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THE TOUR OF SICILY
2-13 May 2006
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Stage Six: Agrigento -
Piazza Armerina:
(118km)
We set off in sunny but
cool weather towards the distant mountains with a steady 35 kilometre
climb to Caltanissetta. On the outskirts of town, Dominic sought
guidance from a local rider as we found we again needed to check our
bearings. Our local rider smiled as he suggested an alternative to our
planned route. He reassured us that despite a few hills, it would be a
satisfying ride as it was one of his favourites. We accepted his
advice, however alarm bells started to ring immediately as we set off on
a long winding descent into a deep valley to where an ancient stone
bridge crossed a river. All cyclists instinctively know what follows
such glorious descents and it soon became apparent why our local rider
had been smiling at us as we contemplated the inevitable climb out of
the valley. Halfway up, a goat herder provided an excuse for John to
stop and test his digital camera on some local colour. This also
provided a much needed opportunity for Warren to take a break as he
appeared about ready to wobble to a stop and roll backward into the
valley. Although hilly, the route proved to be manageable and took us
through some magnificent rural farming areas. A tired bunch eventually
rolled into the overnight location knowing that Mount Etna was on
tomorrow's agenda. We consulted the map over dinner and after much
sucking of teeth and raising of eyebrows, it was mutually agreed that an
early night was in order.
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