We woke up facing our last full day on the bike. After feeling off yesterday, Ken was back to his perky self and we were both ready for some cool biking. We also woke to birds chirping and beautiful blue skies. Not only will I miss the Tuscan scenery, food and wine, but I will also miss having our windows open at night and waking up to the birds (and not the freeway).  
 
After breakfast, we got the route rap and found that we had a fairly long day ahead of us, but with lots of stops. The first route is 61km's, with alternate routes that add to the km count from there. I was good with the 61k, and we were told that there was one steep climb of about 4k and the van would be there for a boost, which both Ken and I decided to take. The morning was spectacular, although I have to admit that every day (except for the quick shower at the Abbey) has been beautiful.  There were many times that we could see rain in the nearby hills, but it was either right behind or in front of us all week. We credited Lynn and Eduordo for ordering the weather!
 
The scenery today was still the rolling hills, but very different...lots more forest, then vineyards hugging the steep hills. We were in Chianti and I loved seeing the tractors out working the vineyards, and riding through the very small villages where Italian grandmas were hanging laundry out the windows. As I was going past the locals, I would smile and say "buongiorno!" which would get a smile and a "buongiorno!" back.   I am sure they are used to the bikers rolling past, but I am not used to seeing them, so wanted to say hi!
 
We made it to the van checkpoint where Ken, Lauren and I took the boost up, then hopped back on the bikes for the next leg to Radda, the center of Chianti. The ride was great and we parked the bikes in a small park with a few stands selling fruit. We walked into the small town and were treated some wonderful espresso by Edoardo at a little cafe. Lynn had introduced us to a "shaken coffee", which is espresso, shaken over ice, which causes a foam and then poured into a martini or wine glass. Not only does it look cool, it tastes great and refreshing!
 
 There was shop selling some cool bike jersey's and Ken couldn't help but pick up another with the  "wild boar" a symbol of the area on the back. We are getting quite a collection of jerseys! Back on the bikes, we had some nice hills before getting to where lunch was served. I know I am being redundant, but once again the location was a beautiful villa with amazing views. We enjoyed a buffet lunch on a patio and Ken got in a small rest under the trees.   
 
Our next leg was a short 5k, to the small village of Castellini, which had (of course) awesome gelato. I also found a pink Giro d'Italia jersey, which I had buy! The Giro is the Italian version of the Tour d'France, which had just passed through a couple of our routes a few weeks ago.  
 
The next part of our ride was 6.2k's downhill. Now, I am not a great downhiller as I get a bit nervous at the speed...so, I am on my brakes, especially on the steeper portions. Nevertheless, I was ready to go and once again, bringing up the rear. I made it down and then we had a 3.7k through the valley, before doing another 3k climb.  
 
On our first day, Lynn taught me about "false flats", which is where it looks like the road it flat or even a bit downhill, when in fact it is going up. It is the weirdest thing. During the valley ride, it was a lot of false flats and I found myself not going as fast as expected. In addition, earlier in the day, my knee had started to act up, so by the time I hit the hill, I was feeling spent. I made it up the climb, and was thrilled to see Russell with the van at the top. Even though I was within 2k of the end of the 61k ride, I decided I was done for the day.
 
The last stop was at a ceramic store, where the rest of the group was resting and shopping. Ken had decided to continue the next 27k to the hotel, so while he sped off with some of the others, I did some ceramic shopping. The patterns on the plates, platters and jugs were really cool, and it was hard to decide which ones to get. Prior to leaving, Ken gave some good guidance so that helped in making decisions!
 
Back at the hotel, I iced my knee which was really letting me know how unhappy it was...oh well, it had lasted all week, so that was what mattered. Ken and the others rolled in and all reports were the last part of the ride was great. All of the espresso had obviously fueled Ken as he was feeling good, even after almost 90k for the day.
 
That evening was a farewell dinner on the patio, with the sunset overlooking the vineyards. It was hard to believe it was our last night, and once again it was great food, wine and even better camaraderie with our wonderful tour mates.