Who would have thought, just a week before our arrival there was still some snow on the ground and cold wind in the air. Once we arrived all that was gone and we were left with some cold temperatures (not to cold) yet beautiful skies.
We are so caught up on our training that no time, or energy, was left to write about our Italian adventures shortly after they were finished. Nevertheless, here is a short attempt to collect all the great moments. OK the video on the bottom of the post will certainly help share with you our experiences.
So…. On the eve of the Jewish Passover holiday Anat and I landed in Milano and started to 380km drive to Riccione. Riccione is located in the north east coast of Italy’s Romana region. Lucky for us the navigation system did not work and so Anat played the role of Christopher Columbus which came along with full control of the map (iPhone). As for me I played the role Mario Andretti which came along with full rights to the driver seat. On the way there we decided to stop for lunch at a great little Italian restaurant where we enjoyed the best pasta of our lives… no kidding… and fueled up for the expected week (3 riding days) ahead.
Once we arrived to the hotel we were greeted by the sweet smell of espresso and a key card to our suit. The hotel is just perfect. Small and modern, situated about 100 meters from the beach. First thing we did was head to the hotel bike storage to rent our Carbon Scott bikes and be “fitted” by the on-site mechanic. Not to bore you with the details, the hotel was all inclusive. Pre-ride breakfast, Snack (sandwiches, bananas, sports drinks) while riding, post-ride lunch (pasta), dinner (pasta), and all the coffee and beer you can possibly imagine.
Each night they would post the next day bike routes which were divided into 4 categories: Espresso (recreational tours), Cappuccino (avg. speeds of 20-22 km/hr), Cappuccino Super (avg. speeds of 22-25 km/hr), and Limonciello (not for the faint of heart). The routes were very scenic with hills and hills and hills, and hells, and hells…
We felt nice and strong the first day. Our confidence was supper high, after all we both did over 180km ride just 3 days ago. “hey why not go for the Cappuccino Super group and do the 130km ride?” surely we can do this. And YES WE DID !!! and it was great. Midway through the ride, after a 16km hill with the last km being 18%, we stopped at a restaurant for some well deserved pasta. 
The group members were all nice and experienced riders, the instructor old and professional, Anat fit right in there. As for me… I survived…. Kind of. I felt very strong and kept up with the group. I felt so strong that I decided the instructor was my spinning instructor. When he stood on the bike, so did I. When he slowed down or sped up I was right there…. And at the 100km mark my knee decided to teach me a lesson and remind me that I am still an amateur. Some sharp pinch in the inner left part of my knee gave me a rude awakening. What a way to start the bike holiday. And so with almost a tear in my eye I swallowed my pride and fell to the back back back of the group. Thank god there was a Jacuzzi, ice, and another 3rd wheeler in the hotel.
Day 2 was a rest day. Much needed for my knee. By rest I mean an hour run and a 2km swim. Later that day we drove through the country side and took in the great views. To bad we did not bring our wet suits as it is still considered winter and the sea is to cold for a semi-naked swim.
Day 3 we decided to take it easy and ride with Cappuccino (regular).
Was a nice 80km ride but the team was not at our standards. No one was communicating, people rode sloppy, Anat almost killed a little boy how toppled over into the grass so that he does not run into her wheel after her unexpected technical problem causing her to come to an abrupt stop. No worries, Anat survived his fall.
Day 4 we were back in the arms of Cappuccino Supper and Anat’s new found friend, a 10 time Ironwoman who gave her many interesting tips and gave me a “full monty” (when we stopped for a pee).
The day was perfect. 100km ride to Urbino, a beautiful mountain top city. We made it back to the hotel just in time for a tortellini workshop and at night a prize ceremony where we were awarded a bottle of wine for Anat’s great tortellini skills.
In conclusion, Hotel Dory is a must for anyone who wants to get a good feel for the Romana country side. We will be back!