Ride Director: Alma Worthington
Report by: Andrea Diamond
“Puglia, Land of History, Scenery, Beaches,” is a perfect description of the treats in store on this trip. Our first activity was a guided walking tour where we learned the incredible history of Matera. We visited prehistoric Sassi cave dwellings that continued to be occupied until the late 20th century. The group dinner included traditional folk music where some of us tried our hands on a replica of an ancient instrument.
After making our way out of the city the next morning, we traveled down quiet country roads bordered by limestone walls, transporting us back in time through the countryside as it has appeared for centuries. We passed through endless vineyards and olive groves. Many of the olive trees are thousands of years old, magnificent to see with their thick, gnarled trunks bent with age, yet still producing olives. Occasionally we were jolted back to the present as we passed fields of solar panels and giant wind turbines. It was an interesting juxtaposition of old and new.
Our tour also took us along both the Adriatic and the Ionian seacoasts, each unique in their beauty. The Adriatic side featured dramatic cliffs and grottos, while the Ionian coast, known as the “Maldives of Italy,” boasted miles of white sand beaches. The waters on each side were incredibly clear and stunningly turquoise. There were numerous opportunities to go swimming in some of the coastal towns we stayed in, as well as during the rides along the coasts. Some of our group even chose to dive into the Grotto della Poesia, a popular cliff diving site on the Adriatic coast.
The route included towns with historic centers made up of narrow, winding streets where we could wander to our hearts’ content. We admired grand Baroque palazzi in Monopoli and Martina Franca, enjoyed sweeping views of the valley as we cycled through Cisterno, and were charmed by the hill towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni. We visited the UNESCO Heritage site of Alberobello, a village of conical shaped homes called Trulli.
.Ancient castles abounded in many of the cities and towns we passed through. Other attractions included the impressive Grotto Castellana with its massive stalagmites and stalactites, and out-and-back options from either coast to the cape at Santa Maria di Leuca where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The archeological museum in Egnazia, located on the site of ancient Roman ruins, had an impressive collection of artifacts.
Lecce was a midpoint stop and also served as our final destination. A guided walking tour provided us with the rich history of this city, known as the Florence of the south, with its grand, Baroque architecture alongside the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. We ended our ride on a high note, literally, at our farewell dinner when we were serenaded by the restaurant owner singing, “My way.”
There were six group dinners; the rest on our own. One night we had an optional cooking class at a traditional masseria (farm) that about half the group signed up for. The group dinner at agriturismo Torre del Diamante was a memorable meal of epic proportions.
The rides were mostly easy, flat-to-rolling on lightly traveled roads, though city streets were involved at some of our destinations. Some optional rides provided longer and more challenging terrain. There were some unexpected adventures, including a broken bridge which necessitated traversing a dry river bed on foot with our bikes. Routes, ride briefings and sightseeing recommendations were ably provided by Giovanni of Hike and Bike Italy. Tony of Iron Donkey tours served as bike expert. Both were always available to help.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org