Bob on BAC Umbria - Rome to Assisi 2009

Semproniano

Because this was the second night in Sorano, we had the choice of several rides or no ride at all. There were a few dark clouds building up, so I was reluctant to get on my bicycle. I rationalized that I was here to see as much of the countryside as possible, so at 9:00 I packed my rain pants, wore my rain jacket and took off on the long route. I am glad I did. Again, the scenery was spectacular, the weather warmed up and there was no threat of rain.

Tom changed the original route to go on less-trafficked roads. It went north skirting the west edge of Riserva Naturale Monte Penna. Before I got there, I stopped at a mini market and bought some bananas. It’s a good thing I did because all of the climbing burned a lot of fuel. I stopped near the end of one climb to eat one. It helped me get to the top.

The route turned south. Coming into Semproniano, I saw Ted. We rode together for a few kilometers until Catabbio where we had to decide on a turn. I stopped and ate my last Snicker’s Bar while he went ahead. I saw him once more taking photos at the side of the road as I sped past on the downhill.

Pitigliano

It was past noon as I descended a hill and saw Pitigliano. According to Wikipedia, Pitigliano and its area were inhabited in Etruscan times, but the first written mention of Pitigliano dates only to 1061. I slugged up the hill into town to take some photos and to find some food. On the way, I saw Kathy who rode the route backwards and was waiting for Ted. I had passed him a few kilometers back so I assured her that he would be there soon.

Pitigliano

I looked at several trattorias along the narrow streets, but I settled on a sandwich and chips at a bar. After I ate, I walked through some streets and found several photo ops.

Then it was off again to Sorano. Tom was nice by routing us above Sorano so that we would descend to it instead of taking yesterday’s route with its steep climb into the city. I got back to the hotel at 2:00. I would have been there sooner if I could have grabbed onto the wheel of a couple of Italian cyclists who passed me. This time, they were friendly and hollered “allez, allez” thinking that I was French.

Happy hour was again at 6:00. We had some delicious sliced pears and pecorino cheese along with strawberries and crustinni.

Dinner was at a pizzeria a short distance from the hotel. Unlike home, pizzerias in Italy serve other food besides pizza. I had insalada di mera (a seafood salad with octopus, squid, etc. in olive oil) and risotto with red wine and sausage. Both were very good.