never been but our house was named after the town by a previous owner. Wonder if we should add it to our bucket list !
Keep safe
Liz x
I’ll google cannara & let you know if we go anywhere near it. The hills are just hills and you grit your teeth & just have to get on with it! Nothing wrong with having a long bucket list xx
Sounds a fun packed day - enjoy your rest x
A hot day, but a good one xx