Emily picked up some slack for me today, allowing me a more extended ride. Soon, I hope to be back to 4 to 6 hour rides, but we shall see. It was one of the first really warm days since early December, which was a total treat. Checking the average temperatures here, it was only average, so hopefully it will stay this way and get warmer. At a couple of points on the ride, I noticed a few trees with some new green growth, then a few hearty flowers poking up. This totally made me smile. I grew up in Colorado, the Denver area, and have lived most of my life there. Emily and I have spent around 23 of our 35 years together in the mountains, and we certainly have a different definition of and timing for spring. I am really looking forward to spring here, as it may be my first "normal" spring to live through.
Well, now for the ride. I left on Via Faentina, then through Piazza della Cure, and took a different road up to San Domenico. I forgot the name, but I have descended it a couple of times and walked it as well. A nice alternate route. I rode up through Fiesole then continued on the road toward Croce de Vetta, but turned off just before the pass to descend through Monteloro. What fun. I have been mostly climbing this road lately, and the descent is a blast. The road above Fiesole is also one of the most user friendly roads around here, and it was fun as well. After the descent, I caught the road to Molin de Piano in Sieci, and rode up through there then climbed the tiny road to Doccia. I had ridden it a couple of times last year when we were living close by, but not since. It is pretty darn steep. I checked on the percent-o-meter, and it said 20% in a couple of spots. Yowser! From Doccia, I continued up then over to the windmill (molino de vento), then descended toward Monte Bonello, and took the "popes road" (Don's name, but I love it) back to Pontesieve. From Pontesieve, I took the main road back home and made pretty darn good time, maxing out around 42 kph on a relatively flat road, which is good for me. Even riding fast, I had one young Italian rider pass me like I was standing still. You go guy!
Fun ride, and I am excited for spring. Summary is: 39.11 miles in 2:58 rolling time, for an average speed of 13.2 mph, with 3240 vertical feet of climbing at a wonderful average temperature around 54. Sweet! Ciao.
The monastery at Madonna del Sasso across the valley before the Monteloro descent.
Here are a couple of shots from the climb to Doccia. Che Bella!
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