I must start today’s entry by saying that I didn’t believe myself yesterday when I said we might need to reconsider how challenging the hills would be on Sardinia. Yesterday’s hills were the antipasti course. We found the hills today and I can say they were the primi, the scondi, the contorni and dolci all rolled together.
We rode over the Genna Silana Pass at 1017m, after a 36km climb. Over the years we have ridden some long climbs but this one might just be the longest. All told, we climbed almost 1700m today. The weather cooperated beautifully and we were never too hot or too cold, nor did we get battered by the wind. There were so many incredible things to see today, I will tell the story mostly in photos.
First off, a couple of doll pictures from our B&B. The B&B owner makes these using traditional Sardinian fibers, laces and objects. There must have been almost 50 different dolls on display throughout the B&B. She is working on a website so she can sell them outside of her small town.
Nearby Bari Sardo is the coastal community of Arbatax, a thriving tourist centre with a gorgeous beach, plenty of touristy services and a protected harbour with ferry services to the mainland as well as other islands. We headed there first thing to check it out.
At the Arbatax harbour, looking towards today’s route.
The condition of the SS125 was excellent. Many twisties and curves made it a popular route with motorcycle riders. Not so much fun for cars, campers, and busses though.
I spotted this Cytinus ruber at one of my rest spots. I actually thought it might be a piece of litter, but on closer inspection I discovered this amazing plant. Had to google it of course. This plant is parasitic on the rock rose which was growing everywhere in the alpine region.
We had a short rest at our B&B, got cleaned up and headed out for an early 6:30 dinner at a fantastic pizzeria. We shared an ensalata mista, a pizza with mozza, mushrooms and sausage, and then a tiramisu. Of course, we were so hungry there are no pics of this memorable meal.
Today's ride: 84 km (52 miles) Total: 267 km (166 miles)
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Anne AnastasiouStill loving following your trip. It's great to get good weather and you can see where you are going and where you have been! So glad the weather is good for you. Those dolls are amazing! Great photos you guys. It is really capturing the feel. I'm getting itchy feet looking at your blog and thinking about our upcoming walk. It's so great to be out there enjoying all the sounds, smells and little details that you don't see from a car. Happy cycling. Love, Anne Reply to this comment 4 years ago
Scott AndersonI almost said something when you complained about the lack of hills, in Sardinia, but was confident you’d change your tune soon. This looks like a great ride, one we’d like to try some day. When we visited the island we just went up the west coast. Reply to this comment 4 years ago
