We slept well after yesterday's workout. I believe we were in bed by 10:00 PM and didn't rise until well after 8:30 AM, eating breakfast at 9:30 and departing after 10:30. Today would be much easier than yesterday and not nearly as far, only 40 miles or so.
We descended through many villages, and RWGPS routed us through some shortcuts where the main road would have sufficed. In some cases the grade was 20%, fortunately down! The main line, however, was more reasonable and akin to our climb yesterday.
We eventually bottomed out into the valley but had to traverse a mountain gorge and pass to avoid a tunnel and reach the next valley where Benevento was situated.
So it wasn't really all downhill. This was a nice climb and descent through a mountain gorge.
Posing in front of the grape fields. The farmer's house across the street was fabulous, and you could hear them preparing lunch. I so wanted to be invited in! Didn't happen!
Riding into Benevento was easy even though it is a major city. Our route took us along a service road that paralleled the main highway and then secondary roads into the town center. The only drawback was the cobblestones and large, uneven pavers, which make the cycling jarring. We stayed at a very nice hotel on the edge of the cèntro and were warmly welcomed by the staff, who recommended an excellent restaurant!
