Get off the Couch!

Scenes to Sienna

The long road to Sienna was full of lush fields and quaint buildings.

Me towing a few guys on the long straights to get there a little quicker.  It's hard to get pics of myself when I am the one with the camera all the time, so here is one of about two. 

Inside the main walls of the city, riding on the old pave' of the city if fun.

Group shot in front of our lunch spot and then we head back to Loppiano for a round trip of 100 miles for the day. 

Food, Fun and a meeting of the Minds!

We would start each day by riding down the hill to Cafe Baby- funny name of a cafe.  We would meet the Italian crew that would lead us on a new adventure every day.  The guys were always a kick to be around, full of life and laughs.

Our Italian friends would normally do an outdoor grill day for us but the rain kept it from happening, instead they decided to bring it to us at an outdoor covered tent area near Cafe Baby.  The food was amazing, including wild boar and rabbit.  We all left stuffed to the max and ready for a nap.

And of course we always had time for a few gut busting laughs:)

Two of my very best friends fighting it out on a climb, Steve and Greg, I think Steve may be able to take the climb but Greg will take the WWF hits. 

Fighting the Good Fight!

I wanted to give these guys (Joe above and Ken below) a huge Kudos for doing the camp with big smiles alllllll the time and gutting out some really tough climbs, mind you that both of them are recent cancer survivors. It was a pleasure for me to get to know them.  Great job Guys!

This one is for Michelle

The landscape this trip was in full bloom with lots of green and plenty of flowers.

This was a private house that I saw on a mph descent, I hit the brakes and took a shot just for my wife, I knew she would like it. 

We visited this artist studio, this is where it all started for Greg when he worked for this guy one summer as an apprentice and met all the Italian friends that we now visit.  His art is in high demand all over Europe.

Epic Ghisallo ride!

A nice lap around Lago D'iseo the day before the Ghisallo day.

Like my cycling shoes for the big climb day?  Not the way I wanted to do the Ghisallo.  I still made it up in second place. 
Switch backs on the Ghisallo.   It was easier doing it the second time and knowing what to expect.  There are sections that seem like they  never are going to let up. 

Lago D'Iseo Round 2

A quick stop at the De Rosa factory before the ride for the day.

Easter in Jersey

I am now in Jersey and we enjoyed an Easter dinner with Greg and his fam. and Steve Zoumaras our friend from S.D.  Steve had a bad crash this winter and broke his back, clavicle, and hip in three places so it is a miracle to have him on this trip.  We will be going for a short ride in the a.m. and then head to the airport for Milano, Italia.  More to come....

CIAO!

Taking off for Italia via Newark, NJ.  This trip will be shorter and with a new group of guys.  It should be equally as fun and I look forward to meeting a few new riders and seeing some old friends as well.  My buddy Steve Zoumaras will be joining us on this trip, no doubt he will help make it a gas.  More to come......