Trebbia to Trabiano

This third week of the Hannibal Epic tour from Barcelona to Roma is proving to be a bit more challenging than I had originally envisaged. Sure, the big Pyrenean and Alpine climbs are done and dusted but there are still plenty more short, sharp, you might even say nasty climbs on offer. 14% gradient -ouch!

We started out by crossing the Trebbia River. This was the site of the second punic war. There were some punchy climbs until we were rewarded with such at a small cafe. More castles along the route. That Duke of Piacenza and Parma owned a fair bit of real estate! Interesting to ride one's bike up through the entrance and into the central courtyard. With only 10km or so remaining for the day, and anticipating a bit of a climb to the finish, we decided to stop for gelato in front of the thermal baths at Salsomaggiore.

Of one thing I am fairly certain and that is Hannibal did not venture up and over every ridge he could find just so his troops could get a bit of extra exercise. I’m guessing he would have taken the easier option. Not so with Ride and Seek, but the reward for our extra effort is repaid in full when we find ourselves relaxing in the courtyard of some ancient castle that is to be our home for the night. 

Crossing the Trebbia: Mick, Libby, Aaron, Marilyn, Bernie, Emma, Steve, Chrissy, David and Harold

A snack at the day's high point: Jess takes a picture of me taking a picture 

Richard, Steve, Aaron and Jess

Mick and Harold enjoy a small plate of local cold cuts

The Ducal Castle: Castello di Vigoleno

You can ride right inside

Thermal baths at Salsomaggiore Terme

So, after today’s last taxing little climb to the top of a ridge Jess, our guide had a suitable reward. She had purchased a large chunk of fresh, local Reggio Parmigiana cheese - the real deal, so sweet and tangy and a plate of delectable local prosciutto. Perfect with a bottle of beer.

After a shower and little nap, I took the camera for a tour of the local area in anticipation of dinner. The meals have been, like the scenery, spectacular with wines from the local areas to match the food. I woful love to be able to get on a set of scales, but perhaps best not.

Our home for the night: the Castello Trabiano

Ditto

Perched on a hill it overlooks ploughed paddocks ready for wheat or lucerne. This is prime parma ham and parmesan cheese country. Very steep hillsides need a crawler tractor to work the fields.

and a beautiful sunset to finish the day

My urti is on the mend and so my time in luxurious quarantine may be at an end, but now Mick and Libby are now coming down with the same symptoms. Hopefully, with the aid of an easy day or two  they will make a speedy recovery. Today we descend from the foothills of the Appenines onto the plains, but still manage to eke out about 1200m climbing in 102km. Destination Regio Emilia.