Distance 37.40 miles

Elevation gain 269 feet

We spent a long time sorting out today’s route so that we avoided major roads. We were astonished that Kevin had graded the 37 mile route as difficult. We have cycled routes of over 40 miles with significant hills that he grades as moderate. This made us uneasy. What was there on route we couldn’t manage?

The route was flat and mostly paved. Clearly our fitness has improved as we managed this difficult route and arrived ahead of time.

As we have come to the penultimate day of cycling we thought it was fair to state our admiration for Italian drivers. They have been courteous, careful and patient and we have great admiration for their parking skills. They are able to squeeze into the tiniest of spaces to park.

We have a better understanding of the rules of parking in Italy. You can park anywhere – over a driveway, on the pavement, on a bend, in the middle of the road, at a corner and definitely on the cycle path.

Double parking is normal and triple parking is acceptable if you are just popping into the shop for five minutes to buy your Lotto tickets.

Finally, we are in Italy and car mirrors are so important to check one’s hair and makeup. No need to use mirrors when opening your car doors wide. Cyclists with helmet hair understand the problem and will be happy to swerve out into passing traffic for your hair and makeup rituals and your safety.

Tomorrow we enter Venice. Twenty four miles, two ferries and a deadline. Another challenge.

Good night