Friday 1 July 2005 I purchased my first moleskine (notebook used by Matisse, Céline, Hemingway and in particular by Bruce Chatwin that made him famous by writing notes of his mythical trip to Patagonia), in the hope of write reports of future travel and experience worthy of being transcribed and remember.

Only a few hours after receiving the unexpected call from Antonio (like me belonging to the "Jesi Cycling Team," amateur cycling team) I propose to participate on 9 and July 10 to the trip Fabriano - Pisa, in two stages, of course cycling.

In total about 420 km but I will ensure that cycling for 20 km / h, which will carry out various stops for refreshments.

This year a shortage of kilometres (due mainly to my laziness) associated with an increase of body weight (I never tired of eating) have resulted in an inexorable decline of my cycling performance, so despite the sudden proposal Antonio did me, I was hesitant about the success of the trip.

But given that:
- The date on which the "dispatch" perfectly in line with my leave;
- I had planned some trips outside the city
- I promised myself that during the holidays would have devoted more time to neglected bicycle in order to reverse the upward trend in "quantity kilometres travelled" and "amount of body weight lost"
- I just bought a moleskine and are eager to "write it" with my travel notes (unfortunately rare),

I could not help but accept the invitation of Anthony.

Two days after the trip:

Pedalling ten hours daily on Saturdays and Sundays and aftermaths of fatigue not permit me to write the first of an hour on my travel notebook.

The "dispatch" was accomplished, fatigue is only a memory (not so far however), but the memories are still fresh so I appresto to tell the report.

Saturday, July 9, 2005
1st stage: Fabriano - Castel del Piano

Meeting at the gardens of Fabriano. Before embarking galleries, even after ½ hours pedalling, Oliviero has a mechanical problem that requires the intervention of van support (the flagship) which involves about 30 minutes of non-stop scheduled, which makes the participants aware that cycling are 17 and that inevitably some people think that "good days can be seen from morning."

NOT BE SO!

In two days this will be the only mechanical failure even if, in any adventure that respects, contingencies will not fail.

After passing Osteria del Gatto and crossing Gubbio, we visited a remarkable medieval building situated on a rocky hill that will prove Castle Antognolla, of '200 origins.

The wind is favourable, the path (so far) is mainly flat.

It begins to glimpse Lake Trasimeno and the sight of water surrounded by hills of Umbria is corroborant for body and spirit. Italo, designer of the trail, makes us climb on top of Monte del Lago.

Fatigue of tears is compensated by the incomparable landscape and the rest made their long lake.

...the trip continues in the next journals...stay tuned!

Photo Credit: Enrico from Trip Adventure Nonprofit organization