The threat of rain this morning, made the 72 degrees seem much warmer as the air was thick with humidity.

Thankfully, the clouds kept the temperatures below 80 for several hours which did not keep us from being soaking wet at every climb, but it helped.  As soon as we were out of town, we paralleled a most captivating yet intimidating Apennine mountain range. We knew at some point today we would have to turn towards it to get to our final destination and it did not seem to be going down in height.  In the meantime, we climbed rolling hills and enjoyed the picturesque roads.Today’s ride offered a choice in direction, so we headed towards the beach in hopes to have flatter ground to ride.  This is an incredibly popular bike route; never have we seen so many bikers (and it wasn’t even a Sunday).Hundreds of bikers, all offering encouraging waves and shouts.  We probably took as many pictures of them as we did of this mountain.In between the incredible looming mountain and farm fields we passed through an occasional small village

and one pretty harbor.Finally reached the beach road; even in the overcast skies people were heading to the beach at ten in the morning.The seaside towns all ran together, with the exception of an occasional bridge, it was hard to determine when one town began or ended.  The difference though, was there were no high-rise condos, apartments or hotels on the beach side, in fact, no building was more than two stories. Bicyclists of all kinds were riding the roads, so we fit right in (except for the large bags, of course).  But our nice flat road ended when we turned towards the hills about noon.The climb started slowly, then abruptly went to hairpin turnsand very slow climbing in hot sun.The ride down was beautiful (naturally) as the sun started to part the clouds.We came to a crossroads with conflicting signs, but were quickly rescued by Roberto.A half hour later we left the countryside and managed our way into Lucca.The old city is surrounded by a most impressive wall, which gives you a true feeling of stepping back in time as you walk through the gates and into the narrow streetsand small squares.The Duomo di Lucca (Cathedral St Martin) began in 1063, has a facade unlke any other we’ve seen,incredible detail.Next we found the Piazza Anfiteatroand enjoyed an afternoon salad as we watched the world go round, Italian style.  And since it was Saturday afternoon, there had to be a bride around somewherestrolled right by our table.  Wound our way back through the crowds to rest until for our next feeding.

Found a interesting local Tuscan restaurant where we enjoyed a most incredible bottle of Toscana wine, Saltimbocca and a pasta trilogy, finished with chilled Limoncello, a most delicious dinner.