Assisi to Bevagna

Unlike most, we were fortunate enough to experience the very back routes from Assisi to Bevagna. The beauty of being on a bike is that you can avoid the busy road and jump ojn a arm trail instead. As we left Assisi, our road book directed us past local streets and then onto a little road called Vialle d'olivie (road of olives). We were cycling through a canopy of olives. All you could see ahead and behind you were olive trees. It was quiet and peaceful with only the odd walker or jogger passing by. At the end of the olive road, we arrive in Spello. We only pass through this medieval town and then wind our way to the bottom where the new, modern part of the town is. Terence notices that his crank is loose and is concerned that he won't make it to Bevagna. Luckily, we are informed that there is a bike store 100 meters ahead. Phew!! The bike is fixed and we continue on at a gentle pace on mostly flat terrain. We stopped for a short black (or 'normale') as they call it in the village of Cannara. From there we followed farmhouse trails alongside the Timia River. One of the highlights was seeing a peacock eith it's feather spread open on full colorful display. I'm not sure what Italians do with peacocks but he was hanging out with the chooks and ducks. We arrived in Bevagna before midday, a first as it was only a 31 km ride. We have arrived in the town at the time of a Festa. The Festa is called Il Mercato delle Gaite. During this festival healed for 10 days in June, the whole town harks back to it's medieval past, reviving ancient trades and a half forgotten atmosphere. The festa draws its inspiration from rivalries reflected in the division of Bevagna in medieval times into four districts known as 'Gaite'. Each 'Gaite' took it's name from a church. After lunch, we decided to do an extension ride to Montefalco. Montefalco was lovely but the ride getting there was tough, not because of the terrain but because of the heat. Temperatures have been soaring to 36/37 degrees. We could not drink enough eater and thank goodness for the watering fountains in every town, as we are able to refuel. We have noticed that our arrival into many towns is met by an avenue of beautiful trees. They are the same trees in every town and have bunches of tiny yellow flowers hiding amongst their green leaves. They have the most beautiful, sweet smell. If anyone knows the name of these trees, please let me know. Bevagna is a gorgeous little town in a flood plain. It's specialty is cashmere jumpers. We have been tempted as they feel so soft. Fabio and Stefania are the owners of our Albergo - Di Chiostro di Bevagna. They are lovely. Fabiola loves a chat and insisted that we eat dinner Gaita di Santa Maria. During this festival, locals and visitors are able to eat from tables set up in hidden courtyards. Each 'Gaite' organises it's own food stall. We suspect that Fabio convinces us to go to the dinner organized by his 'Gaite'. We follow his instructions, line up outside a ticket tent, order our meal and then we are ushered inside the courtyard by a young boy who is dressed in medieval garb. He is so cute. Het sets the table, places the cutlery which is sealed in paper bags and then comes back with our food. The pasta is simply delicious and I think it it made by the locals. I order a pasta with zucchini flower and Terence orders ravioli filled with Caccio cheese. I think this cheese is a soft sheep cheese and adds a creaminess to the pasta ...delicious! It was still 28 degrees at 10.30pm. Crazy, huh!