Day 15: Montella to Agropoli

87 km (54 miles) – Total so far: 998 km (620 miles)

This morning was the best riding of the tour so far; the climb up to the pass, and the road through Acerno to Montecorvino Rovella. The scenery was spectacular, steep forested hills, and the trees gave enough shade so as not to be tested too much by the heat. Ups and downs until Montecorvino of course, in all 783 metres of ascent, an then the huge downhill.

Speaking to a woman when buying water this morning, she said the place (Montella) was miserable, as there was no work, it had been badly hit by the recession. Tourism could thrive here. It’s perfect 8 months a year for walking and road /mountain biking. Food and wine are excellent. Especially if the place had a “spring clean” from litter.

To balance, the 20 km or so this afternoon on the road from Battipaglia to the coast was the most unpleasant rising so far. The traffic are extremely considerate, but the temperature soared and there is little shade, and a large amount of garbage tossed from car windows to the verge to avoid, both for inconvenience sake as well as nasally.

1st August signifies high season here, so a new challenge, especially on the coast here; to avoid the busy beaches. Few problems tonight, this place is quiet, and the plan for the next couple of days is riding through the Marine Reserve or National Park of Castellabate, fortunately not know for its crowded beaches.

12 km off road on the way downhill today, very dusty. 86.6 km Left at 10:10 hrs, arrived at 16:00 hrs. Max speed 41.9 km (lots of hairpins coming down) Moving time 4hrs 58 mins, Moving average 17.3 km/hr, Elevation here is about 2 metres asl.