12 Sept

As I scribble my thoughts of the day, I am chillaxing in an easy chair peering out over a stunning sunset. The low clouds are picking up the fiery sunset colours and are casting a warm glow over the glass of sangiovese sitting next to me in the gazebo.

A perfectly zen way to end a busy day of touring. This a.m., I bid adieu to my cypress tree lined country pad and headed for the bike trail with no firm agenda in mind. Once I saw the map, I thought why not cycle back to Montepulciano and try a few more vineyards?

The trail was lovely and flat though I knew it was only lulling me into a false sense of security. I remembered all too well that murderous climb into Montepulciano perched high on a hilltop. There's a reason for the "Mont" in the name...it sits at 2000 feet!

Once I reached the historic centre, I still had legs so figured I'd get to regal Pienza for another look at its sensational vistas. En route, I even thought of Montalcino to check out nearby Sant'Antimo? Alas, it all caught up with me in Pienza, particularly knowing I had another 50 km of hill cycling to get me back home. Tried a tasting menu of the local pecorino specialty...mmmm.

Oya and I had pretty well taken in all there was to see in Pienza but I didn't mind. Those kinds of spectacular panoramas, you don't come across every day.

Back in Montepulciano, I paused for a good stroll around as we'd rushed through a few days before when touring by car. I discovered there was way more to the town than we'd thought on first pass. I was sorry Oya didnt get the full picture but the essence had been there. What she missed were some of the intricate Renaissance palaces that date back to the 13th and 14th Centuries.

Rewarded my day's toils with a sumptuous pistachio gelato. My second experience mirrored the first and was no less riveting. Life around me came to a grinding halt, there was nothing but the gelato, the gelato, the GELATO!! Ohhhhh, Ohhhhhhh my Lord thank you for my taste buds!!

When biking in a hilly area, it's good to keep in mind that what goes up must come down. And come down, I most certainly did...over 2, maybe 3 km. Wooohooooooo, look ma - no brakes!! Whoaaa, that felt awesome!

Made a terrific rice dish for dinner with local tomatoes, zucchini and some kick-ass Italian sausage. You just cant go wrong with fresh local produce, even if you try. Tasted pretty damn good after my 1st "century" in a good long while. Nicely done, H!