We have now been cycling for 9 consecutive days and the landscape inland has changed markedly - the terrain is undulating, gone is the greenness of the coast and towns are few and far between - not ideal when water stops are a must!
Still, we're making progress - nearly 1200km down, with six cycling days left. Last night we made a democratic decision to take a rest day in Matera - something some of us have been craving since day two and fuelled by the beauty of the place. We never expected to see the ancient citadel in the middle of this landscape. Worth a look...
So, we have had a bit of time to consider the trip so far. There are reasons why this cycling trip is great:
1. You get to see Italy in a way you wouldn't be able to in a car.
2. Seeing places you wouldn't have thought to stop in, but are amazing places in their own right - Timoli, Sirolo, Matera...try googling some of those!
3. Being able to consume vast amounts without worrying; our typical daily intake is a croisannt, at least 1 bag of haribo, half a pack of biscuits, half a big bar of chocolate, equivalent of half a full size baguette, whole pizza, plus the extra bread and snacks...and probably more! EACH.
4. Being caught by the Google Street View camera in the middle of nowhere - look out for us on that!
5. Tailwinds - amazing the speeds that can be hit!
6. Rest days
7. Cameraderie - good atmosphere and the fines are totting up (Particularly for Ross!)
Things that are not so good about cycling are:
1. The sore bottoms
2. The numb hands
3. The aching body
4. The stray, rabid, dogs that try to attack you...as we've discovered further south.
5. Missing us thump the Aussies in the cricket
Stats so far:
Day 1: Brunico - Trento 154km 7hrs 11mins
Day 2: Trento - San Giovanni Lupatoto 114km 5hrs 37mins
Day 3: San Giovanni Lupatoto - Portomaggiore 134km 6hrs 20mins
Day 4: Portomaggiore - Miramare 144km 6hrs 48mins
Day 5: Miramare - Sirolo 126km 6hrs 9mins
Day 6: Sirolo - Pineta 119km 5hrs 43mins
Day 7: Pineta - Termoli 119km 5hrs 39mins
Day 8: Termoli - Orta Nova 121km 5hrs 21mins
Day 9: Orta Nova - Matera 139km 6hrs 28mins
TOTAL: 1,172km 55hrs 16mins
Really enjoying reading your blog - it's almost as though we're all there too ... without the sore bums, numb hands and aching bodies, though! You're all doing amazingly well - good luck for the next stage.
ReplyDeleteI would never say anything offensive on you blog!! I'm astounded you would ever think that of me!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, things are all good here. D&AD Workshops applied for, placements on the horizon and a lot of good press from the Creative Directors we've seen. Can't be long now 'til something good happens....
Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your trip; marvelous effort that!!
From Rory, sitting on a lovely comfy couch in London, without a sore bum or any aches and pains to speak of having watched the Aussies get battered yesterday. Yay for me!!
Who would you like to leave behind?
ReplyDeleteWe are really enjoying reading the blog and great to be able to reply - I tried at the beginning and put it down to my lack of technical knowledge. I think you are FANTASTIC. I have the route planned out in the atlas and check it each day. I didn't bargain on any rest days though - you've thrown my dating system!! Of course Dad's watching the Tour de France - but it doesn't match up to you guys. Hope all continues to go well.
ReplyDeleteFantastic stats and averages - keep it but, but less of the contact with vehicles!!
ReplyDeleteChris
well done to all of you from Ben and joe's mum and dad and little sister. We have really enjoyed following the blogs and also have a map out where your route is highlighted in pink. like to think Dad's cycle with you 2 boys to Switzerland from uk last year may have inspired this....looking forward to seeing the photos. x
ReplyDeleteWell done Team Ross, keep pushing him all the way
ReplyDeleteDerek