Heroes

 Today we became “the heroic” or L’Eroica. 

There is another famous bike event in Tuscany other than the Strade Bianche.  Since 1997 nearly 8000 cyclists gather in Gaile in Chianti on the first weekend of October to recreate cycling as it was; steel frames, leather chamois, wool jersey, leather flat shoes in toe clips. The only modern equipment allowed is a new helmet. L’Eroica is not a competitive race and riders can choose various route lengths, up to the authentic 209 km traditional race of old. The ride is mostly on the local white gravel roads or “white roads”. 

Today we got to experience some of those roads, especially the climb out of Gaiole in Chianti. The long course starts before daylight and the road is lit by candles. When the riders reach the top of that first climb they are greeted by the rising sun. We arrived in Gaiole in Chianti in time for lunch. No candles required. I like this village. Authentic, not crowded and it has a vintage bike shop, the “White Roads” where you can purchase an authentic retro wool jersey, coming to a bike ride in Boise soon.

After our heroic ride back to our villa, we enjoyed a quiet afternoon and look forward to supper at 7:30. Tonight is pizza night, so hopefully we will not have to digest a 5 course meal all night long. 

Zatím sbohem Danća

It was bittersweet this morning when we had to say goodbye to Daniela. We boarded a bus for Italy and she a train for home. It was hard to remain stoic. Daniela’s nick name is Danća( like don’t cha’). All her friends call her Danća Worry for her innate abilities to plan the smallest of details. Her father even relies on her for travel plans. We were blessed with her skill to change plans on a moments notice due to, say 8” of unplanned snow. 

She is already planning her next visit to the US for next year.  

CZ is experiencing 100 year flooding with devastating effect. I believe Daniela’s family is safe, but the flooding did delay her trip home. Many trains were cancelled. I just read that a pastor friend and his family escaped the mud by moving up to the second floor with no power or drinkable water. Pray for relief. 

Buon giorno Italia

Our travels From Ljubljana to Florence were uneventful. We made all our connections and found our hotel without issue. Florence is a busy place. We found a nice pizzeria for our first meal then went on a quick stroll to see things before it got too dark. After a good night’s sleep we ate a typical European breakfast and had time for a quick walk to a piazza before our Trek Travel met. 

By 10:30 our two guides and 12 cyclists had gathered and we boarded a bus for a 90 minute ride to the Tuscan countryside where we enjoyed a light lunch and an introduction to our week. Julie and Max are already setting themselves up as great guides and hosts. After lunch we did a quick bike adjustments. I sent in our bike measurements earlier and the had them dialed in our our Trek Checkpoint SL7. Maybe later I’ll nerd out on the bike specs. But for now let’s say they road and felt great. I see another bike in my future. 

Then we took off on a 16 mile shakedown ride through Cyprus tree lined strade bianca, weaving through vineyards and olive plantations, rolling up and down until we arrived at our Villa Curina where we will stay the next two nights. The ride was so fun and enjoyable. We are sharing it with 10 other cyclists and you’ll get to know them soon. Most are from the US and one couple from Queensland, Australia.  All are fun to ride with. Oh, Max is from the UK, Bristol and Julien is from France. 

We are awaiting a social hour at 6:30 with dinner at 7:30. I will need to adjust! The country side is all that I had thought it would be. Enjoy the scenery. 

Hvala Slovenia

And just like that, our time in Slovenia is coming to a close. I feel like I just scratched the surface of what the Slovenes have to offer. I especially enjoyed the stays in the mountain hut high in the snow, the Alpine Homestead and last nights penzion in the farm village of Grobišće each with their unique local style of Slovenian epicurean delights. They have managed  their family’s historic use of living off the land to recreate that experience for their guests. 

Our last full day in Slovenia was spent walking through the center of Ljubljana, the capital city. Ljubljana is quite the international attraction. Walking about the Saturday market I could recognize many languages, German, Dutch, Slovene of course, Czech, and various forms of English, Scandinavian and many languages I didn’t recognize.  We even strolled away from the tourist area of city center and found a cafe where locals found solace from the crowds. 

Tomorrow Rhonda and I board a bus the a train for Florence as we say goodbye to Daniela as she takes the train back home to LA. I do not  think I can write about her just yet. I already miss her.