Tivoli to Avezzano

September 11, 2015

Today would be our first big climbing day. There will be lots of climbing on this trip, most of it in the first half. So today would be our first opportunity to stretch our legs and get some scenery in.

We had a delightful breakfast on the terrace with a couple who were auto-touring from Scotland. It was a bit chilly and overcast but promised to warm up. Mark and I are still working on our morning routine. I like to start by 10:00 AM, but he is more inclined to a later hour, particularly if the ride is short. Today was only 51 miles and about 3800 feet of climbing, so in relative terms, we could linger a bit.

Today's ride to Avezzano

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Ultimately we pushed off at about 10:30 and made our way east and out of town. Tivoli was much bigger than I recalled and also very congested. We soon crossed the river Aniene and started the climb into the mountains. It was a very slight grade initially and more traffic than I recall from my last trip down this road, but eventually it dissipated and the scenery became more rural, with occasional villages visible atop near and distant hills.

A view of one of the many villages perched on nearby hills and mountaintops.

We had two major climbs today. The first up to Carsoli and the second to Pietrasecca. The first could be broken down even further since there is a convenient stop in Arsoli before the climbing gets a bit tougher and there are switchbacks that get you to the plain that Carsoli sits on.

The climbing was relatively easy; however, there was a certain truck type that kept passing us that was a little unnerving. I later saw there was a cement plant at the top of the climb, and these trucks were either delivering or taking away — not sure which!

A cement truck descending from Arsoli, one of the challenges of today's ride.

In Arsoli, we stopped for lunch in the town square. Delicious and good carbs for the big climb up the switchback.

Mark's arrival in Arsoli. (I am in the reflection).

Lunch at Arasolis Caffè. These were hearty sandwiches!

After the climb, we crossed the plain and passed through Carsoli (hoping to exchange money, but unsuccessful) and then continued the climb towards Pietrasecca. There is a beautiful view from this peak, which includes the village of Pietrasecca perched on the edge of a cliff.

The climb up to Pietrasecca. Mark is in the far distance (in black — possibly a poor color choice!).

We then biked across the pass and laid eyes on the descent to Avezzano.

The view before the descent to Avezzano. You can see the Autostrada to the left. We are on the older road through the pass.

Another view a little further down on the descent.

That was a sweet descent. After you clear the bottom of the mountains, there is not much to be said for the approach to Avezzano, a major town in a valley surrounded by mountains. We arrived at our B&B, Casina dei Marsi, without incident, rested a bit, and went out for dinner. We had a very good meal and even made some new friends!

Friends made over dinner at Ristorante Primopiano.

Today's ride: 52 miles (84 km)
Total: 75 miles (121 km)

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