Cycling the Sinis Peninsula

The adventure begins! Last night we got fitted with our bikes and tried to figure the gears out in the dark. Joe got off on the right foot! Got Andreas to adjust the seat and handlebars, and all of a sudden an older guy comes along and takes the bike. Joe had the wrong bike! Go figure!!! We tried to get away early but the hotel was slow in getting breakfast. We were anxious to get going! We finally hit the open road and got used to the bike. We began to feel a little more comfortable. Our first stop was the little town of Cabras. We stopped for a cappuccino at a little cafe at about 10 am. Some locals were already drinking beer! There was a motorcycle rally going on as well. Lots of bikes going through the little, narrow streets. Pretty loud! Onto Riola, then to Mari Ermi beach. It has quartz sand and we were not allowed to take any home. We followed a sandy road along the coastline. At times it got challenging as the bike tires got stuck in the sand. Not easy to pedal in! There was a lot of natural, protected habitat on the way, and no traffic. WHen we started it was quite overcast and about 25 degrees, pedalling into a head wind. As this was a loop we figured we would get a tailwimd to help us home. It didnt work out that way. The temperature climbed to 36 degrees with an ocean breeze, and we ended with another headwind for the last 8 km leg home. Then on to the ancient village of Tharros, which is an archeological site of ruins. The coast was pretty, with some beautiful beaches and secluded swimming spots. Then onto San Giovanni di Sinis where we thought we could buy groceries, but.... No paved roads and it looks like a ghost town. We did stop for a beer/wine with another couple before heading back to the hotel. We pedaled 52 kilometers that was relatively flat, with a moderate climb. The next two days are our toughest days, with tomorrow having a climb of about 1100 meters! We were given the option to be picked up and transported to the hotel and miss the climb, but we thought we would try it. May regret it tomorrow! Hopefully the hills in Kelowna have prepared us well. Today was a good introduction and so far so good! Very enjoyable!