15 May 2019: Assisi to Spello (Mileage: (12/132)

Today was essentially a rest day. We needed time to explore Assisi and get some repairs on my bike. Upon returning from California in March and April, I had planned to change my shift cables and musings. But upon a good cleaning, the shifting was perfect and my time was limited. But riding in rain and road grit for 5 hours over the Pennines, my shifting was terrible. I limped along for several more days, looking for a bike shop, which we located in Spello. All is now perfect, our short ride to Spello was dry, and we hope for the same tomorrow.

Perhaps the most frequent question is: How many miles is your tour? Or, How many miles per day? I have no idea. However, we do have to get to certain spots in certain days, so here is Christopher's plan. We arrive in Porto Ercole Sunday, May 19. Then Christopher will take a train north and I'll cycle toward the Rome Airport, down the west coast of Italy.


Assisi is an incredibly beautiful medieval city, so I have included many photos, perhaps too many. So, the captions are limited, just enjoy the sights.




Steps Everywhere. Umbrian villages/towns are not that accessible for anyone with limited mobility. I developed a small blister on my heal from the steep uphill passages, damp feet, and miles of walking. However, it's not a problem when riding, so I'll use a band-aid tomorrow. 


Saint Francis. Assisi was of interest to Christopher, as St. Francis is his favorite saint. Mine is my wife. (She is reading and editing this blog.)
.
Life Goes On in Mediaeval Cities. Perhaps for the wood-fired pizza oven?

Interesting double arch

Roman Temple of Minerva. Now corrected by the Roman Catholic Church.


Interior of Temple of Minerva

Public Laundry

Nuns off to work.

Dancing Kittens


Men's Shoes. You know, St. Francis and sandals.

Equal opportunity for the women.






Dog of the Day. 


Where Is juliette?


Basilica of St. Francis, the main attraction.


Cloisters, Basilica of St. Francis.


My illegal photo. Basilica of St. Francis.

Basilica of St. Francis.



Live Dog of the Day.

For all cat lovers.

Italian Design


Departing Assisi. That 3 mile mostly gradual climb up is about to be regained.

Arriving in Spello. Our routing was a long climb to the top of the old town, then a descent through the winding stone streets to our lodging.

At the top of the climb, just as we were about to enter Spello, we spotted a sign to the Roman aqueduct. While we tend to think of the spectacular elevated structures, most were built on the ground with an adjacent maintenance path (now popular for trekkers and mountain bikes.)






Lunch Break for those working in the olive orchards.

Olives to be.




Entering Spello. Upper gate.

Our Lodging

Lunch

While looking for the nearest bike store, Christopher's Google Maps took us to the electric bike store. Seems we couldn't find it because it was next door and closed, so this wine distributor directed us to the best shop in town. 


Mondo 2 Ruote di Vincenti Daniela. New shift cables, shift housings, and bar tape. Excellent and highly recommend this shop.


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