Well on paper it looked as though it was going to be a pretty exciting festa up at Careggine in Garfagnana.
Hundreds of motorcyclists were there as part of the sixth Motocavalcata della Castagna.
There was also a “via dei Vini” exhibition and tasting of quality wine from various vineyards in Tuscany.
Numerous stalls featuring local products and of course chestnuts, mondine, necci and castanaccio.
An incredible exhibition featuring birds of prey organised by the Falconieri della Versilia and the musical “cherry on the cake” so to speak – a concert by the Aristodemo’s with their unmistakable mix of 1940s and 50s Italian swing music.
Unfortunately the weather took a hand in the proceedings and torrential rain forced most of the events inside and what should have been an event with literally thousands of people participating was reduced to just a few hundred of hardy individuals who braved the elements.
Those present seemed to enjoy themselves but all without a doubt arrived back home in a particularly damp condition.
It was definitely not the kind of day for standing out in the open especially at nearly 900 m above sea level up on the mountainside.
Maybe next year the weather will be kinder to this event
