Stage 15, June 25

When we got up in the morning, it was humid, and there were clouds in the direction we were going.  It started raining during morning prayer and breakfast. It rained most of the way into Lucca, which is 17 miles away.  As we approached the city, which has been an important city in this area and on the Via Francegina, there was a torrential rain. I have never cycled before in such a downpour.

Once we arrived at Lucca, we had much difficulty finding the van. When we finally found it, we changed into dryer clothing and walked our bicycles into the city. We locked Paolo's, Giancarlo's, and Brad's bike with one lock. We locked Tony's, Bill's, and mine with the other. Then we started touring the city.

Lucca is truly a beautiful city. It is the home of Pucini, and this square with his statue in it is named after him.

The Cathedral in particular was stunning.

The inside of the cathedral was very beautiful. We spent a great deal of time in there.

The narrow streets were very charming, even with Bill Corbett jumping into the camera view. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch in one of the squares, with great pasta and salads.

The inside of the city is still surrounded by the original walls. As walked on the wall and passed this place, we were startled to find that three of our bikes had been stolen. Someone had cut the lock for Tony's, Bill's, and my bikes and stolen them. As we stood there in shock, three guys got out of a car and approached the remaining three bikes. We were positive that they had stolen our bikes, and we were hoping to catch them in the act of stealing the other three. However, they saw us and began  running away. Bill chased them down, took their picture and the license plate of the car with his phone. He dragged them back to the police station. However, the police did nothing, and they ran away.

Because Tony had been borrowing Bill's bike, Bill and I spent a couple of hours in the police station filling out forms. Although they were kind, it did not do much good.

Tony and Bill and I rode with Evonne, Janet, and Marielle to San Miniato, where we are staying at a Franciscan monastery founded by St. Francis. The view from our window is stunning. Janet took Fr. Terry to Pisa to the airport to retrieve his bike from British Air.

We have no idea what we are going to do. Please pray for us! However, we had a nice, simple meal with the Friars, celebrated Mass, and prayed for the dirtbags who stole our bikes.

The Friar who helped us was as kind as the thieves had been vicious. He proudly showed us the church, which dates back to the 13th century.

Paolo's friends from Florence joined us for Mass and sharing the local beers.