Thursday, November 12, 2015

Wine tours day 2

We are up to three earthquakes so far.  Another one shook me awake around midnight. 
Today we took to the bikes to make our way around three wineries.  It is super sunny,  a great day for a leisurely peddle in wine country. 
The tour company had harassed me for my height to ensure the bikes were properly fitted to our size.  So when we arrived at the bike place I kind of expected a bit of organization.  Instead the was a line up of bike and it was a free for all to get one that fit. Seats getting moved up and down. I pick one with a basket - Mary Poppin's style.  Then as we were getting ready to leave there was some ruckus about helmets. Apparently those were not booked.  The bike shop owner finally pulled out several helmets,  all of which had seen better days.  Safety first!
We set off down the street.  I was pumping hard,  but not getting very far.  I was searching for a gear shifter while trying not to swerve into traffic and watching my travel mates pull further ahead of me.  Ugh,  it sucks getting old.  No gears.  Who rides a single gear bike anymore? Then I noticed my knees seemed closer to my chest.  Not the optimal biking position,  slip,  there it goes again.  Crap,  my seat adjustment was obviously not tightened enough.  I have now slid down completely to the cross bar.  The rest of the group is quickly fading away ahead of me.  The van,  thankfully is behind me.  I pull over in hopes of a seat fix,  but instead the driver waves me into the van and tosses my bike in. So much for that experience.  By the time we catch up to the group,  they are entering the first winery. 
Like yesterday,  the first winery is a small family run business.  This is one of the only organic wineries in the area.  They even have a few hectors of biodynamic, which involves very specific management of the vines including only trimming or removing the grapes under certain lunar cycles. 
The wines were delicious,  but I am trying to keep my purchases under control.  I don't need to clink my way past customs when I get home. 
No more biking for me.  Apparently,  there is nothing to be done but ride in the van.  Oh well,  I tried. 
On the way to the  second  stop, the driver must of felt sorry for me,  or he just forgot I was in the back.  He started belting out Tom Jones,  'Sex Bomb' along with the radio.  How can you be disappointed with that,  Sex Bomb,  Sex Bomb! 😘🎶
The second winery was good,  delicious wines,  but it was a big industrial one.  They are all blending together. 
When we arrived at number three,  lunch was being severed.  Thank goodness,  I think we all need something to sop up the booze.  It was a fantastic lunch of empanadas,  stewed chicken and strawberry flan.  Of course accompanied with wine pairings. 
The tour and tasting after that was all a bit of a blur.  But we did come by some adorable puppies.  Who doesn't like a cuddly puppy.

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