Into the hills

James: Today was our best day so far in Italy. We pushed hard the day before logging 155 km to escae the industrial areas of northern Italy. I have never seen so many trucks on small back roads. It was quite scary at times! Today we plotted a new route which took in some great climbs and amazing scenery. The autumn colours were out and the hills and forests were spectacular. We also saw loads of deer.  And then the sun came out which made it 100 times better. If anyone is keen for an awesome ride with approx 3000 m of climbing over 132km. Start just south of Modena and head south via Sassuolo and Prignano Sulla Secchia before dropping into the valley and climbing out via Gombola to Pavallo nef Frignano and Fanano. From there head to Silla and then Porretta Terma before starting a 700m climb to Lake Saviana. Legs of Steel version 2. The lake is great but sadly the campsite is closed so we have had to forego a hot shower again. But we found a great spot on thelake shore together with a natural spring. Good times.

There have been requests for facts about, amoungst other things, our bottoms. Our bottoms are fine. Irish udder cream is doing a great job at keeping them in racing form. The legs are a bit different.After over 2000 km with one rest day they are tired. Rest day soon. Food wise we are eating like kings. On a self catering day its mueslie, banana, chocolate and coffee for breakfast, cappichino and cake midmorning, giant bagette for lunch, some cheaky snacks late afternoon with an evening meal of coffee and biscuits, big pasta/couscous dish with meat and veg together with a bottle of wine and chocolate. We usually get through two slabs of chocolate each a day and at least a box of biscuits each. Despite this all we have lost weight!