|
THE TOUR OF SICILY
2-13 May 2006
|
|
Stage Five: Selinunte - Agrigento: (119km)
After the previous wet
stage and a well earned rest day, we set off in sunny weather to again
experience whatever the road had to offer. We hugged the south coast
for about 50 kilometres before turning inland to again challenge the
hills. We started to congratulate ourselves after easily negotiating a
few lesser climbs until we turned onto the road that leads to the
mountain top town of Raffadali. Our bravado was both premature and
short-lived. Although relatively short, the climb was steep - obviously
to test the resolve of long ago armies that sought to invade the town.
We were in no doubt it would test us also as we engaged our lowest gears
and commenced to climb. Although it has often been said that the view
after a climb makes it all worthwhile, we remain to be convinced after
the climb to Raffadali. After the mandatory photo session, we commenced
the almost 20 kilometre descent to our overnight stop in the southern
coastal town of Agrigento. It was during this long, high speed descent
that Dale decided that it was his turn to contribute to the saga by
challenging a bee to enter his helmet and sting him on the scalp. The
bee accepted the challenge and Dale was forced to demonstrate his
considerable bike handling skills by simultaneously flapping his arms
around, removing his helmet and coming to a rapid stop - all without
crashing. We eventually reached our hotel in time to enable us to visit
the ancient ruins of the nearby Valley of the Temples. Although we tried
to push it from our minds, we knew we would eventually have to face the
climb to Mount Etna. Tomorrow we would head inland towards the ragged
mountain range that we had deliberately ignored for the past week.
 |
 |
 |
| John, Dom &
Warren check the route. |
We are
here..... and we need to be there. |
Yet another climb out of
town. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Off to the next
town. |
Waiting for the back
markers. |
|
|
