We've Left Roma, 4 Days of Riding

Leaving Roma, in front of the Roman Forum

We left Roma on a beautiful sunny morning in the middle of rush hour traffic. Or maybe it's always rush hour in Rome! Cars, trucks, busses, scooters, people people everywhere, past the Colosseum, but once out of heavy traffic we were only in sort of heavy traffic! A few detours through quiet back roads was a nice respite. A steady uphill 30 miles ride to Palestrina then a last 1 mile of pushing the bikes to the top.

Palestrina, an ancient ritual arena from before Christ

A quick zip down from Palestrina the next morning only go back up at the end of a 20 mile ride to Anagni.

The farther we get from Rome the more beautiful the countryside and more hills. 

Pushing up a hill on the way to Anagni

A "leisurely" ride on our third day to Pofi on back roads through farm fields and more hills. By now we are getting really good at pushing the bikes. It feels as though we are trying for an Iron Man event. It is incredible how the mapping programs don't pick up the hills in rural back roads.

Pofi

On to Pico where we will have a day off rest for the legs, but before we can get there we have more hills and a stop at a grotto. An hour your of the caves was a fun stop. Once settled in our one thousand year old apartment we meet with our host for wine and an impromptu dinner which we cooked with him. We now have an easy pasta recipe to make along the way. Tonight we will have a cooking class with him and his chef. More on that later.

Pico

Of course all the places we want to explore and spend the night are at the top of the hills. You know you've seen those little villages at the top of the mountain and say to yourself you want to go there. Yes it is easy in the car, but bicycling? Another story! Everyone thinks we are crazy, riding our bikes on a tour let alone all these hills. What were we thinking? Then you get to that village and WOW you did it! Very rewarding. We actually saw a 31 degree grade at one point and 15 to 20 degree's was not uncommon. It is hard to ride over 8 to 10 degree's for any lengthof time for these old folks, but pushing the bikes seems to be working. Unbelievable to be at top of these hilly villages to see there ancient streets and buildings. So worth it.

C

Pofi

Pico

On the way to Pico

Carlo with an egg identifying the chicken that laid the egg. 

Anagni