0 miles ridden – 0m climbed

Last nights weather  forecast and the severe weather warning across the media generated much discussion yesterday evening. Not to put too fine a point on it the summary read:

‘Strong to severe thunderstorms may occur. Damaging winds, large hail, a tornado possible. High 25C. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 25-50mm rain expected.’

Our route was a based on a large loop avoiding Greater Rome with more climbing that yesterday. The concerns included the lack of places to shelter or get supplies and general concern about being out at (relative) altitude in a thunderstorm.

There was a fierce electrical storm in the middle of the night and by breakfast time 4 riders had decided to sit today out on a succession trains, coffee stops, and short sightseeing rides so we headed of to Tarquinia station where we met 6 other cyclists taking the train to avoid the rain.

Arriving at the enormous Rome Termini station we discussed whether there were any feasible routes to cycle out to Lido Di Ostia – the look of incredulity on the young man’s face told us all we needed so we cycled our way over to the colosseum which given the drivers in Rome was its own entertaining challenge but well worth it.

We enjoyed a coffee sheltering from a major downpour in a café overlooking a different elevation of the magnificent structure where – as luck would have it – we were served by a waitress who lived in Lido Di Ostia and spoke fluent English.

Notice how my bike made it into both pictures?

She outlined the best route for us – not cycling in her opinion – so we took the Metro to Pyramide where we got our final train out to Lido Di Ostia arriving to a brightening sky and relatively dry roads. Looks can be deceiving and they certainly were as 10 minutes into a gentle ride along the sea front cycle path the heaven opened BIG time. We managed to find somewhere to shelter and have lunch. As we left the sun started to peek through the clouds……. Less than 30 minutes later another storm shower arrived which is still going 35 minutes later.

Tomorrow should have good weather judging by tonight’s sunset.