>
>
> We got home real late last night and I have only had a few hours of
> sleep due to jet lag and Northwest Airlines LOOSING our checked
> luggage. What the world needs is an airline that allows carry on
> bikes and Chianti.
>
> Gilberto Simoni patted me on the back with a big smile and a
> 'Ciaio' as he blasted past me on a climb just before the third
> check point. His bike was 'absolutimenti' off topic and the only
> supplies he had were bottles and a cell phone. He did not stop at
> the checkpoint, I think he was out having fun before the short
> 180km Tuesday pro event.
>
> After completing the 205 k Sunday event I did not get a basket or
> any condiments, the Italians do not believe in condiments, Italy
> is primarily Roman Catholic. I got a cloth shopping bag with
> L'Roica and the Banks name on it, a big bottle of olive oil, a
> plaque and a bottle of Chianti.
>
> After L'Eroica we spent a few days swimming, hiking and kayaking
> around Elba. I think I still have a lot of the dust from the
> strata bianca in my lungs. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful
> time, it was great to go to a 5 day bike party and never hear the
> words; Lance, Floyd or Discovery. I will post more on L'Eoica
> later after some rest and pestering the airline. We had to pay 300
> euro extra for the bikes and the airline still lost them.
>
> Courtney Johnson
> Grand Marais, MN
>
>
>
> On Oct 12, 2007, at 3:15 PM, Michael Schmidt wrote:
>
>> Fred,
>>
>> I am only aware of Simoni being at the dinner on Saturday night.
>> He also
>> was quite a crowd favorite. I believe the pro racers left the
>> Sunday event
>> for us poseurs to have fun with.
>>
>> Mike Schmidt
>> Stirling, NJ
>>
>>
>> On 10/12/07 3:33 PM, "Fred Rednor" <fred_rednor@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> But there were also some professional riders on your ride, as
>>> well. I suppose that served two purposes: 1) get more
>>> international recognition for the event, and 2) allow willing
>>> professionals (e.g. Gilberto Simoni) to get some experience on
>>> the gravel roads.