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Riding Day 6 |
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Alba Even though we stayed at the same hotel, we got to ride around the “Alba” area and we ate dinner in the town of Alba. The riding in this area is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, as it relates to “wine country”. I’ve ridden through most of Napa Valley in the US – nice, but it doesn’t shine a candle to this place. While I’ve also never riden through Tuscany, others who have (and who are on this trip), say that this is more magnificent. I’ve tried to capture a lot of it on film or still photo, but I’m fairly certain it will not capture the “feel” of this beauty. We had two special “excursions” today. We got a personal tour of the only “Wine Museum” in Italy by __________ - a living legend in Italy for his knowledge of wine, his writing about wine and food, and his historical knowledge on the subject. In fact, the museum itself is his own private enterprise (not government sponsored or financed). While I have known for a while that wine is a much more than just “something to drink”, the degree to which it defines a life philosophy or “way of life” was really crystalized with this visit – especially as I take into account all that I have seen and experienced so far on this trip, which centers on this very subject. It’s hard to put into words what I’m trying to express, but those that love wine and all that surrounds it will understand. In fact, the “Slow Food” movement that started about 20 or more years ago has become the perfect “marriage” with the whole “culture of wine” that has been a part of life for many Italians for some time. In fact, you might say that this specific bike trip offered by Ciclismo is a chance for a “fast paced American” to experience the “other side of life”. The second excursion was with a man and his dog hunting truffles. This is another one of those things that some people are very passionate about, and which I find of little interest. It was fascinating, the man and his dog were really interesting and fun to be with for this demonstration, but I don’t think I’ll be wasting much time or money looking for truffles – the taste just doesn’t lure me in. Nevertheless, it is this type of interesting diversion that keeps Ciclismo Classico a very special company. They always do what they can to help their guests experience the “REAL” culture of the places they visit. We rode about 43 miles today, with only a few significant climbs. The riding is so “spread out” between all the activities, it hardly seems like we are riding at all. It’s all good! |