Heven

View of Torri from Albisano

Today was going to be a usual ride. A couple of cool hours around the vineyard. This morning, however, I was running ahead of schedule and the weather was nice and cool for a summer morning. With nothing better to do, I chose to leave early and get in a nice casual ride. I could not have made a better decision. I rolled out my place and I rolled right through up to Main wine Street. I was in no hurry as I rolled along, pedaling the 38x15 a moderate cadence. What a pleasure smelling the mature grape perfume in the early raised sun. The legs today didn’t turn as usual, but it will be the nice temperature, the perfume, I’ve decided to go for a lake and Valpolicella hills tour. A classic tour that present a long climb with breath taking lake view and one of the most beautiful climb through the vineyard.  Torri Albisano presented a good challenge as it rose upwards. I too rose sometime out of the saddle and pushed my way up the steep climb with a gentle rocking motion. After a couple of “Tornanti”, the lake became visible. The soft morning light bathing the century old “Cipressi” in a warm glow. 

Torri - Albisano

I rode it  in 25 minutes in this little slice of heaven without a single car passing me in either direction. After the long eat and drink way back to the Valpolicella I have decided for the “Pendola” another good challenge when you rose it after 60km.

Pendola

It’s not a long way to the crest but the way to the top  it’s about 5 km. I was feeling really good and hammering up hills in the big ring. The last 2 weeks have been a holyday period (no cycling) with my family. So I’ve been surprised about my performance. Back home my Polar says about 80km  in 2h45 something more of the 2 hours scheduled at the departure, but the wheatear, the temperature, the grape perfume was so good to go back. All good things must come to an end. Still, this morning ride was the type of ride that reminds you of the pure joy of cycling. No intervals. No competition. No guilt for riding comfortably. Simply, a great morning.

I hope to share this and other wonderful tour soon with you.