Puglia, Italy in Pictures, Day 4
Day four brought us to our first real climb of the trip into the Pollino mountains. We’d cover 4,500′ of climbing in a little less than 25 miles. Plus it was hot, and we got a late start, adding to the heat. The scenery however, was enough to ease the pain, and the water was readily available in the form of mountain springs and village fountains.
Kamil working on his burn.
The river bed was dry, but based on the width you could imagine how cool it would be to see in the spring thaw.
The few times we found shade, we’d congregate and smile, as Kristin is illustrating here.
On track.
Up and up we went.
Progress.
Bridges added to the already dramatic view.
At the helm, still up.
I forget the total number of flats on the trip, but double digits for sure.
Coca Cola break.
Taste the Feeling.
Caffeine fix.
Just under half way to the summit.
Lunch, refilled bottles, and a quick cool off, and we were off to the summit.
The second half of the ride was steeper than the first, but at least it was warmer. The town in this picture is where we had lunch.
Kristin was #evergreening her way up the mountain with the greatest of ease.
Gina was close behind.
Scenic vista.
I ran out of gas for photos, and made a push for the summit. We were rewarded by a cloudy, forested summit. The ground was so wet that I could hardly keep my rear tire from slipping, but so steep it was hard to keep the front wheel down at time. Or more likely, I was just spent.
It took all day, but we reached the top, then zipped down the backside to visit a friend’s house.
Kristin retells the tale of the ascent.
They fed us like the hungry cyclists we were. Best day and night of the trip.