(the greatest day ever for British cycling) – 60 km (37 miles) – Total so far: 402 km (250 miles)
| ⏮ | ◀ | ▶ | ⏭ | 10/34 |  | Rating: (0) |
Un Giro D’Italia – supera superiora sequi – (in English…)
By Andy Weston
Day 5: Vignola to Gaggio Montana – (the greatest day ever for British cycling)
Sunday July 22, 2012, 60 km (37 miles) – Total so far: 402 km (250 miles)
| Rating: (0)The greatest day ever in the history of British cycling – in tribute to Bradley Wiggins! |
Sunday morning and I’m between pelotons of hundreds of Italian cyclists in the full Lycra. It’s a very macho sport still. Most wear no helmet and don’t carry water, simply stop at cafes on route for a cigarette and a brandy. No man bags here, just the Marlboro stuffed in the back of the shirt. The early days of the Giro d’Italia was even more macho – they would start stages in the early hours of the morning and ride stages like 350 km, no support anywhere.
A woman once entered the Giro in the 20’s but her effort was a solo one and short-lived. It was 1988 until female versions of the Giro and the Tour de France were started. The Grand Boucle (Tour de France) was discontinued in 2009, but the Giro Donne is the biggest event in women’s cycling. Had you ever heard of it? There are few sports with such male dominance; participation and media interest (linked of course).
I am asked nightly how far I have ridden, and always fail to impress. No Lycra either. Even with my large rack and knobbly tyres.
I’m in the mountains of the Appennines now and much cooler. Partly cloudy and quite windy today. Two immediate differences noted; passing riders (of which that is most) say good day and often more, this never happened on the plains, and cafes take an age to serve you – no hurry here. I think these traits are noted across the world, mountains bring a certain civility and decorum, and outside of the cities there is a new degree of lethargy, which probably won’t help in these austere times.
300 metre downhill over 7 kilometres into Gaggio Montana, and I’m staying at a “pensione” sandwiched between rest homes, quite fitting.
Its a pretty sleepy place but the best restaurant so far – taking over from lunch in Modena – cheeses of the locality, salami of the fields, sausage of the forest- choices of Belgian red or German Weiss beer – excellent service and cheap – not seen an English person here yet – so few venture of the well trodden tourist track.
45.5 km/hr max speed top so far 11.8 km/hr moving average 1220 metres ascent (currently at 601 metres) high point 895 metres Left 9:45 hrs, arrived 16:10 hrs. Lunch at zocco 12:15 – 13:00 hrs. 30 minutes at Castel D’aiano. Ride time 5 hrs.
Starting to climb into the Apennines – Vignola in view below,, from 120 metres asl to 895 later in the afternoon
Village of Zocca for lunch – lots of bikers, motorised and pedal, 420 metres asl.
Another view of Zocca – spot the guy trying to wake up the dead parrot.
Why do you want to display that you are addicted to gin and tonic? Honestly – some people, as Partridge would say.
Clock Tower of Castel D’aiano at 800 metres asl – lazy Sunday afternoon.
Fast 10 km downhill to Gaggio Montana at 601 metres asl for overnight.
Safe Return Doubtful 
Leave a comment