Bici, Amici and Italy

​Today’s weather called for rain in the afternoon and after a couple of relaxing days ,we were eager to get back on the bike. So we planned to ride up into the hills behind Foligno to a town called, Rasiglia hoping to conclude before the rain began.  We had gone here in the past and it is a town that has a series of canals around the town which in medieval times powered all kind of industries, milling, weaving and the like.   To get there we had to ride through several small towns.  One of which we talked with a 97 year old man in 2019 who told us a better way to get there which we took his advice and we’re glad for it.  We kept our eyes peeled for him as we passed his house but sadly we did not see him so we were left wondering if we was still living.  One of the things that is so beautiful in this country is the presence of old people.  They are out walking, working in their gardens, doing the shopping. Often these activities are on steep cobbled streets ...

​We hurry to get going this morning because we think the bike event starts in the main piazza early.  We arrive to see bikers queuing up and it is an astonishing site.  People in vintage clothes, antique cars and of course old bicycles.  I won’t say much more except I will share the photos on hope that you can get the feeling of the event.  I loved the team Titanic. But my favorite was the big sausages.  Note the sausage string on his bike.  The start was a spectacle.  All the bikers lined up and then the National anthem is played and everyone gave it their all and sang along.  It was so moving.   Then the rain seemed to be holding off so we decided to go for a ride out in the valley.  Then about ten k or so in we start getting passed by the antique bikers. For the second time on this trip we find ourselves in the middle of a bike race!    As we are going along a biker from Tuscany is stopped fixing a flat tire and asks if we h...

​Our dinner that night at Locanda Montigno was a delight as expected.  I had a risotto with saffron and porcini and Jim had a pasta with sausage, a huge plate of grilled meats followed along with vegetables and panna cotta for desert.  Also an appetizer of bruschette a half liter of the house wine.  We felt like the resident pagans as it was Friday night and everyone else in the restaurant was eating fish.  When we paid the bill the next day along with our hotel, we learned the dinner only cost $39.  Absurdly cheap, we left a ten euro note on the bed stand along with a note of thanks for a wonderful experience and we still felt guilty!  We learned that our hosts, Sylvia and Francesco bought this business a mere two months ago.  They came from Porta Recanti along the sea in Le Marche.  Sylvia’s grandmother was from Serravalle but they left to find work as there is little work opportunity in this village. Many people have left after earthquakes over...