The Roads Less Traveled- Montefortino to Sarnano

​We just concluded one of our finest bnb stays of the trip at the B&B Terra di Marca.  The hostesses were out of town so the father of the two sisters running the place had to greet us last night.  According to one of the daughters we chatted with the next day, he was so nervous because he speaks no English. It is a good reminder that both sides have to struggle a bit.  But despite his fears, we were able to communicate pretty well. The fact that I could understand him I think set him at ease and he even took us to the floor below our lodging which they are converting to a small restaurant and store to sell local products to show us what he is doing.  He was very sweet and welcoming.  

I think their restaurant conversion is brilliant because for the first time we lost the struggle for food.  Earlier we had eaten a couple of pieces of not so good pizza with our apertivi when we got to town. Good thing we did that because that was it.  No more food to be had.  We knew there were two restaurants so we waited until the opening time after 7:30 and ventured out.  Both closed.  We were saved by some liquirizia that we had to help dull the hunger pains and help us get to sleep with somewhat hungry bellies.  

Anyway, the bnb was very nice.  Laid out with everything you might need in a sparking clean small space.  Windows at both ends to let the cool breeze waft through. Another view to behold.


The next morning we were greeted by sister numero uno who delivered a very satisfying breakfast with locally made yoghurt and jams and their homemade breakfast cake. We chatted with her for a bit.  She told us her father was in constant communication with her the day before  to properly write messages to us in English!   We went down to the room below under conversion where our bikes were stored overnight and Papà was there with daughter numero due. 

  We talked with them both for quite a long time- their stories and ours.  It was wonderful.  We didn’t want to leave our new friends. 


The day ahead was full relaxation in concept.  Only about 20 k to our destination of Sarnano because we could not find any lodging in San Ginesio which was further down the road.  But it was nice knowing we could lallygag all we wanted and that is what we did. However I think the first climb of the day was the steepest pitch for the longest stretch of the whole trip.  A k or two of 20 percentish.  I pushed the bulk of that. Then it was joyous rolling hills the rest of the trip 

Amandola was just up the road and we took a leisurely break here at a bar where we each got a cappuccino and some extraordinary pastries.  Total bill $5.00.  Geesh, you actually feel guilty it is so cheap.  The historic center was small but elegant.  




The variety of the day was riding on some strade bianche-Italy’s white gravel roads.  



Then our destination is in site. Sarnano. Upon arrival much to our surprise we managed to meet our average climb ratio of over 100 feet per mile. Even on the shortest day!  Our highest to date was 185 to one mile.  That was a tough one!


We are too early to check in so some pizza sounds like a good way to pass some time. 


Checked into our bnb which has a deluxe bike garage with bike stands and repair tools.  This is the second time on our trip we have come across this biker specific accommodation.   

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