A shorter and flatter -> flatter only by Tuscany standards <- 26km day promised a bit of respite today, and we made it into San Gimignano by noon. Still very hilly, but we are settling into a rhythm now and know what to expect of the mileage and terrain. As usual Kenton leads the way, and we had to send him ahead - father ahead than he usually is - to grab our rooms in San Gimignano before our hotel-monastery's reception closed (at noon!). Dad usually follows in Kenton's wake, speeding along not based on his climbing, but on the account of his fearless (crazy?) hill-descending. Nancy, Tim, and Liz form the core pack, consistently putting away the kilometres, Tim often stopping for pictures. I usually stay near the rear, since I'm needed to deal with any mechanical problems. Its a happy group.
San Gimignano is a very touristy town, an easy daytrip from either Florence or Siena, and prices around here reflect that. We were just getting used to "real Italy" when all of a sudden prices jumped 25-50%. Ah well, we are tourists too. Liz and I climbed one of the town's famous towers (see pic), great views all around. Tomorrow we ride to Siena.
from the top of the Torra Grossa, looking over San Gimignano
Tim and Nancy enjoying gelato and ice cream
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