20/12/2015: Giro pre Natale (Givoletto - Baratonia - La Cassa - Chiesa di Santa Maria)

Giro before Christmas to meet up and exchange wishes. Meeting point at the square in Givoletto where the group splits into two: the little group of those with 'itchy hands' has taken the route to Baron, while the rest of the group has launched into a calmer ride in the lowlands between Givoletto and Fiano. Arriving in the Baratonia area, we climbed up towards San Grato and then descended towards San Biagio to reach first Truc di Miola and then La Cassa. Here at La Cassa, a mini-break sipping a good glass of wine accompanied by equally good baked olives. After going a few more kilometers, we returned to the piazzetta of Givoletto for the rendezvous with the group of 'Baroniani'; from there, all together we quickly went back up (them.. me more calmly ;-P) to the Church of Santa Maria for the highlight moment of the festive lunch! (*) 8-) Tables laid out with every good thing....salami, cheeses, anchovies, salmon, Neapolitan tart, peppers, small onions and plenty of bread. Of course, there couldn't be missing TOT bottles of wine and water... oh no!! This was completely forgotten?! =:-o We then finished everything with excellent grappa and some sweets (including the fantastic homemade strudel), while the classic pandoro instead returned to base. ;-P After the festive lunch, we went down the steep path which, although short, allowed for several tumbles without serious repercussions and honored me with the coveted title of "Fox of the Day" for having done it all.....with the suspensions closed!!! :-D From via Rivasacco we finally returned definitively to Givoletto, concluding this beautiful day! Thank you again to everyone and happy holidays!!