BAC Le Marche - The Adriatic Coast to the Sibylline Mountains 2010

Please visit today's slide show

Ascoli Piceno to Montegiorgio

By the time Ann and I got our act together this morning, everyone had left and it was only 8:40. Because I was the last rider, I had to pay very close attention to the route sheet and my GPS so I wouldn’t get lost. The ride out of town was very tame – little traffic and no confusing turns. The sun was out, the skies were clear and blue, and it was warm.

We had several short climbs and none of them were steep or difficult. We had lots of ridge top riding where the views were spectacular on each side. We could see old towns with their fortressed walls. We passed several vineyards. Off in the distance were the Sibylline Mountains with snow-capped peaks.

I was poking along at a moderate pace all morning. Still, I caught and passed most of the group. My ride was mostly solo, although I did slow down and talk to everyone that I met.

Here is today's route.

I arrived at Hotel Oscar & Amorina in Montegiorgio around noon. I stowed my bicycle across the highway in a shed filled with old furniture and appliances. I had to help Oscar lift the door to the shed because it was very heavy and Oscar is much older than I. Ann was in the dining area ordering lunch with two of her new friends – Carol Patnoe and Judy Ashby. After I showered, I joined them. We had a Mediterranean salad and a cheese/meat platter. Soon others from our group arrived. There was a wedding reception beginning so service was sparse. The staff was very accommodating, though. They should have been since they charged us way too much for the meal. We were a captive audience.

Because of the outdoors reception near the pool, swimming was very limited. At 3:15 the reception was over and Ann and several other were allowed to enjoy the pool.

Dinner was at the hotel. We went as a group and pre-ordered. I had risotto with asparagus and mushrooms followed by thinly sliced veal in gravy. Ann had tri-corner ravioli followed by grilled vegetables. We all had cake for dessert.

At 9:30 and we are ready for bed.