tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65715228864234207542024-03-13T09:44:12.437-07:00Riding with Cosimo, custom cycling tours in TuscanyMark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.comBlogger793125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-44254846199781630602020-04-12T06:03:00.000-07:002020-04-12T06:03:23.406-07:00Cycling routesIt has been quite a while since I have used this blog. I have become relatively successful as a cycling guide here, and decided it was not worth the effort to continue posting. Now, April, 2020, with the lockdown in place, I decided to do a project to publish a group of cycling routes with descriptions, pictures, and a Strava route to access a map, profile, and a downloadable GPX for the route. I still enjoy guiding, and plan on continuing, but wanted to do this to give back to the cycling community as a whole. I will do a post on Facebook on my personal page and another on my company page, Riding with Cosimo. My plan will be to do around 50 to 100 of these, as there are really so many options from Florence. I would still suggest hiring a guide. We are not very expensive, and it takes all the stress out of the day. I look at these route posts as a gift to the cycling community and am not looking for any money for the effort. I am retired, and between investments and having my Social Security start a number of months ago, money is no longer a concern. I will keep my guiding rates the same as they are now, as I believe they are quite reasonable. If you do not want to use a guide, I hope these are helpful. If you want a guide, you may use these routes as something to whet your appetite. For guiding services, please check my website - www.ridingwithcosimo.com for rates, links to trip advisor reviews and a video a client did for me a number of years ago. <br />
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Since the last post, I have participated in a number of events, races, and still cycle with my team, ASD Veloclub Florence by Bike. During this difficult period of Lockdown, with no cycling permitted, we are doing virtual rides connecting online and spending an hour or so together while we ride a stationary bike of some variety. Not great, but much more fun than solo. I always have a you tube video going of a race from the past. Yesterday, it was the 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia from 2014. Today, I will finish that video and see who won the race. Lots of climbing in this stage which is something I like. If you like the route descriptions, please pass this blog address on to others as my intention is to give these descriptions and routes to the public at large. The cycling here is really quite amazing, and I would like to share it with as many people as possible. So, after publishing this, I will post a couple of routes I have already completed in PDF format. Hope this works and people enjoy the riding and the effort. <br />
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Ciao, ciao,<br />
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Mark<br />
<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-4541194320310224982015-10-18T10:02:00.000-07:002015-10-18T10:02:14.164-07:00A couple of wet weeks cycling mostly in Chianti.It has been a couple of weeks, and mostly the weather has been pretty marginal. Rain on and off, but with my retired schedule, I can get out when the weather allows, and have been riding most days. The Eroica experience is still with me, and for a few days after the event, I was tired from the effort. It was not that long a ride, but with the old bike, the rain and resulting mud on the dirt roads, it was really taxing. Speaking of taxes, we have finally had our returns here finished and I learned to pay installments online. Another step in becoming part of the place where we have chosen to live. I had my birthday last Monday, and took a favorite ride on one of the nicer days we have had. We had a couple of dinner parties in the last two weeks. Kate expanded her business, I think for one occasion only, to plan a dinner party for four people celebrating birthdays together. One was a good friend of hers which is how she became involved. We were invited as we knew the couple who were her good friends, and it was really nice. Of course, babysitting a couple of afternoons a week at the minimum continues to be a big part of our lives here. And with 14 days of cancelled tours in October, I am back to being mostly retired, although some friends have asked me to design and build a treehouse for them and their kids, which I think I will start on soon. It should be an experience.<br />
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Super fun ride today, a raduno sponsored by the San Donnino cycling team, which benefits Meyer, the outstanding children's hospital here. It works different from most of the events, as you simply show up cycling at two check points, then pay your inscription at the end where they tally the different team's points. Nice, basically mellow ride, and we had a great group of 9. We rode basically the opposite direction of most everyone else, which turned out to be nice, as we got to see most of the other riders. Very good turnout, as I would bet I saw 300 riders going the other direction. I will caption the photos below, which are some of the best from the last two weeks for the remainder of today's post. Ciao a tutti!<br />
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On the way home from dropping the kids and spending some time </div>
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with them, I stopped on Ponte alla Carraia with this beautiful scene</div>
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in front of me. I posted this on Facebook and got some of the best</div>
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feedback I have received in a long time.</div>
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The vineyards are starting to show fall colors, and the weather has </div>
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definitely changed. This last week, I have used my lightweight tights</div>
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four days in a row.</div>
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On a beautiful day, I rode up to Monte Morello, after doing a few </div>
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other hills on the way with this wonderful view awaiting me.</div>
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My attempt to show the fall colors coming on the </div>
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On my birthday ride, I stopped at a new place for cafe and pastry.</div>
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My favorite in Regello was closed on Monday, and with a little</div>
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searching, I found this Circolo in Donnini. Great place, with excellent</div>
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pastries, good cafe, and fun to be around all the guys hanging out</div>
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talking and playing cards.</div>
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On a wet and cloudy day, with only a little rain, I rode one of my</div>
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favorite close in rides above the apartment, here on the way </div>
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to Cecina. Che bella!</div>
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Another attempt at showing the blossoming fall colors, but the</div>
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gray day did not help the picture.</div>
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Finally, both sun and good fall colors on the way to Luiano.</div>
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My favorite picture of the last couple of weeks, another shot of the beautiful landscape around</div>
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Luiano with the Chianti countryside looking perfect.</div>
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<br /><br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-58673964319468676792015-10-05T08:26:00.002-07:002015-10-05T08:26:34.740-07:00Eroica!I'm back. Who knows how often, but yesterday, Sunday October 4, I had a truly blog worthy ride. I finally rode the Eroica after getting a bike in early February, having it made functional for a long and difficult event in July and early August, then testing it and riding it a bit in September. My second to last ride in preparation had some strange noises, so I checked the bike and then took it in to my mechanic, Andrea, who checked the rear wheel (I had already identified it as the problem, it sort of wobbled no matter what I did) and he took it apart and the hub was broken internally. It was from 1973, so it was to be expected. So, he replaced the wheel with only a week to spare, and since I was quite busy with 5 days of tours last week, I had only one final tune up ride. It was fine. I now have the rear wheel with a new / old wheel with a regular tire with tube, and the front wheel is one of the originals which uses a tubular. I may switch the front to be a new / old wheel which uses a tube so I do not have to carry two sets of extra everything in case of a flat. <br />
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A friend from the team, Marco, set up with me to drive us both down to close to Gaiole, where we were staying. An hour or so before he was to pick me up, he sent a message to verify I had lights - both front and rear - on the bike, as we would be starting around 5 am. I had thought only the long course started that early, but the medium / long length course also starts then, so I quickly switched my lights from my city bike, and they worked fine. We arrived barely in time to pick up everything needed for the race / event, the official envelope with jersey number, controllo booklet, bike number, and pocket map. We also received a "paco de gara" which is a nice metal box with a special bottle of wine from one of the locations we rode through, a cool hat, and some other things. The small town of Gaiole was full, really full of people, as this is a major international event. 76 different countries represented in the 6000 people who made the registry either with a package, a donation, or as I did, by "winning" a lottery of people who tried to be in the event. There were people dressed in old cycling costume, and many, many places with old bike parts, and even some museum quality old bikes. This event is all about older bikes and costume and the bike one uses has to be pre-1987. Mine is a 1973 Bianchi with mostly original equipment. <br />
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It is not required, but almost everyone dresses in old jerseys and some even have the old leather helmets. It is also about road conditions in the past and the course is around 50% strada bianca, which are literally white roads, but it simply means dirt roads. Most were in pretty good shape, but some, due to the amount of rain during the ride were quite difficult. The event was super well run, with excellent ristoros, full of food, and a wonderful pasta party at the end with pretty much no waiting. Normally at an event like this, there is a line for the pasta party that makes one give up on it. This is different in that there are 4 distances with 2 start windows, so people finish throughout the day starting around 12:00.<br />
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The highlights of the day were getting up at 3:30 to be at the start close to 5, only to end up spending around 20 minutes trying to help one of the guys get his car out of a ditch he mistakenly ended up rtrying to park in. He finally told Marco and I to go ahead and he needed a tow truck to get him out. The others we were planning on riding with had found us as we tried to get the car out and Lorenzo and Flavio waited for Marco and I there. So we were down to 4 from 5 at that point.<br />
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It is pretty cool to start a ride with lots of people in the pitch dark with only lights on bikes. We descended, then climbed to Castello di Brolio, where another highlight was. It is an old castle and very beautiful. I had taken clients there before and toured the castle. For the Eroica, they line around 1-1/2 kilometers on the approach to and a small amount of the descent from the castle with large candle type things that show the way. Truly spectacular at around 5:45 am. After this we had our first strada bianca which starts with a descent aroung 10%, kind of steep, particularly in the dark. Hang on to those brakes!<br />
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On the second strada bianca, Lorenzo received a call, and Flavio, who we had recently re-grouped with, had a broken derailleur, which put him out for the day. Down to 3. Another 1/2 hour or so into it and Marco had some trouble with one of his pedals, and eventually the whole crank arm / pedal piece came off. I put this in my bag / pack and Lorenzo and I took turns giving him a push on the flatter sections on a long strada bianca piece and he walked up the steeper climbs. The first ristoro was around 10 k away, and it had a mechanical help area, and we all were sure that it could be easily fixed. This was true, but it took a while. By the time it was done, almost all of that time was Marco waiting in line, it started to rain lightly, then truly pour. So, from then on, all the strada bianca was slick and muddy, making it much more difficult. The three of us stayed together, only separating on climbs where everyone went their own pace. <br />
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One descent, which Lorenzo had warned was quite technical, was an interesting highlight. It basically turned into steep, muddy, single track down a dirt road. I was the only person I saw stay on the bike, which I believe is due to the amount of time I have spent riding mountain bikes in the past. It was truly wild. Some comments during the 15 minutes or so I waited for Lorenzo and Marco were, Incredible! I can''t believe this. Wow, that was hard and it rained on us the whole time. One group of Americans represented the wide range of opinions from wow, that was awesome to well, at least it creates a memory, to that was F'ing stupid. <br />
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The hardest part left was a three section climb on strada bianca to Monte Santa Maria. All three sections end up with a grade around 10 to 15% on slick muddy dirt. I surprised myself by riding all three sections, which very few did. With a 42 tooth front sprocket in the front as the easiest, it was truly hard. Again, my mountain bike time made it work for me, I think. From there, it was just hanging in there and enjoying another couple of excellent ristoros. The three of us returned together, and it was a spectacular day. Around 3 hours of real rain, maybe an hour of sun, around 2 hours in the dark, over 8 hours in the saddle, with only 138 kilometers ridden with 2500 meters of climbing. An amazing event which I would definitely recommend to anyone truly passionate about cycling and older bikes. <br />
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Not a good picture, but the start area after we went through and had</div>
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our control booklets stamped.</div>
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Hiding under a tree while Marco had his bike repaired just </div>
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after the rain had started. Lots of people the whole way.</div>
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The scene in Asciano at another ristoro. A cool town and</div>
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fun break. I even used fountain water to clean a little muck</div>
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off the bike. This was after the crazy descent.</div>
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Lorenzo, Marco, and I at the top of Monte Santa Maria in a </div>
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The last ristoro in Castelnuova Berardegna. Sweet, not too far to go.</div>
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Marco and my bikes parked outside the pasta party tent</div>
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The bike in the apartment, clean and as shiny as it gets, pre race.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-57291148081020930952015-08-26T09:23:00.000-07:002015-08-26T09:23:05.477-07:00A few days and a couple of rides on my new "old" bikeSunday, I did a guided hike for some very nice newlyweds, Kate and Matthew. I offer guided hikes as well as cycling, but this is only the third hike in 4 seasons. It was nice and they were a fun couple. We had a really excellent, large lunch at Nappino's, a restaurant in Santa Brigida. When Emily and I lived up there, we went to Nappino's weekly for dinner and pretty much always had pizza. They do not serve pizza at Sunday lunch, and we feasted on seafood and pasta. I was amazed at how good it was. In particular, the mussels were just excellent. <br />
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Monday, I did a Chianti tour for Florence by Bike. Two Australians, Jim and Chris, were the clients. We started in the pouring rain, and they were amazingly game to do this. Both Lia, the person at the shop, and I expected a cancellation. It actually cleared after around an hour of rain, and we had a very nice tour. On the way back from Villa Monteoriolo, where we had a great lunch, Everyone was doing very well, and Jim was so confident that he was taking pictures on a descent. I certainly had no idea he was doing this, but everyone is adult and can make their own decisions. Unfortunately, he crashed as he was taking pictures, but did not really complain. We cleaned everything, mostly superficial scrapes, and waited until returning to the shop for antiseptic and bandages. They both were still happy with the tour and Jim basically felt bad that he might have hurt his wife's Chris' time out. All good in the end.<br />
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Tuesday, I picked up the bike I am riding for the Eroica, coming up in early October. It is a 1973 Bianchi that I received from Kate's boss, Massimo. The mechanic at Florence by Bike loves working on old bikes and he did a masterful job taking this bike and making it "Eroica ready". I took it out for a nice test spin, then me Kate and the kids in the park to help with Viola's effort to learn to ride a bike without training wheels. It started with a fair amount of difficulty, but Kate kind of made her hang in there and after an hour of effort she was riding for 5 or 10 seconds after either Kate or I let go from the running alongside her, holding the bike upright. Hooray! Tomorrow, Thursday, we will try again, and I am sure she will get it quickly. <br />
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Today, I took the Bianchi out for a real ride with a fair amount of climbing, a good test for both me and the bike. It is certainly different. Mostly the gearing presents some real challenges. I am used to a modern compact set up 50/34 and 11/28 with DI2 electronic shifting. The old bike is pretty much the opposite with 52/42 and 12/27 (in only 5 gears). The hills will definitely present a challenge for me. I made it and enjoyed myself and really liked the way the bike handled and rode. Fun to have a new challenge, but I will use my new bike mostly and try to do a couple days a week on the old bike to get ready for the Eroica. Andrea, the mechanic, suggested that to really be ready, I should only ride the old bike for a month, but 2 days a week will do. Had a wonderful ride on a beautiful day in the Mugello.<br />
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Kate and Matthew on a break during our hike above Santa Brigida.</div>
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Jim and Chris on our Galluzzo break before the big climb to Impruneta.</div>
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Andrea, the mechanic with the restored Bianchi.</div>
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Beautiful day in the Mugello.</div>
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Sant Agata from the road to Galliano.</div>
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The bianchi"s first real work out with me. Here it is posed</div>
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for the picture in the Mugello. Around 80 k today with over</div>
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1050 meters of climbing.</div>
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Another view of the beautiful and peaceful Mugello today.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-89891529536139940972015-08-22T05:45:00.001-07:002015-08-22T05:45:28.737-07:00Time in the Garfagnana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it has been a couple of weeks, and busy weeks they were. Emily and I took a break from Firenze just outside of Lucca outside a little town called San Quirico di Moriano. We were at the same property last year, but in a different unit. It is simply a beautiful area, very quiet, something we do not get here in Firenze, and the heat finally broke a couple days after our arrival. When we were talking about timing for this break, I said to Emily we should just schedule it for when Kate and family are gone to France, as we can then use Kate's car without it being any problem. Good idea, but I did not check the calendar, and I already had 3 days scheduled for tours while we were gone. I added a private tour the morning before we left, then added another big group, my first work for clients of Kate's which made for 5 tours in the first 6 days we were there. It is only an hour away, so a little commuting and a few nights here at our apartment by myself, and it was done. All the tours went well, but I did not include pictures here.</div>
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An interesting thing is the communication piece with clients or their representatives prior to meeting and riding. It really helps me plan an appropriate tour if I get accurate information. With these 5 tours, I had some misinformation, but everything worked out. First tour was a young (23) man who is very into triathalons and is finishing an engineering degree in Georgia. He was pretty much exactly as described and he very much enjoyed our 3 hour tour. Surprisingly, I was able to stay ahead of him pretty easily after the first climb. The next day I took out some older newlyweds, in their early 40's, and there agency had sent many messages to Florence by Bike, then to me. I wrote a description of the tour a few months ago, and they were described to me as avid cyclists and keen on a fast, hard tour. They were nice folks, and we had a good tour, but they had no idea where the description came from. I was expecting people with cycling kits, etc., and they came down with casual clothes, ready for an easy bike ride. With a little scrambling, I changed the route and everyone ended up happy, although they were pretty beat when we returned. </div>
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Another set of Newlyweds on a meet and greet, and they were quite prepared and would be fine for their 3 day self guided tour. You never know with the self guided tours if the people are appropriate for this activity or not, but I just do my best to get them going safely and well. Kate's group was pretty much fine, although when dealing with quite wealthy people, two vans, a tasting and a big lunch, there are a number of hoops to jump through. All in all, at the end of the day everyone was happy, but around midnight the night before, they were changing the pick up time for the next morning. Actually when they were on their bikes, they were really quite easy and motivated. The last two people were a private tour through my company and we met at the apartment as they rented my extra bikes. They were ready to go, with their own shoes, pedals and very nice kits. Jan, the woman was quite fit, and I thought Rob would be as well. Sometimes hills get to people differently, and around 2/3 the way up our first real hill of the day, Rob had had enough. Another scramble, a change of tour, and Rob recovered enough to really enjoy the day, and Jan was totally fine. I guess the moral is always be ready to change plans to accommodate the client's fitness and ability level. </div>
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After finishing with Jan and Rob, I put together some additional things and was off to San Quirico di Moriano for 10 days. Yeah - real vacation. We rented a nice 1 bedroom apartment that is part of a larger villa where the owners live. Last year we rented a separate unit, which was an old small barn / pigsty. We loved the unit this year, although there were lots of mosquitoes, which don't bother Emily at all, but get on me if I am in any kind of range. I rode daily, and very much enjoyed the riding and the terrain. I had ridden 14 days last year here, so I knew many of the roads and places I wanted to go. I got in all my favorites for the area, and even discovered some new roads. It is just an amazingly beautiful area and place to ride. The ride descriptions, quite brief will be with the pictures. Hopefully, I will find the energy to update the blog at least weekly, but if not, I do post pictures on my company Facebook page after every ride. It is just easier. </div>
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Before settling in for my 10 days, I had a Monday morning ride before an rappointment at the Questura to pick up my Permesso. I checked a couple of spots I really like and was not disappointed. What a beautiful place to ride, and this spot is only a 1/2 hour from the apartment with around 200 meters of climbing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs9AP7G2ISrS5vSBsheaApjcfSBg4z9_f4lWyt8UpBmC-MsBIHClAIeETFKp3UXi6Knmcusbc473_OFYGeMYWcWJ4rwRaWWfoijjSJ-MFWbuwfiji2bLfZW4T_ksR2hxZw6Xbd7sp3zxA/s1600/IMG_20150810_105210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs9AP7G2ISrS5vSBsheaApjcfSBg4z9_f4lWyt8UpBmC-MsBIHClAIeETFKp3UXi6Knmcusbc473_OFYGeMYWcWJ4rwRaWWfoijjSJ-MFWbuwfiji2bLfZW4T_ksR2hxZw6Xbd7sp3zxA/s400/IMG_20150810_105210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My first real day, full ride, in the area included a climb from Villa Basillica to Pizzorne.</div>
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It is a particularly difficult climb and around 1/2 way up there is this beautiful carved </div>
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crusifix. I am not religious, but it seemed to be a station of the cross, considering the location.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GeZnhG9Gd0piTDSAcNFtoMotaHen5ChsRF957L2E-Z5PEdhlRZDkqanz2dR8uZllTmGjDEzGxfiCx2s8yS2BiUYeNU-vc7dJZvGCgjGvPn-CPbXdT9AmaY74Sy6dcBu3zRRbDXs3cS8A/s1600/IMG_20150814_131834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GeZnhG9Gd0piTDSAcNFtoMotaHen5ChsRF957L2E-Z5PEdhlRZDkqanz2dR8uZllTmGjDEzGxfiCx2s8yS2BiUYeNU-vc7dJZvGCgjGvPn-CPbXdT9AmaY74Sy6dcBu3zRRbDXs3cS8A/s400/IMG_20150814_131834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another day, on the climb above Pescaglia, you get a view back down on the </div>
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600 or so meters of climbing already done. This shows some of the sweet,</div>
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switchbacking road with the town of Pescaglia 1/3 the way up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeWackQBg3cMP9c3XRsszxaHgXto1uxTe63nDFRA8FjoYmn3mxRF69vQ-qnfIZjRKb_Z6gisjo7691h-71nuentQdLtSPSeh9m6j8LLLsZRxKqXcRjKHtiN6jofVqgJ5SBYXJqSJm7eqS/s1600/IMG_20150815_115315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeWackQBg3cMP9c3XRsszxaHgXto1uxTe63nDFRA8FjoYmn3mxRF69vQ-qnfIZjRKb_Z6gisjo7691h-71nuentQdLtSPSeh9m6j8LLLsZRxKqXcRjKHtiN6jofVqgJ5SBYXJqSJm7eqS/s400/IMG_20150815_115315.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A shorter day, and a day of exploring, found some new roads. This </div>
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new pavement was only around 8 feet wide and was a two way road.</div>
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Luckily, I saw no traffic. Sweet ride and an excellent day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlX5FV7KlGDy5XRDJ0wZ0f9mgG1n0JIDkg_rVylaAxbAed17O9CUw3ZwdMAAoc1CZENuIOGjJBsx6g60iEL8CzeTiAkP3q3xXtZOPsNkqhS9guzx9uLA-wCQqRukO2E3w1ES_Sf6HVR_K/s1600/IMG_20150816_140419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlX5FV7KlGDy5XRDJ0wZ0f9mgG1n0JIDkg_rVylaAxbAed17O9CUw3ZwdMAAoc1CZENuIOGjJBsx6g60iEL8CzeTiAkP3q3xXtZOPsNkqhS9guzx9uLA-wCQqRukO2E3w1ES_Sf6HVR_K/s400/IMG_20150816_140419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the way back from the exploring, which included 3 climbs up and </div>
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over the same basic ridge, this nice view shows some of the hills</div>
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just ridden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykg0yxG9WHzmD8Gr0Jq0Xc4H3jS81Q5yYO8j9sxBb2ly-W3xut0xfHlviunpmtXBzWLXHo4pf3G2MPJFq8UcPYN1w_9RKB9MzihFfRoDZ_SoT1iDLz2dWaXHNk2iLbQY7yf669sL8cm1/s1600/IMG_20150816_125502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykg0yxG9WHzmD8Gr0Jq0Xc4H3jS81Q5yYO8j9sxBb2ly-W3xut0xfHlviunpmtXBzWLXHo4pf3G2MPJFq8UcPYN1w_9RKB9MzihFfRoDZ_SoT1iDLz2dWaXHNk2iLbQY7yf669sL8cm1/s400/IMG_20150816_125502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the way to Pruneta, around 1/2 the way up from La Lima, this</div>
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little town is off to the side. Pretty view.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IQY1nPWK9EUVybZFvFGSPRwpfzxw97Zp42HnBo2mZsAqIXt-ZJfBFuxS5h_U32MY-OfgBP4aLQcKP8u5kQ7uO4TPmvVMgLl5Rfyx3xmjkjC5VY-PrgM0A1ij2LqNS582LN-CNqo_1mzl/s1600/IMG_20150817_125310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IQY1nPWK9EUVybZFvFGSPRwpfzxw97Zp42HnBo2mZsAqIXt-ZJfBFuxS5h_U32MY-OfgBP4aLQcKP8u5kQ7uO4TPmvVMgLl5Rfyx3xmjkjC5VY-PrgM0A1ij2LqNS582LN-CNqo_1mzl/s400/IMG_20150817_125310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nice sky, color, and church in Pruneta.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfJIzpY9sBJOCQjSLt_XHiKWt8YFxkuJO3emLWSlUYdwVHLU794QLZYw5jlOt9n1bxjGuKMssVgvECaXjmeOihQ8x-et4ArWUjIr9Aim7UaBn-z1_QAEvDxQwMXSLk9BNWvcPxEyAuE-J/s1600/IMG_20150817_132221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfJIzpY9sBJOCQjSLt_XHiKWt8YFxkuJO3emLWSlUYdwVHLU794QLZYw5jlOt9n1bxjGuKMssVgvECaXjmeOihQ8x-et4ArWUjIr9Aim7UaBn-z1_QAEvDxQwMXSLk9BNWvcPxEyAuE-J/s400/IMG_20150817_132221.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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One day, I rode to the beach in Viareggio. Nice day and nice ride. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUEsB3KFS-mYRfmH17TpxYGzPcOrL2qHM9IbUH8EszGJUOhxF0tC_4IfxQiJqTghV2qV3U8K5U1teqQldInRQwWPf-5bEtb4YDV1P-IblY53d5JHjUGN8sS3WujApdjc-hvu6B-pIgf7E/s1600/IMG_20150818_121436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUEsB3KFS-mYRfmH17TpxYGzPcOrL2qHM9IbUH8EszGJUOhxF0tC_4IfxQiJqTghV2qV3U8K5U1teqQldInRQwWPf-5bEtb4YDV1P-IblY53d5JHjUGN8sS3WujApdjc-hvu6B-pIgf7E/s400/IMG_20150818_121436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A pretty big loop, but lots of exploring on tiny roads. Beautiful little </div>
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town of Domezzano.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt-VCAe6CKV-74H1QjaxjEJ6yjPDNjzg7ZgNNCEHbFlIf0hAhejI9OUFyuvkTOYA763vt29MNd0tJrh-PquKV8KRFB56Az9UljGMBJMcH_Sn-wKPJCmaROl4Xp2bH8L05cefCNiyCcO8w/s1600/IMG_20150819_113611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt-VCAe6CKV-74H1QjaxjEJ6yjPDNjzg7ZgNNCEHbFlIf0hAhejI9OUFyuvkTOYA763vt29MNd0tJrh-PquKV8KRFB56Az9UljGMBJMcH_Sn-wKPJCmaROl4Xp2bH8L05cefCNiyCcO8w/s400/IMG_20150819_113611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One day, off in a different direction, I encountered this Roman </div>
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aquaduct, really beautiful. I climbed Monte Serra this day, which </div>
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includes a difficult climb from Sant Andrea, with 5 kilometers at</div>
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around 10%.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN3QuyQaA5jRJQOr8KdXBh4ohrJWPVtnqmGLgoamMrdQ5G4hDbMsPw3ot_oeKiFCRgjGwgojOEc7z8n1sXZstC4US0txDDMXG2HJWHqLWI_uTZFnv7DhBEz717tzFh8laK0Igkr_I4AeG/s1600/IMG_20150820_102351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN3QuyQaA5jRJQOr8KdXBh4ohrJWPVtnqmGLgoamMrdQ5G4hDbMsPw3ot_oeKiFCRgjGwgojOEc7z8n1sXZstC4US0txDDMXG2HJWHqLWI_uTZFnv7DhBEz717tzFh8laK0Igkr_I4AeG/s400/IMG_20150820_102351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My last day riding, I ventured up to Passo Lucese, a beautiful</div>
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climb and road before joining some tiny roads to return home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6jnpRWEAZABDMfLzkzO0K07__1vj5Q26TeMZYal7eVrdf2SdqKVDrR_4AnR_3NYHjPsiYO_iINxkF8xMH3m64_3cqlDIZU2Nwegd-U4fDPvMMYAcsUL7jlohjGmIb1XQPwUsr15GXzME/s1600/IMG_20150821_115725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6jnpRWEAZABDMfLzkzO0K07__1vj5Q26TeMZYal7eVrdf2SdqKVDrR_4AnR_3NYHjPsiYO_iINxkF8xMH3m64_3cqlDIZU2Nwegd-U4fDPvMMYAcsUL7jlohjGmIb1XQPwUsr15GXzME/s400/IMG_20150821_115725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The church in Domezzano on the way home, riding from the </div>
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other direction or from Passo Lucese.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-45726773186304720392015-08-05T07:12:00.002-07:002015-08-05T07:12:58.175-07:00Almost a weeks worth of rides, etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a while, and I have ridden most days, but am just getting a little weary of posting in the blog every day. So, for a while, I will try to check in weekly and do a collage of pictures. I am posting pictures daily on my Facebook company page, Riding with Cosimo. If my weekly posts are not enough, please go to Facebook and like my company page and you can see as many pictures as I post. One day off last week, on Friday, and Emily and I went to Villa Rondini, a 15 minute bus ride up the hill from our apartment, but definitely out in the country. You can do a day pass for the pool, which is nice and super relaxing. Good food and just and excellent, relaxing day. For me, I just read my book and dipped in the water at least once and hour to stay cool. Even with the pool, I stay in the shade pretty much all day. </div>
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Saturday, I did a nice van supported tour with a great family from the Chicago area. Fun day, nice family, and a great lunch at the end in Monteriggione, one of my favorite towns with totally intact medieval walls. We rode from Chiesanuova to San Casiano, then down through Luiano to the road in the valley and up to Greve, where we loaded the bikes in the vans to be on time for lunch. Dominick met us there and it is always a pleasure to watch him work his clients. He is the owner of the company that I do the van supported tours for, and is a super natural, nice salesman. Very different than me, so it is a pleasure for me to see him in action. </div>
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Sunday, a great team ride to Vallombrosa, then passo della Consuma, then down to Stia. We had two of 10 return to Florence from Consuma, and 8 of us continued to Stia where we had and excellent picnic / break / swim. Up to Croce ai Mori, and at the top, 4 were waiting for me, and told me that Agnese had told them not to wait, so we all descended together to Londa. Marco, Agnese's boyfriend was with her, and I waited to make sure they were together around 1/4 the way up the climb. Almost all of our team rides are no one left behind rides, so we happily do some waiting. A friend of one of the members was a champ pulling us almost all the way back to Florence from Londa, around 50 kilometers, keeping a very fast pace. I think I was the only one who gave him a break, and it was only for around 5 minutes. Long day, around 145 kilometers, but really fun. </div>
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Monday, a nice Florence by Bike Chianti tour, but the heat had returned and appears to be ready to stay with us for another week plus with temperatures in the 95 to 105 range for daily highs. So, with a tour group, in particular for a whole day tour without a van, one has to be a little careful. The day was fine and the group was fun. Tuesday was a busy day of simply catching up, getting in a short ride in the middle of the day, off to one of the public pools to swim / cool off, then a few hours helping Emily babysit the grandchildren. Today, up early for a beat the heat morning ride, which was very nice. Not too long, as I am believing keeping rides less than 4 hours is good for the warm temperatures. Home before 10, so it had not really gotten hot yet. Haircut, then a meeting with Dominick, who is believing that he will more than double business next year, then a few hours of babysitting the grandchildren solo. Ciao a tutti!</div>
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The squadra at Passo della Consuma, after stopping and regrouping</div>
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in Vallombrosa. Beautiful day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhKBJe8YDEE7z0k_hdAQIGnDCA3Z3TzE53dZK4XDWcbCUE6E2e7V0V9AzQtEnh35qlD1_4DwZBUkAowd_lP0iEAU1dg0QyldBE02REr3y1W5PWpvwF0-rk1B3VzmVC1X9EcTvLU-uphyphenhyphen1/s1600/IMG_20150802_111833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhKBJe8YDEE7z0k_hdAQIGnDCA3Z3TzE53dZK4XDWcbCUE6E2e7V0V9AzQtEnh35qlD1_4DwZBUkAowd_lP0iEAU1dg0QyldBE02REr3y1W5PWpvwF0-rk1B3VzmVC1X9EcTvLU-uphyphenhyphen1/s400/IMG_20150802_111833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Consuma, 8 of us continued to Stia, where we went to a </div>
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park on the Arno river, near the headwaters, where there are </div>
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multiple swimming holes. We stopped and had a swim, as </div>
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everyone knew this was the plan and brought suits.</div>
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I had thought the plan was to go to a restaurant, but Lorenzo's wife, </div>
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Lia, drove up with their daughter, Laura, and brought a huge picnic.</div>
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Super nice of them, and if I understood Italian better, I would have</div>
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understood this was the plan. Lorenzo stayed with Lia, their daughter,</div>
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and Lorenzo's parents who also came with more food. That left 7 of </div>
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us for the 75 kilometers with one pass to return to Firenze.</div>
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Monday, I did a Florence by Bike Chianti tour with a very nice family</div>
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of 5 from Providence, and a fun woman from New Zealand. Even with</div>
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the heat starting to return, with a high around 95, we had a great time</div>
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and everyone was a great sport. It doesn't hurt to have a 2 hour break</div>
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at Monteoriolo with Eleonora as our super nice hostess and chef.</div>
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This morning, after a short ride yesterday in the real heat of the day, hence</div>
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no picture stops, only water stops, I had a nice 2-1/2 hour ride in the </div>
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Chianti countryside, returning home around 9:30, before the heat set </div>
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in for the day. Beautiful ride with some of my favorite scenery.</div>
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On the way from San Polo to Cappanuccia.</div>
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This beautiful little house on a nice property is on the way to </div>
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San Polo from Strada.</div>
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What a pleasure to ride these amazing roads.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-32081421921425679902015-07-29T08:37:00.002-07:002015-07-29T08:37:43.198-07:00A couple days of guiding and rides.Good couple of days, although I seem to have a lingering reaction from some food or drink from a party Sunday night. Emily has been hit with this much harder than I, but I think a little thing is kind of hanging on inside me right now. It seems better each day though, and I am fine riding. Nice meet and greet yesterday with two mothers and two daughters. The daughters were both 30, so I am guessing the Moms were 55 to 60. Great 5 day self guided adventure for them. They were fine for the tour and fit enough to enjoy it. Sometimes the self guided people have me a little worried about their fitness for the rides they schedule. These 4 were neighbors in Fairbanks, Alaska, so that says something about how tough they are. One family has moved to Washington State, but the other remains in Alaska. Both the younger girls are married. Anyway, nice group of 4 adventurous women and it was fun to help them get started. Sorry, no pictures, as they had me using their cameras at all our stops.<br />
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Today, I got out for a nice 70 plus kilometer ride not early, but in the morning. The heat has broken for now, and we are enjoying highs in the low 90s instead of the low 100's. It makes a difference to me. When I am guiding, I rarely get out to the west, so that was my route today. A favorite ride to Seano, Bacheretto, Pinone, Castra, Montelupo, then back to Firenze along the river. Nice tail wind on the way home. Ciao tutti, a dopo.<br />
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Loved this sculpture in Bacheretto right by the fountain and across the </div>
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street from the bar. It is a small town so everything is pretty much in one place.</div>
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The bar in Bacheretto where I stopped today for a cafe macchiato.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-46251460363759119552015-07-27T06:07:00.002-07:002015-07-27T06:07:48.438-07:00Blowing out the cobwebs after a late night.Yesterday I had a nice tour with a couple from London, Gordon and Karen, doing the Florence by Bike Chianti tour to Villa le Corti. It is a great tour with a hard climb around 1/3 the way to the Villa. They got through that climb and even on a relatively hot day had a very nice time. After the "light" lunch and tour, we decided to return through Luiano, as they were not worried about a few extra kilometers. We stopped just below Luiano, and it was one of those moments that makes it all worth it. They both had expressions on their faces of wow! Then they verbalized how wonderful they thought the descent was and how the view from our stopping point was exactly what they had dreamed of seeing in Tuscany. Thanks for a nice tour guys.<br />
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Today, after a very late night last night, I had a meeting, then did some hopefully helpful things at home. Emily was not feeling well, as it was night of lots of food and wine. I was not at my top form either, as lots of rich food and wine can certainly take it out of me and a bed time of after 1:30 is very late for me. So, I knew a ride to blow away the cobwebs from last night would help and motivated to get out on the bike. It of course worked, although I think a nap is calling after posting this. I did a favorite ride of around 2-1/2 hours up Via Carota to Osteria Nuova, then up to San Donato, down to Cellai, up / over to Bombone, then down to Rosano. Back into town through Nave a Rovezzano and home. 53.4 kilometers in 2:22 with 644 meters of climbing.<br />
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Karen and Gordon after the Giogoli climb on a nice FBB Chianti</div>
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tour to Villa le Corti yesterday.</div>
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A sample of the wonderful views after the first pitch on the </div>
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way to Bombone from Cellai.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-52057995335043801562015-07-25T06:54:00.001-07:002015-07-25T06:54:33.164-07:00Ciao Filippo, we all will miss your wonderful spirit.I have had a couple of difficult days, as on Wednesday evening we lost a good friend and fun cycling partner from our team. I found out Thursday morning, and it was simply a freak accident while he was working on his small farm with a tractor. Filippo was such a wonderful man to be around and get to know. He had only been cycling and with us on the team for a little over a year, but he was always there and had lots of passion for cycling. In the course of the first 9 months of riding he lost 22 kilos (around 47 lbs) and just continually got stronger. He entered many competitive events and his spirit was always pushing him forward. A super strong rider on the flats, he became better with the hills with time. I remember our first ride together when he had just joined the team, and we were doing a 4 pass ride, really quite difficult. He was slow, but never complained, and just kept at it. Amazing. Always generous with his time, emotions, and his home, he hosted many events / dinners for the team. Just a wonderful guy to have been around and to have had the honor to get to know and share the passion for cycling with. <br />
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Last night, I dreamed we were riding Montesenario together, and today, I just had a very strong desire to do this ride. After the funeral, I started on the ride, and I remembered the dream, and really felt like Filippo was there with me on this fun, but sometimes difficult climb. For a change, there was light rain, but it was not at all cold, so I just kept going. I guess this was my way to say goodbye to Filippo. Perhaps his spirit will join me on future rides, I will be hoping to feel it from time to time. The funeral was in a small church, which did not allow many people inside. I viewed the casket before the ceremony, and along with many flowers, his team jersey was draped on the casket. He really loved the team and was so great. As they took the casket to the vehicle to the actual burial, all the flowers were gone, but the team jersey was still there. Around 25 cyclists from the team were there and most of us broke up seeing the jersey. <br />
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With Steve lost a couple months ago, I have a couple of friends whose spirits will accompany me at times while I ride. Ciao, Filippo, I miss you already. <br />
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<br /><br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-11620808681686615802015-07-22T03:09:00.001-07:002015-07-22T03:09:43.707-07:002 days, 2 rides.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, I had a meet and greet for a nice couple from Australia, and guided them to Impruneta. We had a cafe, pastry, and I gave them maps, advice, etc. and we parted ways. This is what my job is for this service, and I think I go a little beyond what is expected, which is fun for me. I received a call later in the day, while on the bus going to help Emily with the grandchildren, and the Austrailians were stranded in Panzano. Yesterday was perhaps the hottest day of the year, with a high above 40, so in the mid 100's. Lee, the female half of the couple had simply run out of gas. Not much I could do to help, as I was on the bus at the time, but I gave Greg some suggestions. After arriving at the grandchildren's, I sent a message to Laura, who is one of my employers on this service, and she said she would try to contact them and see if they needed additional help. I never heard anything else, so I hope all was fine. </div>
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I was up early this morning, and on the bike by 7:15, which seems to be what happens when I awake at 6am. Really nice ride this early morning, with excellent temperatures starting around 75 and rising to 85 as I rode. I assume we will hit 100 again here today, so it is nice to get out. The light is also really nice for photos. I designed the ride around the hill from Sieci to the Windmill, and all the pictures are from that part of the ride. A nice sort of figure 8 in the close in Mugello. 53.3 kilometers in 2:43 with 845 meters of climbing. Ciao.</div>
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The rows of vineyards provide a fun foreground for this view into the Mugello.</div>
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Just another beautiful road to ride in Tuscany</div>
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Beautiful working villa surrounded by vineyards.</div>
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I love the vineyards in this hidden valley, only visible from this road.</div>
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Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-3132537800380542582015-07-20T05:08:00.001-07:002015-07-20T05:08:30.511-07:00Early morning ride beats the heat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I changed my routine this morning, which is quite a departure for me. I did less than half my normal yoga routine, then a quick breakfast, allowing me a wake up at 6am and departure on the bike around 7am. It is really quite hot in Florence now, and has been for a month or so. Most days we are hitting 100F (38C) and riding in the middle of the day should be avoided. So, I was out at 7 this morning and home from a 3-1/2 hour ride by 11 with time for a cafe on the road. It was only really starting to get hot upon my return, and other than work, as long as it stays this hot, I will be trying to use this routine. After returning, I did the remaining 1/2 of my yoga and it felt very good. Nice ride, one of my favorites, out Via Carota to Osteria Nuova, then up and over the hill and down to Incisa. Up to Dudda, then up and down through La Panca and home through Grassina. Really nice ride with mostly quite pleasant temperatures. Water at 4 different places on the ride, so I stayed pretty hydrated. 75.7 kilometers in 3:23 with 956 meters of climbing. Nice to be home and riding!</div>
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Iconic Tuscan landscape and road on the way to Dudda.</div>
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Pretty vineyards just below Dudda.</div>
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The city in the valley and it looks like it is starting to get </div>
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The sign shows the nature of the descent coming from La Panca,</div>
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one of my favorites.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-85657703840425107032015-07-17T05:54:00.000-07:002015-07-17T05:54:10.186-07:00Last 2015 ride in Ortesei - more exploring, great roads, great ride.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My last ride for this year in Ortesei, and it was great. With 6 days of riding, I simply can't or at least don't want to do more than a couple of "epic" rides. I really enjoyed the last 2 days of what passes for taking it easy here, although between the two days, I climbed around 3500 meters in 5:30 or so. I did more exploring today, and will be set for some different epic rides next year. Good to have a list ready for next summer. The roads and scenery is just so beautiful, it takes your breath away, or maybe that is all the climbing. Either way it is super fun for me to ride here. Back to the heat and normal life in Florence tomorrow, which is not so bad. Last ride was 40.4 kilometers or so with 1385 meters of climbing in 2:09.</div>
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A tiny town between St. Peter and Laion. </div>
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Amazing scenery.</div>
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Beautiful roads and hillsides.</div>
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I thought this road between Laion and Gudon was just so pretty,</div>
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View from a bench I stopped at on the way back from Gudon </div>
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Bike and bench just before getting back on for the return to Ortesei.</div>
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My reward upon my return to the Hotel Grones. A large beer</div>
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on tap with peanuts and chips for some salt replacement. Ciao.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-40742872406351935782015-07-16T07:28:00.001-07:002015-07-16T07:28:45.273-07:00A day exploring and climbing around Ortesei and Castelrotto.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another great day of riding here today, although I changed plans after looking at the weather forecast this morning. No epic ride, but lots of fun doing some exploring on some roads I always wanted to try. I started by climbing to Bulla, which is only about 2 kilometers of climbing off the road to Passo Pinei. Beautiful, fun road, but short enough that I definitely wanted more. I rode over Passo Pinei to Castelrotto, then took a road I have thought about many times to Alpi di Suisi, and turned around at the top, just above Saltrina. It is around 1000 meters of climbing above Castelrotto, and I did not want to descend to Saltrina just to climb back, as the road definitely ends there. I was there on Sunday on a mountain bike, and it was nice to link these roads together in my mind. Lots of ski lifts at the top and a gondola from a town just below Castelrotto. I totally enjoyed the ride, and am thinking that perhaps I don't need an epic ride tomorrow to be happy. Today, 50.8 kilometers in 3:18 with 1961 meters of climbing. It is simply steep here with almost no flat or grades even approaching flat here. Super beautiful and challenging riding, though. I am loving being here. </div>
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What a beautiful church and view at this little church in Bulla.</div>
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The hillside just past Bulla.</div>
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Looking down at the Val Gardena and Ortesei from just above Bulla.</div>
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What a beautiful view toward the start of the climb from Castelrotto</div>
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to Alpi di Suisi. How could I not keep climbing all the way to the</div>
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top? 1000 meters of climbing later, I was wondering, but I enjoyed the climb.</div>
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A little sculpture of a nordic skier at the top of todays climb,</div>
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which is also at the top of a ski lift. </div>
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The little restaurant in St. Michael where I had excellent cafe</div>
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machiato and chocolate cake yesterday. I was set for water today,</div>
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so I did not stop, except for this picture.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-73399135353254796602015-07-15T07:35:00.000-07:002015-07-15T07:35:06.290-07:00Another day riding in the difficult cycling paradise of the Dolomiti.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I now have everything ironed out with the bike, which meant that I found the one shop in the Ortesei area that had brake pads for Shimano Ultegra brakes. It is so much more fun and comfortable when you can rely on the brakes. It is very vertical here, and feeling good about the brakes is a must. Not sure if I will ever rent from this shop again, but it is nice having the bike set in a way I can trust. My intention was a "recovery ride" after a couple of hard days in the saddle. Well the ride was certainly shorter, and only had one real pass, but somehow I managed to climb 2066 meters in 45 kilometers, which includes the downhill distance. So, I guess it was steep and difficult, and if the numbers are correct, the climbing averaged around 10%. Yikes! I was out of water when passing through the little village of San Michele, and stopped at the one restaurant / cafe there. Great choice. Excellent cafe machiato, free samples of a wonderful chocolate cake, and great water from the tap. Topped off by the people serving at the bar being super friendly and even understanding my fractured Italian. </div>
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Perhaps a long day tomorrow, but presently I am still a little tired from the last 4 days of effort. Great to be here and riding in this wonderful, but super challenging place. Ciao.</div>
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What a beautiful church in the tiny town on Saint Peter, with the ride just</div>
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starting. There is around a 2 kilometer climb at around 10% to get here.</div>
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Beautiful roads and beautiful cycling here, with my first close</div>
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glimpse of the valley floor. Around 1500 meters of climbing</div>
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back to Ortesei.</div>
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A cool castle on the hillside on the descent to the valley floor </div>
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from Lajen.</div>
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The curvy road descending to the valley floor from Lajen.</div>
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Even a castle on the hill.</div>
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My only pass of the day, Passo Pinei.</div>
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A beautiful "wellness" resort at Passo Pinei - 4 stars.</div>
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There is this super cool shelter at Passo Pinei, which I enjoyed</div>
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while having a snack on a swing in the shade.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-71604984990955174222015-07-14T13:21:00.001-07:002015-07-14T13:21:46.630-07:00Sella, Fedaia, Arraba, Campolunga, Corvara, and a taxi home with a broken wheel.Another great day of riding here in the Dolomiti, but with some interesting twists. I have been putting my sunglasses on my back, hooked into the collar of my jersey for around a year now, and today was probably my last time, as when I arrived at the top of Passo Sella, I reached for my Oakleys, and they were nowhere to be found. Oh well, it is just stuff, but something I really liked. I will start a replacement search tomorrow. The other interesting part of the day was I am not happy with the carbon / aluminum rim Reynolds wheels that the rental bike has. The front brake simply screams, and I tried this morning doing what the online suggestions were to repair. On the way down from Passo Fedaia, which is quite steep, they were screaming, but I needed to use the front brake to be safe. around 1/3 to 1/2 the way down, I think the wheel got so hot, that it had a small rupture. This meant me using the front brakes as little as possible, then at the bottom, I checked the wheel for the 4th time, and it seemed fine for climbing. I changed my planned route, and climbed to Arraba, on a different road which was super fun and cool, then climbed Passo Campolunga. I figured I could see how it would work using only the back brake descending from Campolunga to Corvara. It worked, but I pulled into the shop I rented my bike at last year for advice. They said I could probably make it, but descending from Passo Gardena would need to be very slow with lots of stops. <br />
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The suggestion was for a cab, kind of pricey at 80 euros, but got me back safely. I stopped at the shop where I rented the bike, and the person there sent me to the mechanic, another 150 meters of climbing away. It was fine, but the mechanic was sure I had hit something, as the wheel, quite expensive, was relatively new. I swore I did not hit anything, he asked me if I thought he was stupid, and then we both said the same things a number of times. Finally, I asked what they wanted to do, as I know I did not hit anything or fall, I showed him they were no cuts or scrapes on me, and he replaced the wheel with a regular wheel, which will work better. He did not replace it happily, but it is fine now. I stopped at the shop on the way home and discussed this with the person I rented from and he was fine with it. He agreed with me that the wheels are probably not appropriate for rental bikes. Still, a very long day in the saddle, with 85.6 kilometers in 5:21 with 3410 meters of climbing. Looking at those numbers, I am kind of glad I could not add in Passo Gardena, which adds another 600 meters. Yikes!<br />
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Prettier views at Passo Sella today than yesterday.</div>
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Pretty scenic from the top of the Sella.</div>
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Descending to that little town is what awaits starting down</div>
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from Sella, with new, cheap, sunglasses.</div>
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The view starting the climb to Passo Fedaia.</div>
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Beautiful lake at Fedaia.</div>
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I think I should keep the sunglasses on for the selfies, as </div>
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I am always squinting to see the shot. </div>
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Just a little way down from the top of Fedaia.</div>
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This beautiful church and town is after you catch back up to the </div>
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main road to Arraba. Also after a pretty difficult climb from the </div>
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valley floor.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-65330244572232799502015-07-13T09:15:00.000-07:002015-07-13T09:15:34.921-07:00Sella Ronda, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the road bike, a rental, but really very nice, today for the first of 5 days. I thought I was kind of taking it easy with doing the Sella Ronda, a famous route in these parts. I have done it a couple of times before, and it is not too long. Well, it was certainly harder than I remembered and longer as well. I don't think I am in as good form as I was last year, as when you are doing lots of tours, you spend lots of time on the bike, but very little time going fast or hard. Fun day, partly cloudy all day, and arm warmers and even a shell needed for some of the descents. I think I will go "big" tomorrow, but we shall see how this old man feels. Lots of pictures follow, so this description is done. 75.6 kilometers in 4:31 with 2651 meters of climbing. Of course I am tired - what was I thinking?</div>
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After the ride, I had Emily take a picture of me, as I was wearing </div>
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the "Band of Brothers" jersey to honor my friend Steve, who </div>
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passed away 6 weeks or so ago. I sent pictures to the other</div>
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6 college friends and fraternity brothers who did the ride.</div>
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I think, a good and positive way to remember a good friend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbJcED4vC9JK-UG5zqFCChGRbjw1XBB-lFslsTMCLISwhinFGNLuPGMJeMhsqdVv7t2zjRoKKdy-0MOYHbaxpf5q3XU7nay8jEy0Chd26XvyCLg3w-Aid1C2xV148rhHsFepK3bYzPHOD/s1600/IMG_20150713_153620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbJcED4vC9JK-UG5zqFCChGRbjw1XBB-lFslsTMCLISwhinFGNLuPGMJeMhsqdVv7t2zjRoKKdy-0MOYHbaxpf5q3XU7nay8jEy0Chd26XvyCLg3w-Aid1C2xV148rhHsFepK3bYzPHOD/s400/IMG_20150713_153620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are not in any real order, as this is passo della Sella, the </div>
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last pass of the day. I was surprisingly tired. For some unknown</div>
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reason, I thought today's ride would be easy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CGRPyghp79a3Yp2zpb69Hk8ihEc1Xxcfqi-yHJdUvPMhsXkKecSp3bMBKpnl0zUXRJ86lqld8hgNc6gylIAtEWn7QEBJ6BVWKeQgHcEqJ5htNMUKK09-p_aKtRA9wY6OtOU5IcRzSj0e/s1600/IMG_20150713_144717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CGRPyghp79a3Yp2zpb69Hk8ihEc1Xxcfqi-yHJdUvPMhsXkKecSp3bMBKpnl0zUXRJ86lqld8hgNc6gylIAtEWn7QEBJ6BVWKeQgHcEqJ5htNMUKK09-p_aKtRA9wY6OtOU5IcRzSj0e/s400/IMG_20150713_144717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Passo Pordoi, my favorite of the 4 passes today. There is a </div>
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sign at the bottom and plaque saying this is known as, "The</div>
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graveyard of Champions" as it is a famous Giro climb where</div>
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past champions have faltered. 34 numbered switchbacks on</div>
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the climb, the 3rd of the 4 passes for the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6cGavor_KhU84ekXWqnxfXDG3aeSl05EyL7fuZ1EyOxTpR5Gt6h0wjYyUT-RakdyiJ-JhSsIcyT6CofA7p2L9tNWCDXdrlsYNxXDQskn-bQQWc7pu2I31kCU4pBMf7OOYgsyjl2iGMeO/s1600/IMG_20150713_135415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6cGavor_KhU84ekXWqnxfXDG3aeSl05EyL7fuZ1EyOxTpR5Gt6h0wjYyUT-RakdyiJ-JhSsIcyT6CofA7p2L9tNWCDXdrlsYNxXDQskn-bQQWc7pu2I31kCU4pBMf7OOYgsyjl2iGMeO/s400/IMG_20150713_135415.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another Passo Pordoi picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe6oB2Xcl1Zd0XJ0FmNjesFcMWP-Lg3oZfz8oSGrn98Rnnai0pXCUF929Tz4R7MbQK2CQ30PGrATFZJ7P64bM8fIZ8Pozs8kcx6d8Q7KPph38w5aczGUPv-bGByUFMUVF2xglm2so9rj3/s1600/IMG_20150713_135401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe6oB2Xcl1Zd0XJ0FmNjesFcMWP-Lg3oZfz8oSGrn98Rnnai0pXCUF929Tz4R7MbQK2CQ30PGrATFZJ7P64bM8fIZ8Pozs8kcx6d8Q7KPph38w5aczGUPv-bGByUFMUVF2xglm2so9rj3/s400/IMG_20150713_135401.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A selfie, for the same reason as the picture above, to send to my </div>
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old college friends. It is by this fountain in Arraba that the plaque</div>
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commemorates the climb as the graveyard of champions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUGF81iUqed0NXLhC7D_JOeq-VgnkK_j3xDWqnxlp9NEQ-t4KU8A5ZZgPRx1sk-duJOn_SKilecoMj2W6FGMytZGngML-COHM21wksLWG6VvOfl1YRnYzEIqIRk28SnSVDHF1yFMNZwco/s1600/IMG_20150713_125631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUGF81iUqed0NXLhC7D_JOeq-VgnkK_j3xDWqnxlp9NEQ-t4KU8A5ZZgPRx1sk-duJOn_SKilecoMj2W6FGMytZGngML-COHM21wksLWG6VvOfl1YRnYzEIqIRk28SnSVDHF1yFMNZwco/s400/IMG_20150713_125631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The rental bike at the fountain. It is a very nice bike, but the squealing</div>
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of the brakes on the carbon rims is more than a little annoying.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNWmbX8ubts8OSz0OqE40Z5VLbYGNi-2ByFYIHlVbpLJ0OOWcFKr32ew6olLJk8APlNa_eUF2qounXHKIMtgyot9fAjvk0UW6QRi8Q2BFnx3kMzjf4dxhueLJGSAf1IV0SMdWGeLmaD8z/s1600/IMG_20150713_125547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNWmbX8ubts8OSz0OqE40Z5VLbYGNi-2ByFYIHlVbpLJ0OOWcFKr32ew6olLJk8APlNa_eUF2qounXHKIMtgyot9fAjvk0UW6QRi8Q2BFnx3kMzjf4dxhueLJGSAf1IV0SMdWGeLmaD8z/s400/IMG_20150713_125547.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Passo Campolongo, the 2nd of the 4 passes and the easiest </div>
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one by far, with only around 400 meters of climbing from Corvara.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0xshBwY8Vw1VfHwfp9QC4lUckQ18obyw3KbGAKE-9HPl7Eqw5X32YB7bRUY3SIuA9-duMiUMrZpWRzKONwbjhzkV3ZrMHhRljQmPBFgjv7TXsJ22Jy_3aGD9r12FShAflgC5dOfwpnJo/s1600/IMG_20150713_124555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0xshBwY8Vw1VfHwfp9QC4lUckQ18obyw3KbGAKE-9HPl7Eqw5X32YB7bRUY3SIuA9-duMiUMrZpWRzKONwbjhzkV3ZrMHhRljQmPBFgjv7TXsJ22Jy_3aGD9r12FShAflgC5dOfwpnJo/s400/IMG_20150713_124555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Passo Gardena, the 1st of the 4 passes, and really quite beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGWThYogC19WDieriuSycxaa9xpOsGJRjE2Db1hGzhcO9JPNhAuvBV_fWjy4Di9OTRvVhSPyHMwt1XbC8ahOyizQ9unRFcVfox4cS59-Q_pfSmrZpCU-tgP1NdmTbFUo0R_i67P2XtKng/s1600/IMG_20150713_115052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGWThYogC19WDieriuSycxaa9xpOsGJRjE2Db1hGzhcO9JPNhAuvBV_fWjy4Di9OTRvVhSPyHMwt1XbC8ahOyizQ9unRFcVfox4cS59-Q_pfSmrZpCU-tgP1NdmTbFUo0R_i67P2XtKng/s400/IMG_20150713_115052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A scenic view from Passo Gardena.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6BzeMwQBq6dULAeIgBx1Jnx6RjcbhaKNFpuERbMvx7u1ary4yv8tfvw_soJX7Ke90jiFclsWQG3yZ04yoAmgUZ-IixPxwOz0y7Nv7aoNLyPFBaFNA9sS0L2X_eCdgCiBQ9K5SEvcqkq_/s1600/IMG_20150713_115102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6BzeMwQBq6dULAeIgBx1Jnx6RjcbhaKNFpuERbMvx7u1ary4yv8tfvw_soJX7Ke90jiFclsWQG3yZ04yoAmgUZ-IixPxwOz0y7Nv7aoNLyPFBaFNA9sS0L2X_eCdgCiBQ9K5SEvcqkq_/s400/IMG_20150713_115102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-44095084072023785622015-07-12T09:07:00.000-07:002015-07-12T09:07:06.540-07:00Mountain biking in Val Gardena!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We traveled to Ortesei yesterday, and settled in to the hotel well. We stay at Hotel Grones, in Ortesei, and really love it. Included in the price are breakfast and dinner, and the food is simply amazing. We had our first 5 course dinner of the trip last night, so I needed to work off some calories so I can indulge again tonight. Emily and I had a slow start, we are on vacation, and for a change, I have been working enough to really look at it as a vacation. We did a nice walk up by a stream, where there is a spot where they have made a little kind of course where you walk through very shallow flowing water and it is supposed to make your feet feel good. We enjoyed. Back into town, and I spoke with the people at the hotel, where they have mountain bike guests can use, and set one up for me with my pedals, etc. The overwhelming advice was to take a lift up to the valley rim, as the riding would be more fun and scenic from there. Good advice, I really enjoyed the ride. I had hiked this area a few years ago, and much of what I rode the first year we were here. </div>
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Great riding, really quite fun, but I was surprised that I was not thinking I should mountain bike more. I enjoyed the day, but am looking forward to the epic road riding here that starts tomorrow when I pick up my rental road bike. Today, I had some sweet single track, although most of the ride was dirt roads. Fun to be out, incredible scenery, pretty perfect weather, so what more could you ask for. 30.9 kilometers of riding time in 2:41 with around 700 meters of climbing. </div>
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Yes, I took the bike up in a lift. Kind of against my own personal</div>
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rules, but good advice from the locals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_35BHKxmGbdawN9QuRGzCTWST-JQaLoKak2F97DqocC5Hp0AsnyL-fy91wLtOK537JOGfhjMGzYbtBXrShpSSY19rNj052MHVO2dw6sXehFX3vntw_B2PE2xQJ5toJyGhHznaPFnRZ0rX/s1600/IMG_20150712_115624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_35BHKxmGbdawN9QuRGzCTWST-JQaLoKak2F97DqocC5Hp0AsnyL-fy91wLtOK537JOGfhjMGzYbtBXrShpSSY19rNj052MHVO2dw6sXehFX3vntw_B2PE2xQJ5toJyGhHznaPFnRZ0rX/s400/IMG_20150712_115624.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful first piece of single track. Simply sweet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR4ipOiGlotatAvox8ev62q9Z7UZyQVGGNyTXHLUagiGuaubEV0a7QpRDiTD2FqtHe76FGn-CfM1LOFwPlTxDqqxBb6T1Ylpy7zPZ94LA8qa9I-oBmemzOMDeElAv2n2F5olsrzJLu9lg/s1600/IMG_20150712_122610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR4ipOiGlotatAvox8ev62q9Z7UZyQVGGNyTXHLUagiGuaubEV0a7QpRDiTD2FqtHe76FGn-CfM1LOFwPlTxDqqxBb6T1Ylpy7zPZ94LA8qa9I-oBmemzOMDeElAv2n2F5olsrzJLu9lg/s400/IMG_20150712_122610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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More single track - nice views.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1huEICTXlKTHGnDG8E0XQOMkSiTIdq6sLIAdIujkLDUuIV5rjzv6ABzvAethZj7LceGPqr24QaJcPZYvom6L10hWC2VFNQe-L4AzA0ZIej1fwhcs5aGBZTv-hlQ3AAmAuJysVQACw8nd1/s1600/IMG_20150712_124609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1huEICTXlKTHGnDG8E0XQOMkSiTIdq6sLIAdIujkLDUuIV5rjzv6ABzvAethZj7LceGPqr24QaJcPZYvom6L10hWC2VFNQe-L4AzA0ZIej1fwhcs5aGBZTv-hlQ3AAmAuJysVQACw8nd1/s400/IMG_20150712_124609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I guess I just like taking pictures of water sources. I really took this</div>
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for Chris Brekon, a friend in England, who usually gives me a hard</div>
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time about these photos. So, me being me, I keep taking more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakXCxEKbbcyMpnUUWs-zBAFuFDSyNI-SL819u8Th6xLAdg2UPcRx6K7dgjKQfdkaENqzQrVPtdumB12TcmrFDTF7RL137hRkJUsDrFTNckb28ncQSYMLdYXqyCko0UyiOn64VxjCYTFbm/s1600/IMG_20150712_132020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakXCxEKbbcyMpnUUWs-zBAFuFDSyNI-SL819u8Th6xLAdg2UPcRx6K7dgjKQfdkaENqzQrVPtdumB12TcmrFDTF7RL137hRkJUsDrFTNckb28ncQSYMLdYXqyCko0UyiOn64VxjCYTFbm/s400/IMG_20150712_132020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty horses. They are all this breed in this area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAaP7SKMvpvLqUtW_QTbtG3NUtAPuKREHe_H8H4hnv4AhFdhnEaXWNHj03u0NAuKiSvvnWOJqDyl1lM1i7eTh2DASjHZiM7f-pq7ScUVIsFz_eBOcMNIs-_9vZyMLaRNqUirkDvPlOO-_/s1600/IMG_20150712_134746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAaP7SKMvpvLqUtW_QTbtG3NUtAPuKREHe_H8H4hnv4AhFdhnEaXWNHj03u0NAuKiSvvnWOJqDyl1lM1i7eTh2DASjHZiM7f-pq7ScUVIsFz_eBOcMNIs-_9vZyMLaRNqUirkDvPlOO-_/s400/IMG_20150712_134746.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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More beautiful riding to come!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7OyeIdGYmaxf4FPZf8wc7cIb61j-8jg7c05yJetDKRXt7JpihAr4FzbenljkKF6drUUayTkWL6EtkRN9lsTxkypgsiGXluqgnz8SEXNmAxPMO0RkK1IhGMD-A86rkFzkXd0dtJ9kaJxR/s1600/IMG_20150712_134752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7OyeIdGYmaxf4FPZf8wc7cIb61j-8jg7c05yJetDKRXt7JpihAr4FzbenljkKF6drUUayTkWL6EtkRN9lsTxkypgsiGXluqgnz8SEXNmAxPMO0RkK1IhGMD-A86rkFzkXd0dtJ9kaJxR/s400/IMG_20150712_134752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-86713337487608244592015-07-10T10:17:00.000-07:002015-07-10T10:17:06.016-07:00Nice 2-1/2 hour ride with lots of climbing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was mostly about getting ready for our trip to the Dolomites, for which we leave tomorrow. We had a nice dinner party for 8 last night, and I was not in bed ready to sleep until after 1am, so I was a little sluggish as well. So, a short tour to the rescue. The more I feel like I don't have the energy, the more a tour gives me energy. Today, I once again planned the tour around water availability, but had a super nice tour. I climbed both Vincigliata and Monteloro, which are two of my favorites close to home. Not too hot, high around 93 F, with a nice breeze. Relatively short distance of 43.7 kilometers in a slow 2:23, but with 924 meters of climbing. That will shake out the cobwebs. Ciao a tutti!</div>
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I liked the iconic cypress trees on the road above Monteloro.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YGZzYFOUkkcxU-2qsafyzT_KfWnfDImU2fWnvGNztN9rlOmsuFJ7IryglLKoRnwkRGOXWeJHrnq-hbvhBZaC3t5oZ_NDfiS2tbVRBWj8_3ZMXaYD36_SIzTWKDtcU_wAUYlUniWce2Jl/s1600/IMG_20150710_140210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YGZzYFOUkkcxU-2qsafyzT_KfWnfDImU2fWnvGNztN9rlOmsuFJ7IryglLKoRnwkRGOXWeJHrnq-hbvhBZaC3t5oZ_NDfiS2tbVRBWj8_3ZMXaYD36_SIzTWKDtcU_wAUYlUniWce2Jl/s400/IMG_20150710_140210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above Monteloro on a beautiful day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicX_YGT1B1zkaZ9waqa4eSO2RabsFM603ZgR9Sd-ObhqWChbhcWglyiajrEsjvosTk0EbH7W9NV2245BrQMsZBnDOc4eEkGFVDt0vgSrPnXIEAaeuX9msGApJt3Stuy9_LFyOhvTnJ41G/s1600/IMG_20150710_140216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicX_YGT1B1zkaZ9waqa4eSO2RabsFM603ZgR9Sd-ObhqWChbhcWglyiajrEsjvosTk0EbH7W9NV2245BrQMsZBnDOc4eEkGFVDt0vgSrPnXIEAaeuX9msGApJt3Stuy9_LFyOhvTnJ41G/s400/IMG_20150710_140216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-80939990934818800672015-07-09T05:29:00.000-07:002015-07-09T05:29:33.852-07:00Santa Brigida, Rufina, and Diacetto solo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Up relatively early this morning and on the bike around 8:30 for a four hour plus or minus ride. I picked a ride I have not done in a while, although the first part is getting kind of repetitive. I did a slightly different route to Fiesole, through Pian de Mugnone, but I have Fiesole on the route because there is a good fountain for water there. Not as hot today, but quite humid. Not sure if 89 F with 90% humidity is better or worse. Anyway, as long as you are moving it is pretty nice. Along the ridge toward Vetta alle Croce, then the turn off to go over to Santa Brigida. I don't think I have ridden this for a couple of months, as it is not a normal client ride. Loved the ride to the Windmill, then down to Rufina. The water in Santa Brigida was flowing hard, quite cool, and super refreshing when you put your head under the spigot. Sweet.</div>
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Excellent pastry filled with panna in Rufina, of course with a cafe (espresso), then the climb to Diacetto. On the way there is one of my favorite water spots, with a spigot flowing into a basin that is full. Perfect place to dunk the head under, then do the same with my helmet. Feeling refreshed, I finished the climb then descended over to Pelago. On the way back I visited a Frescobaldi spot for a possible snack / wine break for clients, as Bona Frescobaldi, the Marchese, suggested this to me. It looks like a good spot. Nice ride, felt good, and back in time to help for tonight's dinner party. 74.7 kilometers in 3:33 with 1200 meters of climbing. </div>
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I love this view at the top of the climb from Rufina to Diacetto.</div>
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One of my favorite roads and a gentle, but consistent climb </div>
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of 350 vertical meters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoemQ9aJVpRLw-lI3qtYdqxjk7P9O6SNxQhhz1W7qnCuLkL-o9DEebECJs21QUdvKkG8QHKHN-zP3YP8IVCccJzYK2lWOawAGjPYxZah_pVjEQGdjsGjjEnkX-nB_CiZyh-HL352PLkWj9/s1600/IMG_20150709_113632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoemQ9aJVpRLw-lI3qtYdqxjk7P9O6SNxQhhz1W7qnCuLkL-o9DEebECJs21QUdvKkG8QHKHN-zP3YP8IVCccJzYK2lWOawAGjPYxZah_pVjEQGdjsGjjEnkX-nB_CiZyh-HL352PLkWj9/s400/IMG_20150709_113632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nice villa at the top of the hill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3bLj3rDDiuO84O97f7Fpfe8COZHr5fLoGg7Sa5TH_tqD5IGzBFxECU31vQwkjdN_tA4Lr-NnmsuEc-kzP-SIYCSIRH3XrmQw_XWWq5A380hc4QuZM-2x8MFHY4aSYPl4_rJ32qsWOXn9/s1600/IMG_20150709_113640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3bLj3rDDiuO84O97f7Fpfe8COZHr5fLoGg7Sa5TH_tqD5IGzBFxECU31vQwkjdN_tA4Lr-NnmsuEc-kzP-SIYCSIRH3XrmQw_XWWq5A380hc4QuZM-2x8MFHY4aSYPl4_rJ32qsWOXn9/s400/IMG_20150709_113640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The road ahead, a slight descent, then a little climb to Diacetto.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-87072736177062878372015-07-08T05:29:00.001-07:002015-07-08T05:29:23.471-07:00Quick ride to Cercina.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a late night last night, I just did not want to get up and out early, so I headed out at noon, before the hottest part of the day, but close. My garmin had the average temperature at 98.7, so it just matched my body temperature. You would think this would be comfortable, and it actually was. Lots of errands, more information gathered for the Italian tax returns, then a nice quick ride. I was remembering a hot summer a couple of years ago, when I decided to embrace the heat. Starting today, I will be trying to enjoy it. Probably a good idea, as it is here either way. Easy to say when the mountains are waiting for us with cool temperatures on Saturday for a week. I could not find additional water for drinking on the ride today, but for a first, I stopped by a small stream and after finishing all the water in the bottle, really enjoyed a few bottles of cold water over the head. </div>
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On a day like today, when it is hot, the key is to find some sweet</div>
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shade like this. It felt good.</div>
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A nice olive grove above the shade on the road to Cercina.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-67196857042410785012015-07-07T05:19:00.002-07:002015-07-07T05:19:57.707-07:00Great solo ride to the west then south<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really nice ride today. I planned this ride for a friend who is visiting, but did not email him until 6 or so yesterday, and by the time he read it, he could not do the ride. He had not really ridden to the west of Florence much, which is some of my favorite riding here. I did the ride anyway, and combined a number of favorites. Out through the Cascine, then to Seano and up to Bacheretto. The hard part is after the town getting to the road to Pinone, then you finish the climb to Pinone. A cafe and pastry there, and the pastries there are just excellent, always. Sweet descent through Castra to Limite, then into Montelupo. I branched off my normal route here and enjoyed the super pretty, but challenging road to Montespertoli through Turbone. A good steep climb to start, then some steep rollers all the way to Montespertoli about 10 kilometers. From Montespertoli, my standard way back through Chiesanuova, then home. Lots of good water breaks and a bottle or two over the head is now normal at every water break. I kept the water breaks close enough today to do the water in the face a few times between breaks. It keeps one cool enough in 35 C (95F) weather. I am trying to get centigrade into my head and will be using centigrade for reference in the future. Home by 12:30 before it goes to 39 or 40. 87.3 kilometers in 3:52 with 1145 meters of climbing. Sweet ride!</div>
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Loved this field of sunflowers just breaking out with vineyards and hills in the background.</div>
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That shade ahead is looking good.</div>
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Fields of vineyards on the way to Montespertoli.</div>
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Here is part of the tiny road from Turbone to Montespertoli.</div>
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A challenge with lots of ups and downs, but a total pleasure to ride.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-25623507043734777582015-07-06T06:05:00.000-07:002015-07-06T06:05:00.109-07:00I'm back - 2 posts in 2 days means a few days off work.After some errands this morning, which included a nice muffin with Kate and Viola at Mamma's bakery, I decided that a ride would be more fun than hiding inside, sitting in front of the fan, as the temperature in Firenze is around 100 F. Good decision. From watching the weather, it appears the day's high hits around 3 or 4, and stays quite hot until 9 or even later. So, off around 12:00 on a ride designed to get to what I thought would be one of the coolest places relatively close. Montesenario is around 800 meters of climbing in around 21 kilometers from the apartment. Water and head dousing in Fiesole, then the same at the top with lots of water consumption also. Felt pretty good at the top, then after getting kind of wet with water all over me, the descent was super fresh, at least the first 1/3 of it until I dried off. The real heat did not return until around 2/3 the way through the descent around Caldine. Fun ride, felt good even in the hot weather. <br />
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Looking back to the east on the beginning of the last part of </div>
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the climb to Montesenario. You can feel the simmering heat</div>
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in the valley below in the picture, or at least I can.</div>
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There is Montesenario at the top of the hill. Only another 200</div>
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Fresh, cold water at the fountain at Montesenario. Sweet!</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-54843405558576433272015-07-05T08:57:00.000-07:002015-07-05T08:57:10.892-07:00Lots of tours and a special 4th of JulyIt has been a week, and a busy one at that. Tours most every day, and when I did not have tours, I had commitments or rode with the team. I have to admit, when I do not take pictures of the crew I am taking out, I am forgetting names, and often these days, I am simply using client's phones for the pictures. I need to take my phone out and also get one, but often when I finish with theirs, they are already moving on. So, a couple of Chianti tours for Florence by Bike, and 4 days of tours for Dominick with one day riding with the team, Saturday. I needed the team ride, as most client rides are at a totally different pace, and it is nice riding fast, not leading, and not being responsible for everyone. So, Saturday was a great team ride, and we were out before the heat hit. In the last week it has also really gotten hot, I think as hot as it has been here in a couple of years. I know the temperature today hit 104F while we were riding. Ouch! Actually with an air conditioned van, it is fine. I do need to be very careful with the clients, as today a 17 year old, very healthy young man was fine one minute and in a couple of minutes, he was "finished". Good to have the van in that situation.<br />
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The highlight of the week for me was the 4th of July. I rode with the team in the morning, with only 4 of us showing up, but David back on the bike after a nagging injury kept him out for 5 months. He only did a part of the tour, but it was nice having him back. The other 2 were enthusiastic and strong new members of the team. Both spoke excellent english, so we could communicate without any difficulty. Fun ride. After the team ride, Emily and I went to a friend's house in the country for a party for her son's birthday and the 4th of July. A beautiful spot, and a very nice party. It was kind of hot, but less warm than Florence. At the party, Viola had a surprise for me. She was wearing a beautiful dress that my mother, who passed away a couple of years ago, gave to me when she was cleaning stuff out. The dress was last worn when my mother was 6 or 7, in the middle 1930's. Viola was beautiful in it, and it pretty much choked me up. Sometimes it is great getting old, as it is fine to get chocked up on something like this. Anyway, a real highlight for me. <br />
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All my tours were good, although the heat really makes it a challenge. Pretty much no one complains, which is nice, and almost everyone hangs in there. I did have to get a cab for one person who had simply had enough and did not want to ride back to FBB. This week should be less busy, so perhaps more posts about solo rides for fun. Saturday, we go to the Dolomites to escape the heat and enjoy the epic riding there. Ciao a tutti.<br />
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Gary and Jesse Robbins on a van supported return tour to Florence from </div>
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Radda. Gary, the father, made it the whole way without the van. Here</div>
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they are at the Antinori wine facility where we had lunch. What a beautiful spot.</div>
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Viola and Kate after just getting their nails done in red, white, and</div>
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blue for the 4th of July.</div>
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Viola wearing the dress of my Mother's from the 1930's at the 4th of July </div>
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party. Super special for me, and I know I am prejudiced, but isn't she as cute as it gets.</div>
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The Bastian family at Luiano today on a nice Chianti tour with </div>
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Roby doing super van support. </div>
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<br /><br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-56102005201551112452015-06-28T04:58:00.000-07:002015-06-28T04:58:50.130-07:00Montesenario solo.Really nice 2 hour ride to Montesenario and back using a loop. I enjoy all this ride, even if it has a bit of hard climbing. For me, a nice solo ride, with a fair amount of effort is the best way to recharge the batteries. 3 days in a row of tours coming up, so it was great to get out on my own. Ciao a tutti.<br />
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42.2 kilometers in 2:04 with 920 meters of climbing.<br />
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Looking toward the Garfagnana from Montesenario.</div>
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Monte Morello from Montesenario. Super clear day.</div>
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The church at Montesenario. I saw more people there today than all the other</div>
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times I have been there, probably around 100 people. I guess it is a popular </div>
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Sunday destination on a hot Florence summer day.</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571522886423420754.post-22727826007064401342015-06-28T01:05:00.001-07:002015-06-28T01:05:46.836-07:00An interesting and busy week.I guess it has been a while since the last post. I continue to be quite busy and have tours upcoming for 6 of the next 8 days. It is good I like to be busy in my "retirement". It is fun to share my passion for cycling and the countryside with so many people, but it does take some energy. On Wednesday I took the Saligram family out through some of the Chianti countryside. We ended up doing around 55 kilometers with was a little much for them. It is sort of a minimum to get into Chianti and back without lots of very steep hills. All hung in there and had a good time. Good job! Thursday was a needed day off the bike, with an appointment in the afternoon with the Marchese Frescobaldi. I met her at a benefit dinner for Friends of Florence where she was sitting next to me. We had a nice conversation and she suggested we get together to see if I would like to take cycling tours to any of their many facilities. It looks like something will work out, and perhaps even some tours there in a month or two, certainly by next year. I was struck by how many turns life takes as I was meeting with the Marchese of a large, old Italian family with vineyards all over Tuscany. 5 years ago, I would never have thought I would be having this meeting. Interesting.<br />
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Friday and Saturday were tours for two different families for Dominick. Both were to Podere la Capella, a very small, family owned and operated vineyard and wine producer. Natasha is an excellent cook, and the food is always amazing. Friday was a family of 7 and Saturday was a family of 5. Everyone on both days did well and enjoyed the tour. Friday, we were stuck in traffic with the highway closed for an accident for over an hour, but only the driver was really bothered. After returning bikes and picking up the others for Saturday, I rushed home to splash some water on myself an was off to a birthday party at the 4 Seasons Hotel, probably the nicest hotel in Florence. Beautiful event. Last night after the tour I had time to relax a little, then we were off to a very nice dinner at a beautiful home on Bellasguardo with friends of Emily's. Very interesting people and a fun dinner. Today, if time allows, I will get out for a quick recharge ride solo, then I have to take my laptop to the applestore here at the only mall in the Florence area. My battery is suddenly dying, and hopefully they will be able to replace while I wait. I hope so, as everything is on this machine. Ciao.<br />
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Wednesday tour with the Saligram family. Here we are almost</div>
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back to Florence. Great tour everyone.</div>
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The Holderman family on Friday at Ponterotto, on the way to</div>
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Podere la Capella.</div>
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The Montesano family at Podere la Capella after a great tour,</div>
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<br />Mark Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679073386538108618noreply@blogger.com0