Saturday, June 28: Asti to Casale Monferato (65k)
Today's ride started in the rolling hills/vineyards where they grow Brachetto di Acqui; we had a very pleasant ride until just before our lunch stop, at the sanctuary in Serralunga diCrea. The last 5km or so were up a hill that grew steadily steeper. Carolyn's legs were feeling very tired, so she hopped in the van for the final 3km of the climb. Mary and Thomas joined her; Jeff and Melanie continued to climb ahead and Noreen decided to also keep climbing.
After lunch we had a twisting descent into Solonghello, and then it stayed relatively flat or rolling all the way to Casale Monferrato.
Dinner was together at Taverna Paradiso. We were the only party in the dining room until 9pm or so, so they turned the air conditioning on full blast (and had circuit breakers blow at least twice as a result). We had a nice Valdo "Selection Oro" Trentino Prosecco to start the meal, and a 2000 Coppo "Camp du Rouss" Barbera d'Asti (big, earthy, tannic).