75 km

4:35

925 meters

Finally left early- on the road at 8:45. Once again we went the wrong way which meant climbing a hill. Turned back and got back on the right route.

Beautiful first 30 km – perfect temp, sunny and right climbing gradient

Secondary road closed around 30 km at castel something. Probably 3 km in to our 14 km hard climb. Had to stay on the main road until it connected with our route. And my god it was very very hard. Had to dig deep to get up some of the climbs.

Yelled at Peter to keep going where he was waiting I just needed to be on my own.

I did keep going – got off my bike a few times. Swerving back and forth on really steep parts. Rain starting to come. Called Peter to tell him to go to the the bar in the town we were aiming for. He wanted to wait. Told him to go – I didn’t need the guilt of him waiting in the wind and the cold at the top.

I finally got to the top, a little descent and then another climb where the restaurant/bar magically appeared. Peter was waiting and so helpful in helping me get off the bike.

Bread with cheese, French fries hot chocolate, lemon soda and water and we were refueled and ready to go. Added layers and thankfully when we left the rain had stopped. A twisty descent and then a straight line descent going 44 km with stunning views on both sides of the road. Couldn’t stop as it was too cold and was loving the feeling of flying effortlessly. Another climb that was manageable with stunning views and then a 20 km descent. Really nice but then the rain came. Fortunately halfway down. Not too hard but enough to take your time and hard to see out of glasses. We skirted through Norcia and another climb to our agri tourism. Stunning spot. Working farm and winery.

Since we left early enough we arrived by 3. A great room that in floor heating – the best. Helped dry out our clothes. Did I say that we are pretty smelly at the moment. Would love to see a laundry mat. Hope one is in Santa stefano.

We had a nice aperitif on their deck with a stunning view. Gave a toast to my mom! And a fantastic dinner with their own wine and grappa served at the end.