Radicofani to Bolsena

August 29, 2023

The weather forecast for today was horrible with lots of rain but fortunately the reality was not that bad. We did have rain this morning so the guides had to quickly adjust the plan for breakfast because we were supposed to be outside. The rain stopped long enough and the fog cleared so that we could visit the fortress above Radicofani. We had some rain before lunch but not enough to make me put on a jacket. While enjoying a picnic lunch the skies opened but we were under cover. We left the lunch stop in a good rain but we only had about 30 n

Nmin of rain and then the sun came out and it warmed up. We had some good ups and downs again today with more dirty roads. Some of the dirt roads were actually fairly difficult for those who had never done any mountain biking.

The castle has an interesting past. The castle was built in the 9th century but in the 13th century it was occupied by a man called Ghino di Tacco and Italian Robin Hood. He would watch the valley for wealthy travels on Via Francigena and then he would rob them of their clothes and possessions. He would send them on their way only wrapped in a blanket. Somewhere along the way he saw the error of his was and got religion which when trying to be a peacemaker caused his death. The castle fell into disrepair in the 1700s but was restored by the government in the 1980s.

We left Tuscany and crossed into Lazio the province in which Rome is located. We are now in Bolsena which is on a lake that was once a volcanic crater.

Alessandro the chief guide giving his morning brief. He is a very good guide who loves to tell stories about his country.

The fortress that we visited before we truly started our ride. It is 1000m above sea level at the top.

A view of the Val d’ Orcia and the route we rode (red lines)

Radicofani from the fortress and through the fog this morning.

Along the way we came across a herd of sheep or pecorino cheese on the hoof

A view of the lake as we approach Bolsena

My dinner of pappardelle with wild boar ragu, a mixed salad and a wonderful red wine from Montepulicano.

Today's ride: 59 km (37 miles)
Total: 197 km (122 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	3
Comment on this entry	Comment	0