The bike tour

So when we were planning our trips, Mary suggested we go on a Tuscany bike tour when in Florence.  I persuaded to of my friends, Cristina and Rosa, to come along.  It was amazing. After running, for our warm up, to get to the place we took about 45 minute van ride to a castle.  We toured the castles wine and olive oil production areas and climbed to the top to an amazing view.  Pictures really can't capture how breathtaking it was.  We then tasted wine, olive oil and a little dessert pizza.  I bought a small bottle of olive oil and a bottle of wine.  We were then fitted for our bikes.  Each bike had a name.  My was Obama, Cristina's was yo mama, Rosa - Ace Ventura.  Our professor, Dr. Rosado decided to join us and got P Diddy.  It was a pretty good size group and we had a lot of fun.  The beginning of the ride was down hill and I've decided I really like downhill versus flat or a little hilly because the rest of the ride was flat or hilly.  We stopped for lunch at a little place and I had pesto pasta.  It was delicious.  After lunch was very difficult for me and I'm grateful my professor was behind me for motivation.  Towards the end of the ride there is an enormous hill and they recommend getting in the van for it.  So we did.  Everyone who attempted it either ended up walking or getting in the van.  The last part was downhill and up to the castle.  The views were magnificent and I'm so proud of us for making it 13 miles.  We then went back and rested and then had dinner.  Our hotel was in a very nice plaza so we went out there and had a the bottle of wine I bought.  Unlike at home, you have alcohol just about anywhere.

have finished 1/4 of the ride

our group

I'm ready to go

ready to ride... at the top of the castle

wine barrels!!!

really old barrels

the view

before the tour and biking