Ostuni – La Città Bianca
Italy (Puglia) Stage 06 – San Pancrazio Salentino to Ostuni 50 Km (Mon 7 May 2018)
Weather: 16⁰C min – 23⁰C max, clear and sunny
“If you see me on the ground could you please brush me off and put me back on my bike. Thanks!” ~ Unknown
When a bicycle tourer wakes up the first thing they do is look at the sky, which to my delight was a perfect azure blue. Finishing my simple but adequate breakfast, I quickly packed my panniers and was on the road by 9:00 am.
Aware that I would only be passing through three small towns (Torre Santa Susanna, Latiano and San Michele Salentino) on my 50 Km ride to Ostuni, I stopped at a fruit shop on the way out of town to buy a couple of bananas. At the 10 Km mark I reached the first of these towns, not too soon for my second cappuccino for the day.
Cycling was good, cruising on the long, straight SP66, with just a slight headwind as I headed in a north-easterly direction across central Puglia. Traffic was lighter than yesterday, but I still kept an eye on my helmet-mounted rear vision mirror, giving me confidence to take more of the road when necessary to avoid the rough edges.
As to be expected, the scenery was less spectacular than in the coastal regions. Nevertheless it was pleasant gliding along under a clear blue sky, glancing occasionally at the plentiful grape vines and ubiquitous olive groves. Did you know that there are more than 50 million olive trees in Puglia (15 trees for each Apulian)?
You will notice a couple of photos of funny conical roofed houses today. These are called trulli and you will hear a lot more about them tomorrow when I reach Alberobello.
Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory when approaching Ostuni because without them you will be blinded by all the dazzling white houses … hence the sign at the entrance to the town saying “La Città Bianca“. Ostuni is another one of those exquisite towns that make Italy so irresistible. No grimy, faded-pastel, buildings here!
I’m relieved to see you had another safe ride – your choice of quote had me worried for a minute! Love the tractors 🙂 And the cone-houses – they look like there should be hobbits inside! I see what you mean re. the blindingly dazzingly white houses – thank goodness for sunnies!
Fortunately nobody has had to dust me off yet. I am actually staying in one of those conical houses tonight,so maybe there is a little bit of hobbit in me.
I hope no one have to dust you off but I will pick you up and take you to a hospital and tie the bike on the side of the bed with you on one side. Great photos and I am glad that the weather is still shining for you Safe riding?? I don’t want anyone to pick you up
Nobody has picked me up yet 🙂