Two weeks down and two to go: A proper REST day

Yesterday's stage from the Castello Rosso at Coligliole di Saluzza to Alba was another beautiful ride. Short at just 85km and very scenic through completely different countryside to what we had previously seen. Out of the hills and onto the fertile plains where there are vast cornfields, orchards and vineyards. Away to our right is the imposing rim of mountains we have already traversed. They look very impressive - even mores knowing we have conquered them and don't need to go back that way. This is Piedmont - the foot of the mountains.

Remember the beautiful empty courtyard of the Castello Rosso? What a difference a day makes!

Stopped for coffee at a roadside cafe then lunch at a restaurant in a beautiful cobbled street town called Montforte, one of the eleven towns which are able to add the "DOCG" certification to their Barolo wines. Lunch was plin ravioli, hand made and stuffed with delicious zucchini. After that we were offered the chance to either do wine tasting a Barolo Castle or an extra 40km loop around Alba.

Richard, Chrissy and Johno enjoying lunch at Montfort

I found myself asking "Would Hannibal do the extra loop or go wine tasting?" No brainer really. Off to the castle we went. Slick presentation about the area and the wines followed by a pay per glass tasting. I must admit the wines were not to my taste although some of the others were more effusive in their praises. I considered it money well spent on learning what not to buy in future.

Tim cycles through the vineyards with the town of Barolo in the background

Barolo without any distractions

Try parking your bikes inside an Aussie cellar door
Marilyn (could be Pat Kline's doppelgänger), Dylan (Mr Rise & Seek), Chrissy, me and Bradley Wiggins

Another view of the countryside surrounding Alba - just because it's so beautiful.

Last night in Alba we managed to find a laundromat (not easy in some Italian towns apparently) and get lots of washing done. This was followed by a beers, a calzone and of course a gelato. The gelato was sensational. With nothing to do today but wander around enjoying and photographing the sights there's a chance my previous record of three gelati in one day (2004, Corregio, with Sue and Robbie) could be under serious threat.

Quite a few of the other riders are shipping out today and so we are in the process of saying goodbyes.

More from Alba later...