Sicily Cycle Trip, Scicli Loop, Day 16

Today was Rich's birthday (true to form, I hadn't initially remembered) and when we came down to breakfast this morning, our tour leaders, Jill and Tony, immediately wished him a happy birthday (which of course, belatedly jogged my memory). Then, when we met to review the day's ride and get our bikes ready to go, they had strategically hidden his bike on top of the one turrets so he had to search for it before he could ride. Tony also led us in the Italian version of Happy Birthday.

Once we retrieved Rich's bike from the turret, we set out on our ride to Scicli for a tour of the town and lunch and then on to the beach town of Donnalucata for a gelato. Today was a much easier cycling day than yesterday, although I could tell on the first uphill climb of the day that my legs were still tired from yesterday's ride. I could also tell that Rich's legs were tired, because he was riding much further behind me than he did yesterday. Total miles traveled via bike today was @ 27. At Donnalucata, we had the option of continuing our ride back to our hotel (another 13 miles, 95% uphill) or taking the shuttle back. Today, only 5 opted for the grueling ride back.

Until today, the scenery in Sicily has been brown mountains and hills with a few groves of olive and citrus trees. Today, however, when we reached Donnalucata, it was almost magical riding into town toward the sea. I've included a few pictures here but they really don't do the view justice.