Half Way Around Puglia
Italy (Puglia) Stage 08 – Alberobello to Polignano 42 Km (Wed 9 May 2018)
Weather: 13⁰C min – 20⁰C max, fine, mostly sunny
“You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” ~ Dr Seuss
After taking a couple parting photos of those intriguing trulli houses, I set off on my short (43 Km) journey to Polignano a Mare. It was a coolish, overcast, morning but with no immediate threat of rain.
For a change, there were more cherry trees than olive groves, and long rye grass lined the road instead of wild flowers. Pastures were lush and green, but the only animals grazing were donkeys.
Riding was easy along the smooth SP113 and SP96 provincial maintained roads. With plenty of time to spare before my 2 pm check-in, I stopped after 15 Km at Castellano Grotte for my morning cappuccino.
With a couple of hours to kill, I came to the stunning town of Monopoli. No board game jokes, please, the locals have heard them all before! Sitting on Puglia’s Adriatic coast around 10km before my destination of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli is the perfect place to kill some time. I wheeled my bike through lovely narrow lane ways before coming to a seaside promenade, where I met my new friend Tony who serenaded me with a ballad Serenade to Kevin that he had composed especially for me.
Passing under an archway outside the castle, I arrived in the port which was busy with fishermen mending their nets. A fresh prosciuto panini in the town square topped off my short but enjoyable visit to Monopoli.
Another 10 Km and I had reached my destination, the fabulous Adriatic seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Having completed eight stages, my Puglian adventure is now half finished, so it is time for a rest day to catch up on my washing and rest my bones. How glad I am that I chose such a fantastic town to spend an extra day!
Kev you are now a famous man your own song composed especially for you. Who knows Tony make make it in the chart with his son. Go fir it Tony “Italian has talent”. Keep riding?? Safely
I hope he has not quit his day job!
Love the Dr Seuss quote, the donkey pix and the bedazzled bike! And especially love the serenade to Kevin – priceless!! Hope you made the most of your rest day, with plenty of carb loading and relaxation 🙂
I can remember reading Seuss books to you! My favourite carbs around here are paninis and creme custard filled croissants – I try to limit myself to one of each per day though.My mountain is waiting, quite a claim today to Gioia del Colle.