Vineyard BBQ: Active recovery ride

September 13, 2017

Several of us opted to ride the Pamorama group today which is supposed to average 18-20kph rather than 20-22kph plus have less hills and a shorter distance. It was indeed a pretty easy ride with only one good climb of 4km at 4-5%. The main focus of today was the visit to a vineyard for an amazing lunch of fresh pasta, a whole cooked pig, sausage, salad and wine of course. You could pick grapes, listen to music and even get up and dance if you wanted. At the end of the lunch there was an opportunity to try out the old fashioned way of stomping grapes. Thankfully the ride back from lunch was an easy downhill 18km.,

Patti and Carol modelling their new kit.

The local countryside with San Marino to the left looming in the distance. This is tomorrow's destination.

We visited Montefiore (flower mountain) and its castle today. Ham and Patti down below the parapets.

Local watermelons as I remember them as a kid.

Marina's mother dancing at lunch today with a staff member.

Paulo and one of the women who helped with the meal now entertaining us. She taught the gnocchi making class and is known for her fresh pasta.

A giant pan of fresh mushroom pasta fresh truffles were added at serving.

Marina with her two dogs. Fiona the very loyal shepherd who is 13 and April the 8 month old puppy. Guess which one is in the pool.

Serving mushroom pasta and fresh truffles. No expense is spared for the guest to enjoy their experience.

April leaping into the water to play with Carol watching. We all miss our dogs back home.

Dancing to Mama Mia with Steffi and the unknown woman who loves to party. Since I turn 65 tomorrow I figure that I can start my second childhood now.

Hilary also participating, if our troops could see us now.

Marina and the guides stomping grapes the old fashioned way.

Hilary and Christopher showing off their lack of technique. Christopher wore the wrong shirt for stomping red grapes.

Resting and enjoying a pre-lunch glass of bubbly (fizzante) white wine.

Today's ride: 56 km (35 miles)
Total: 679 km (422 miles)

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