Stage 10 - Steep and Deep

Another mountain Stage at the real Tour meant another ride in and around Holy Hill for the Tour Challenge.

Today’s nemesis; the church atop Holy Hill

Elvis took the aptly named Hillside Road south from his castle and Darin took it north from his. We would meet somewhere and then head west for more hills.

A sign of things to come

Up and down. Up and down. We decided that it would be a good idea to not only ride up Holy Hill, but to ride all of the way up to the back of the church where real, honest-to-goodness holy water springs from a cistern atop a hellacious little climb. People actually come from miles and miles to fill bottles full of this water in the hope that it can perform a miracle of some fashion. Elvis is dubious and is further turned off by the little signs asking for a donation in exchange for taking water. The signs lead to a moral issue; if the water is truly miraculous then a donation shouldn’t matter. Then again, what if I don’t make a donation? Will the gods extract revenge? And how much should the donation be? A couple of bucks to in exchange for getting a date with the cute chick at the end of the bar? A thousand dollars to get my ailing grandmother out of her wheelchair? Unfortunately, they don’t teach you this stuff in school - you are on your own. And here’s a tip for the managers of the holy water. Put some in a bottle, take it to the bank. You don’t need my measly donation. Use your head!

There is also a “shrine” of St. Mary at the top of the hill. But when Darin parked his new (and free) bicycle under her Elvis became confused.

Which is the real shrine? Porcelain statue or shiny new (free) bike?

Many hot and hilly miles later Elvis’ Garmin 305 bike computer spit out this profile;

Sweet mother of Mary! That’s a hilly ride!

Today’s Mileage Goal: 49. Miles Ridden: 50. Over 1 mile of vertical climbing.