The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Sicilian Baroque Beauties 2017

September 9th to September 19th

Ride Director: Syd Smoot
Ride Co-Director: Ken Keeler
Report by: Eileen Vergino

Sept 10, 2017, Day 1 of our BAC Sicily tour, took us 45 miles and with only 1000’ of climbing, riding up the coast, along the Mediterranean, from Noto to Ortigia Island (Siracusa). We walked through the old city, past Santa Lucia church and along the water until we were out of the crowds and able to get back on the bikes and return to our hotel. Unfortunately, the following morning, September 11, began with thunderstorms and extreme winds (25mph with gusts exceeding 40) so most of the group, save a few crazy souls who battled the winds, opted for a day off the bike, with the day spent touring Noto and enjoying lunch in the city and some time by the pool.

On September 12, anxious to get back on the bikes, we split into 3 groups. Several people headed down the coast to do the previous day’s planned ride to Portopalo di Capo Passero. A large group did the 30 mile planned ride to Cava Grande via Noto, while a group of 9 rode 54 miles with nearly 3700’ of climbing, riding to Palazzolo, across the cobbles, and stopping for coffee and pastries. We then continued on to Cava Grande with its exquisite views of the caves, hot springs and Mt. Etna, then returning via Avolo. It was a wonderful day on the bike.

The morning of September 13, our last in Noto began with a beautiful sunrise over the Med. after checking out the entire group rode from Noto to Ragusa with nearly 3800' of climbing over 37 miles. We saw more caves and passed old stone farm houses with terraced hillsides and stone walls, and even a castle/villa. A beautiful and challenging ride. September 14 was a rest day though a few chose to ride to the coast to enjoy lunch at the Marina di Ragusa on the Mediterranean Sea. Many spent the day touring Ragusa, enjoying the cobbled streets and many churches.

After a day off the bike, our ride on September 15 ride took us through the rolling, terraced hills of Ragusa, through Giartana, back into Palazzolo Acreide where those of us who had visited days earlier were welcomed back as return visitors. We then dropped into the valley, riding past olive orchards and through farmland, returning through San Giacometti, with 44 miles and nearly 3700’ of climbing.

September 16 took us from Ragusa out to the Mediterranean where we had a chance to ride a short way along the Sea. We continued on through Sciculi, with its UNESCO sites and Modica with fabulous chocolate. Temperatures were in the 90s so our return was quite warm, but the chocolate we bought in Modica didn't melt as we completed the 42 miles and 3000’ of climbing for the day.

Once again, on September 17 the groups split. Everyone headed up to Girratana. More than half the group headed up to San Giacomo and back to Ragusa for about 29 miles. A group of the hearty continued on to Chiaramonte di Gulfi, a charming town on a mountain top where we enjoyed pastries and expresso. We ended up with another 44 miles and 3300' of climbing. The following day, September 18 was our final ride in Sicily. We rode back up to Girratana then on to San Giacomo and back for just under 28 miles, and only 1800’ of climbing. Sicily offered us challenging riding with good roads and lovely views. Special thanks to Syd and Ken for putting together this terrific tour.