The Only Tourists In Town- Cingoli to Ostra

​So after a mighty fine breakfast provided by our host Giocamo, we start a ride deep into new Le Marche territory.  There isn’t a lot to say about today but wow which probably escaped my lips twenty or so times today.  The riding although including some steep climbs which required some pushing and a lot of sweating on my part was just fantastic.  A lot of rolling hills and ridge top riding with swoon worthy views on both sides.

We made a small navigational error and deviated from the course but it took us through some spectacular vineyards that we would have missed without the mistake.  What the pictures don’t strongly show us that there were beautiful roses at the end of each row.  I have seen this many times and wondered why and upon searching several reasons are cited. The best one and most likely accurate one is they serve as the “canary in the mine” so to speak.  They show evidence of aphids and mildews before the vines do so the vine keepers can get ahead of it. Also they attract insects helpful for pollination.   Another reason was that back in the day, the horses used to till between the rows could smell the roses and know when to turn.  Another reason is they simply look gorgeous!  I like all the reasons!  

We pass through some lovely small towns and continued rolling hills with breathtaking views. 

We arrive in Ostra at our hotel and as we approach it, it looks kind of like no one is home.  Oh dear, I did the reservation on booking but maybe they are really closed for the season.  We have been feeling like the only tourists everywhere lately!  So I walk to the door of the reception office and well there is a key in the door so I turn it, it opens, I enter and no sign of life.  An old fashioned desk with big keys hanging on hooks behind it.  And yes, it seems as though every key in the hotel is present.  I look around and I see a note on the desk with a number to call. I call the number and do a really poor job with my Italian. The guy on the other end patiently listens to me slaughtering the language and says you can speak English if you want!   He arrives two minutes later and we settle into our room with a balcony with a view to the Adriatic and the surrounding countryside.  He makes us a reservation for their restaurant tonight which actually looks kind of amazing.  We are in this huge hotel completely alone!  The only tourists in town!  

Our view