Pinone, Castra, Pisignano - Day 2 with Richard.

Day 2 with Richard, and a very good day.  It appears the weather is turning, and we will have some nice weather in the week ahead.  I had given Richard the option of a long ride today, but he decided on middle length, around 4 hours in the saddle.  I thought Pinone with many options for the return.  We rode out through the Cascine then the back roads to Signa before starting the climb to Pinone.  We enjoyed the climb, and pretty much Richard stayed on my wheel the whole time.  By the top of the climb he was pretty beat though and we stopped for some water.  We descended through Castra, which is becoming one of my favorite descents.  Today, I passed two cars, which is kind of fun and satisfying.

On the flats into Montelupo, with a quick stop for the options.  We continued with no decision, but soon after getting back on the bikes, Richard opted for a middle option, so we rode through Ginestra, then up to Montagnana, then down to Cerbia.  I mentioned the fun (from my warped point of view) climb through Pisignano, which involves 700 meters at around 25% grade, and Richard was in.  We enjoyed the challenge and the climb and continued up on the beautiful little road to San Casciano.  We stopped there for cafe and a pastry / pannini, then continued back town via Scandicci.  Richard is probably the best city rider I have guided, as he rode in New York City for a number of years, so it was great guiding him back through the city at a pretty rapid pace.  Another great day.

Day 2 Richard - Pinone, Castra, Montagnana, Pisignano, Chiesa Nuova, Fi by ridingwithcosimo at Garmin Connect - Details

Here is Richard at the water source at Pinone.

Richard riding toward Montagnana.

The beautiful landscape from the ridge road riding toward Montagnana.