Bici in Italia '- Montalcino

Well so many of my readers have asked about the bicycle trip in Italy, so here goes... a diversion from motorcycling, but here it is:

VIEW FROM MY HOTEL ROOM

Currently we are 2 nights in Montalcino the epicenter of Brunello wines! All week long has been Sangiovese (mostly Chianti, as we have ridden from Greve to a convento, then to Sienna, now here..) The wine and food is of course fantastic!

JIM ENJOYS A SNACK

MONASTERY ALONG TODAY'S ROUTE ... MEL GOT HER CHANT ON ...

Today we did a loop ride from town of around 50 Km with quite a bit of climbing. It was truly one of the best rides I have ever done. There were several interesting excursion points including a monastery and an ancient hot spring from the Etruscan era. One of the descents from atop the summit ridge was truly memorable with spectacular views as you hair-pinned down the mountain.

ETRUSCAN HOT SPRING

Jim and Melody at Etruscan Hot Spring



WINE TASTING

This evening featured a wine tasting at the fortress in town, then a spectacular sunset viewed from atop the fort walls.

SUNSET IN MONTALCINO

Today definitely did not suck!