Jeanne's Next Chapter: Strade Bianche

As we were leaving Siena this morning, we crossed the Campo, which is the huge piazza in Siena where the famous Palio horse race is run. This morning it was set up for a different event, The Strada Bianche which means “White Roads”. This 180 kilometer (111 miles!) bicycle race takes place on the white limestone gravel roads around Siena that we have been walking on. It starts and ends on the Campo in Siena. Today was the amateur division and there were cyclists from all over Europe to participate. We were lucky to see a glimpse of the race when we were about 5 km out of the city.

Most of our day was spent quietly walking across a beautiful landscape. It is easy to see why artists are inspired here with the curves of the hills and the silouettes of the vertical cypress trees. Estates surrounded by trees sit perched on the highest points.

It was hot and dry today (almost 90 degrees F) so it was irritating when we missed the turn to head off the Via to our hotel. We backtracked for a kilometer but then felt redemption when we were able to find an opening in a fence to slip through as a shortcut. We enjoyed the shaded terrace that overlooked the countryside. Even though it seemed like we had walked so far, we could see Siena up on a hill in the far distance.

Mileage today (including our do-over) - 15 miles

Leaving Siena

Quiet Sunday morning

Amateur cyclists were here from around Europe this weekend.

The Cypress trees outline the drives leading to villas and wine estates.

Following the signs south to Rome.

We met father and son (Jan and Louis) from Belgium, seen here taking a lunch break in the shade. They have taken a week’s hike on the Via Francigena every September for the last four years. Next year they will make it to Rome to celebrate Jan’s 60th birthday.