Today was the first day day riding fully loaded and we certainly felt it. I think it’s the kilo of muesli we have to bring along for Tara’s daily breakfast (that’s not per day 😊).
We started to climb immediately toward Monreale, a suburb of Palermo, where another UNESCO site is located. The Cathedral there is a another example of the Arab Norman fusion, quite magnificent with gold tiling and mosaics filling every inch. I went in and had a look then sent George to do the same and take photos except he was refused entry due to his shorts. There were many others in shorts but not cycling shorts. For some reason the guard took exception to those (and not to the cutoffs on the teenage schoolgirls) but there’s no reasoning to be done with religious authority so no photos. Somehow I managed to get past them in.
After Monreale we carried on over a pass, more climbing, then a fun ride down to il mare. Unfortunately we had to stop and fix a flat, but I don’t think we’ve had one in two years and the weather was magnificent for the occasion. Non c’è male!
We cruised along the beach road mostly with a nice tailwind the last 15km to our b&b in Castellammare del Golfo. I have to say we got a fantastic reception upon arrival with cold beer and friendly enthusiastic hosts. A very nice supper down by the port and we’re in great shape for tomorrow.
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