Sicily Day 14 Caltagirone Loop

Day 2 of our ride and our route today took us through a number of small Sicilian hill towns (the operative word being "hill"...we climbed up and then back down before climbing to the next town). Our first climb was to a town called Mineo. That wasn't too bad as it was still fairly early in the morning and not too hot out yet. We had a few more long descents and ascents (@ 2 miles at a stretch) before starting our final ascent into Caltagirone (our lunch destination). At this point, the road was fairly heavily traveled with cars and trucks, so the van was available for those who didn't want to make this ascent into town. Rich opted for the van, but I decided to make the climb. By this time it was at least 11:30 AM and the day was getting VERY warm. The ascent into Caltagirone went on for 3.5 miles!!!! The van passed me halfway up and Rich said my face was pretty red. When I finally rode into Caltagirone, Rich was waiting for me on the side of the road and rode the rest of the way up to the historical center of town (which of course was at the tip top of the hill). We had a little bit of flat road and then a STEEP (at least 11% or 12% grade) 1/2 mile climb. Rich and I both ended up walking this stretch (even walking, my calves were hurting like h...).

After lunch, it was another 16 miles back to our hotel. Even though it was at least 95 degrees at this point, Rich and I decided to give it a go. At least a third of the group opted for the shuttle to the hotel. This time we climbed @ 2.5 miles (over the course of a 9 mile stretch) to a little town called Grammichele. When we reached the piazza, there was a little cafe serving gelato and granitas. The support van was also there for those who were done riding for the day. Rich and I each got a lemon granita and climbed into the van for the last 7 miles back to the hotel.

All in all, I think we climbed @ 2500 feet over the course of @ 37 miles. Tomorrow the temperature is supposed to be a little cooler, but it looks like we're riding further with more elevation gain. I'll let you know how we do.