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Season 6. Episode 11. Adriatic Odyssey Final Reflections.

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Since my last Blog in Martina Franca, we had 2 short rides to our finish. The first was 29 miles from Martina Franca to Polignano a Mare via Alberobello (famous for the many Trulli houses, so truly a must visit) and then a lunch stop in Monopoli. We’d highly recommend both Monopoli and Polignano a Mare as great seaside towns worth visiting.  I love being on the water in my kayak, and I love being near the water; however, I don’t like being in the water all that much. But there was no way I was going to spend all this time circumnavigating the Adriatic and not take a dip! With one day of riding to go, one of us finally took an Adriatic Plunge. The final day’s ride from Polignano a Mare to Bari was a mere 22 miles and very flat (189’). It was as easy as can be. Is there such a thing as too easy?  We rode past the very spot where I repaired my flat tire 10 days ago, and I gave thanks for that repair (tire plug) holding up the rest of the trip. Aside from that feeling of gratitude...
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Season 6. Episode 10. Puglia Positives and Pitfalls.

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October 10, 2026. Bari to Torre Canne, Italy. 47 miles. 787’ climb. (Flat) Once disembarked from the ferry in Bari, we went to the bike store.  I emailed with the mechanic Michael days prior confirming they were open for minor repairs. And for me to buy a new helmet.  S ign says they are closed. As they say, the best laid plans… While riding in Bari and passing stylish storefronts, it hit me what a time warp we’d been in when in Albania. It’s as if in Albania we’d traveled back in time in fashion styles. I realized even the mannequins in Albania were dated. In Bari, I also saw women wearing athleisure, though not knowing if tourists or locals. This style, ubiquitous in American cities, is something I hadn’t seen in weeks.  We had a short coastal ride planned. I commented to Heather that it looks like we can relax this afternoon. Half an hour later, we hit a snag. Anytime we think or express that things are good, it’s like a jinx.  T hat short ride quickly became long...
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Season 6. Episode 9. Albania, the Wild West.

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October 7, 2026. Budva, Montenegro to Shkoder, Albania. 55 miles. 2,973’ climbing. R iding south along the Adriatic after leaving Budva, we came to Sveti Stefan, Montenegro's iconic island. This 15th century fishing village has become a luxury destination. W e like tunnels as a concept of riding through the mountain instead of up and over it. But it’s a bit nerve-racking without a shoulder to ride on and hoping drivers are alert. O ur amazing riding views continued. Strbina Beach, Montenegro. After a healthy seaside lunch of Greek salad (for me) and Caprese for Heather, the dessert siren summoned. As a rule of thumb, I feel any dessert that is served in a mason jar is usually excellent. (Like key lime pie at Bar Taco for those in the know.) This tiramisu display reeled me in. T he tiramisu did not fail my rule. It was dreamy and creamy excellence. Funny enough Heather had said she wasn’t going to have any, but became a 50% partner.   And since I still was not able to bite with...
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