53 miles ridden – 794m climbed – Temperature 29C

Today was a good day. The first 20 miles or so was flat which was a nice start although the road was quite busy for the first 12 miles or so after which it quietened down nicely. Sadly we weren’t right next to the sea but behind all the campsites and forests that line most of that section of the coast. We found ourselves in a relative oasis of cultured calmness when we passed by the Roman ruins at Paestum which is like a more civilised version of Pompeii without massive crowds.

After coffee in Agropoli we started our first climbed which was a twin peak. There were a few 9% sections but most of it was between 3% and 6% which is quite manageable once you have established a good pace. The valley in between the two peaks was quite picturesque and it’s always nice to see the view of where we have climbed from.

There was a long descent down from the second peak into the town of San Marco where we had a lunch stop an then we carried on the rejoin the coast and followed the coast road though a number of little towns as we tackled three more smaller climbs over three headlands. As with yesterday it was very picturesque but today with much quieter traffic.

With the climbing over we stopped for ice cream in the charming little town of Pioppi and then on to our hotel which tonight has nice rooms but a poor location in terms of busy traffic and a railway line. We will eat well tonight as tomorrow starts with a lengthy climb and then a monster 10 mile climb about 21 miles rising up 600m. Perversely I am looking forward to it.