Day 10 Villagrande to Castrocaro Terme 57 miles

John

“Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades”

Eddy Merckx

We listen at the morning briefing.

To see route click on link -  Interactive google map

This will open a new window where you can zoom in and also click on parts of overall route to view different days.

We'll leave our hilltop hotel in Villagrande to head off on a challenging day through the hills of Emilia-Romagna. 

The initial route will take on a return journey initially, including the breathtaking 800m (descent today), with fine views of the fortress at the top of San Leo.
 

Although shorter in length and climbs, many of the ascents will be steep including three significant 'hills' after the final brew stop.

Fran (in yellow) helps to repair Pete's (in red) puncture. Others watch on supportively.

Pete gets involved.

David, on one of many sweeping descents through some of the finest scenery.

Many craggy outcrops decorate our journey.

Towns, villages and roads are built high.

The cyclists are a bit 'demob happy' at the early stage of the day...

...but a prickly pear bares a metaphor for the afternoon.

In places the road surfaces are excellent and we whoosh along.

This is cycling country and we share the roads with many locals...

...and bees.

You have to work really hard to see these views. However, once up on the ridges, the scenery is spectacular.

An Italian sportive (sign posted and supported day cycle route) has been this way.

Brew stop by an old church embossed with coats of arms...

...in the village of Polenta.

This was a very small chapel

Fabulous helmet hair!

Our night in Castrocaro in the most splendid Art Deco hotel

Above, the very charming hotel manager chats to three acolytes.

Castrocaro is a thermal resort and our hotel is replete with it’s own thermal baths, massage and other treatments.

The hotel was built in 1938, a period of turmoil in Italy.

Despite the politics of the day, the interiors were spectacular - views of lobby in both directions.

Looking up the stairwell from the lobby - wonderful Art Deco curves

Very well deserved relaxation on the terrace after a tough day of climbs and descents.

Note name evoking the period!

The furniture was all dated from the period. Fabulous carpets, high ceilings, fixtures and fittings to evoke this bygone era.

Apologies whilst I indulge in the sumptuousness.

Please flick through if it's a chair too many.

Even the tiles outside had been carefully selected.

Pete said he was seriously worried when he saw me photographing the wall.