A “rest” day…aka Josh does extra credit.

We woke up in Fladnitz this morning to a gorgeous view with the fog settled over the village below. After a wonderful breakfast, we headed out with about half of the riders for a big group ride. Most days we will ride on our own, or with another couple, but since today was a “rest day”, we were all heading out for an easy spin…which turned into 36 miles and 4k’ gain. Not long, but plenty of steep, punchy climbs. We toured through rolling farmland, forest roads, and little villages. Samantha, I got a special photo from one of those villages just for you.

Josh and 2 others were a little bit ahead and took a wrong turn down a steep descent for a mile or so before they realized no one was behind them. We decided to carry on without them, because they had maps and could find their way back. But they turned around, pushed it and finally caught us as we reached the top of the big climb of the day, which wasn’t exactly restful for any of us, but especially for those 3 racing to catch up.

By the end of the ride, the temperatures were heating up and ice cream was a must. We shared 3 flavors and washed it down with a couple pastries and called it lunch. Yep, this is why we ride. The afternoon was spent washing clothes in the sink and doing some school reading for me, and work for Josh, out on the patio with some cold beverages.

Just in case you were worried we were going hungry over here, dinner tonight consisted of an amazing salad bar, cream of rocket and garlic soup with croutons, Chantarelles Stew with dumplings, and tiramisu, plus all the pasta, bread, and potatoes you could stuff into your belly.  Tomorrow we are back on the road for another big day as we continue on towards Venice.