The Little Venice of Umbria - day ride from Foligno to Rasiglia and back

​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 and always uneven surfaces.  It is no wonder they are so healthy and long lived.  

So following the route our old acquaintance gave us years ago we end up at the base of the steep climb to a town called, Pale. From here we get on a hiking trail which basically goes straight up the mountainside.  So about a k push up.  There are several waterfalls along the route 



From Pale it is about a 10 k ride passing throughout lovely countryside.  Rasiglia is as enchanting as always.  



It is really an open air museum.







So the rain is still cooperating and we head back taking a different route which was going to involve some more climbing and some gravel.  Before we got to the gravel, we ran across this interesting collection in someone’s yard!




A lot going on there!  Then we start up the gravel road and once again we find ourselves in the middle of an event.  This time it is a motorcycle race!   Jim found it interesting.  Me not so much.  Fortunately they were coming from behind us and they seemed pretty spaced out. 


Then the top and the reward was a downhill run all the way to Foligno and some beautiful views of the valleys below. 



Then back home to Foligno. 

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