76 miles ridden – 4100 feet climbed

Today was hot. According to my Garmin the highest temperature was 42C, I saw a town display showing 34C, either way it was hot.

Our climbing was covered in 4 sections, 2 of which were after a delicious yet physically limited bowl of Spagetti Carbonara which managed to sit heavily as we hit the third climb about 10 mins afterwards. Not to be recommended!

Our route passed through some glorious countryside today full of vineyards and orchards and we regularly passed through delightful little towns and villages that look to have changed little, at least architecturally, over the last 300 years. It was tantalising that as we climbed and dropped along the sides of the valley we could see main roads and a river running straight through the bottom. As we took in the view at the top of each rise we couldn’t help but wonder whether we could have taken a flat route straight along the bottom.

Here is Sue approaching the top of the hardest climb. For those of you interested not only is she wearing Rapha but as a result of today she was told at dinner that she is officially now a cyclist. I am very proud – Sue is uncertain. The picture below was taken just before we dropped down to Lake Garda.

Here’s another picture of Sue with Heather just behind and Terry in front. 

8 of us spent most of the day together today. Heather and Murray, Terry and Julie, and Laura and Anthony had a great day together except for the 30 miles where Murray went solo. Yes it was hot, and yes we had an aggravating headwind but it was a glorious day with a decent amount of humour in amongst the heat and hill. 

Tomorrow morning we are taking a ferry across Lake Garda so we have a nice bit of sightseeing before we tackle our 54 mile route. First though, sleep…….