Locorotondo to Manduria

November 14, 2024

Sadly we left Locorotondo in a drizzle this morning that was also an on and off rain until noon. Since did a some dirt road riding where we got pretty dirty today and I added to the problem when I had a fall. We were riding an 8km section of crushed stone of the Apulian aqueduct cycle pathway. I look just like the GG at home but the thin layer of stone is sitting on wet, slippery stones. Despite making only a gentle movement the bike went right out from under me before I knew it, and I hit the deck. I have been moaning all week about not having my clip in shoes and pedals but in this case it was a good thing. The bike and I separated which prevented the fall from being much worse since these bikes must weigh 60lbs. I have a few bumps and bruises now and I am sure there will be more tomorrow but I am ok and will continue to ride.

As for scenery it wasn’t the best today and the weather didn’t help. The first town that we passed through was Celine Messapica. It is an ancient town founded by the messapian people who were here before either the Greeks or Romans. We also passed through Francavilla Fontana known for its basilica. Lastly we reached Manduria where we stopped for lunch. After lunch we rode through serious Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) wine country before reaching our accommodation. We are staying at the Messaria Curtiri which is an old farm complex that has been turned into a winery, a restaurant and accommodation. We are staying in the original farmhouse that is older than Canada. They also have several separate suites. This type of accommodations is all over this region. This place is still a working winery and olive producer and the property is massive, over 1 square mile large. We have 2 nights here and we are complaining.