Safe Return Doubtful

89 km (55 miles) – Total so far: 711 km (442 miles)

One big climb today and got that done before the temperature got too high. It won’t be the same in the south and I reckon 60 – 70 km most days when it’s mid 30s by 13:00 hrs.

It was across the Apenines again from the Orcia valley through the Lucciola Bella National Reserve. These farmlands struggled 20 years ago, but now are thriving again through tourism, and particularly the discovery of a fossilised type of dolphin, from 4.5 million years ago.

Big downhill into Chiusi for lunch, and steady afternoon in the valley to Orvieta. What a great idea to put a funicular up to the town from the valley! At 2 euros and 15:45 hrs it had to be done! 150 metres! Actually, this is the original Funicular – invented by Franco Funicularo who was actually from Orvieto.

Part way through the afternoon I left Tuscany and now am in Umbria, albeit briefly!

Orvieto has one of the most dramatic situations of any city in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are defensive walls. The city is Etruscan and dates from 800 BC, when there was quite a large settlelment. In the Middle Ages it had an amazing 30,000 people. In the 13th century it’s was a Papal Residence, and that building remains. Photos later! My brother tells me the wine, and balsamic vinegar are fantastic also. It is itself, situated on a volcano.

No off- road today. Max speed of 54.7 km/hr, Moving average 16.4 km/hr, Total ride time 4 hrs 58 mins. Elevation now 351 meters in Orvieto.

Fortunately, I turned left here – the road passes through the hilltop village as indeed it regularly does.

Great situation for a tremendous cafe – restaurant, at 580 metres asl, the road went up only to 640 so this was a welcome stop – looking down on the Val d’Orcia.

Back in the High Life Again, at 640 meters asl.
Italy is the only European country with active volcanoes, and the 3 are well know, Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius. 3 are in what’s called in technical terms, a “dubious state”. In the background is Larderello, which last erupted in 1282.

William Turner’s famous painting, which is in the Tate.