For the last part of my cycling holiday, I thought I'd share the more relaxing photos. Well, they weren't that relaxing when I was running on the beach or through the streets but they CAN be relaxing in the early morning.
Our hotel was situated one block from the beach. All along the water, the promenade was decorated with benches, plants, fountains, mosaics, etc. It was an impressive display of making a sidewalk look beautiful. Here the fountains and benches are in the shape of a ship.
Every block or two the stones were worked into a design or symbol. I can tell you that we don't take this much effort with our sidewalks in the U.S.
The view looking North up the coast of the Adriatic. I told you it was relaxing if you go early in the morning.....
There were many, many more to choose from but these were the closest to the hotel so they won by default. Next year, maybe I will branch out a little bit more. A good trip and one I would recommend. Who wants to join me next year? Or perhaps it should be Spring Break Spain 2010??!?!
Our hotel was situated one block from the beach. All along the water, the promenade was decorated with benches, plants, fountains, mosaics, etc. It was an impressive display of making a sidewalk look beautiful. Here the fountains and benches are in the shape of a ship.
Every block or two the stones were worked into a design or symbol. I can tell you that we don't take this much effort with our sidewalks in the U.S.
The view looking North up the coast of the Adriatic. I told you it was relaxing if you go early in the morning.....
There were many, many more to choose from but these were the closest to the hotel so they won by default. Next year, maybe I will branch out a little bit more. A good trip and one I would recommend. Who wants to join me next year? Or perhaps it should be Spring Break Spain 2010??!?! 
The group at dinner. We had two long tables to accomodate everyone who joined the trip. At our peak on Tuesday evening we had 28 people. I think Jeeves was impressed so many people wanted to celebrate his birthday.
Moi, Gervase, Holly and Jane smiling despite the Grand Tour.
On our 'rest' day, we took it easy and rode up to one of the many castles.
Love this view with the countryside in the background.
Me looking particularly dorky but with a great view of the sea behind me. Is my head really that tiny? And why am I hunched over? This is why I am usually behind the camera.
The view looking towards our hotel.
A lovely little cottage next to the coffee shop.
Who needs a clock when you have a sundial. It was spot on with the shadow pointing towards high noon.
Scary fountain man.
Stopping to regroup after another fun climb. And when I say 'fun', I don't really mean fun.
And lastly, just so you didn't think all we do is cycle and drink, here is everyone in line at the gelato shop. Yum! 
My steed for the week. Brand new - fresh out of the box - never been ridden....
Therefore, it only took me one ride to scratch the paint job. I am never allowed to have anything new. 
In the Riccione town square
Stopping at the top for a well deserved coffee. Friends Julia and Michael relax in the sun.
At one of the lookouts with a view of the Adriatic Sea behind me.
Stopping at the barbeque on day 2. Part of our group at the table. Take care not to be blinded by my translucent skin.
Lysandra and Louise with a view of the vineyards in the back.
At the barbeque, instructions for the next day's grand tour were given. Richard gave them in German, Michel in French, Stefano in English and Drelli in Italian. Then they corrected each other depending on the language. I must say, my French improved dramatically on the trip!
For our big ride day, we rode out from Rimini (that's 40km) and it was uphill almost all the way. Climb, climb, climb...
There's snow in them ther hills!
My bike doesn't come with snow tires.
After a long day in the saddle, it was straight to the bar. We didn't even bother to change before celebrating.
You don't see this at the train station every day. Yep, everyone is still in costume.
The girls and I sitting nicely on the train. Notice how I've got about 10 more layers on then they do? Oh to be young and immune from the cold and be able to touch your toes...
The girls decide looking out the window is more fun.
Tucker thinks the same thing. 
Got my horse? check.
I love the narrow streets and brick housing. When it is pedestrians only of course. I couldn't imagine a car here. It just seems so wrong.
Some serious effort with the cobblestone streets. (Or else I accidentally took a photo with the camera pointed the wrong way. It's a 50-50 chance on that one)
Houses over water. Function and beauty.
And that's it. Back on the train for the ride back. There really was more to see but somehow I just didn't get the camera out enough for this parade. It might have been the search for the perfect french fries that kept me from prolific photos.