22 miles ridden – 190m climbed – Temperature 31C.

A new perspective to yesterday’s collective struggle came clear this morning when 4 riders messaged that they had been up ill all night and wouldn’t ride today. Others were not feeling tip top but left as planned.

The route was largely flat but visually dull as we rode for the first 10 miles in the street behind the beach from houses. Of course that meant we were largely in shade with the only downside really being the random manoeuvres of car drivers pulling in, pulling out, double parking and of course opening doors into our path without looking. As I say – dull (but sunny!):

But there were some good views.

and some of the roads were good.

Around 22 miles another two riders started to feel unwell – one of them was me. There is a common theme across all six. We all ate breakfast together yesterday morning, 5 of us ate lunch a the same little cafe yesterday, and 5 ate dinner together last night and all ate the same food as we shared antipasti. The guides are convinced there has been a food issue which combined with the heat has floored half the group.

I guess it’s always a risk if the whole group – or a large contingent from it – eat the same things together but it was a really disappointing way for a great trip to finish.

I took the train from the 22 mile mark – Santa Teresa di Riva to Catania and then got a taxi to the hotel. Catania is not a very pleasant place so it was appropriate to pass through it as quickly as possible in a taxi.

I will post an epilogue in a few days to properly reflect on the trip as a whole once I stop focussing on the fact I don’t feel well.