Rose Pedals . . .: A Day Without Sunshine . . . Can Still be Fun

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Montefalco Loop

30 miles, 2,200 feet of climbing

The first thing we did when we got up this morning was check the weather forecast. It looked like we had until 11:00 before the rain was to start. So, right after breakfast, we got suited up and headed out for our ride. He temp was about 53 degrees and partly cloudy when we left. We planned on returning before 11:00, so we didn't bother to carry rain gear. We did a fun and scenic loop ride to Uncinano and back. We had a slight, hardly noticeable headwind as we started our route heading south. Our route included two rather gentle climbs, each one about five miles long, and one steep little stinker, just short of a mile long. Hardly a sufferfest, but enough to work up a good sweat. We rode by some beautiful vistas, olive groves and vineyards. The clouds darkened as we were at the mid point of our ride, and we got lightly rained on, but for only 10 minutes or so, On the return trip north back to Montefalco, the slight headwind we had on the first half of the ride became a much-appreciated tailwind that allowed us to travel at a good clip on the flat sections. The final climb back to Montefalco was the prettiest of the day; even with the clouds, the landscape was gorgeous. We made it back to our hotel just after 11:00 as rain started to sprinkle again, lightly, and continued to rain on and off throughout the afternoon and evening. At 5:30, we went as a group to the Montioni Oil Mill and Winery, a local winery, for a wine tasting. It was so interesting and so much fun. This was no ordinary wine tasting. Not only did we taste three types of their wine, they also served us hors d'ourves, as well, so that we could experience how well the wine paired with different types of foods - meats, cheeses, breads, focaccia and pizza. This winery also makes olive oil, which we also had an opportunity to taste. It was delicious, and not to mention reasonably priced - almost everyone in our group purchased a bottle or two. After the wine tasting, we went to dinner at a cute little restaurant two doors down from our hotel, which turned out to be an excellent choice. What a fantastic day! Looking forward to tomorrow's ride to Assisi.