A new day and the cycling adventure begins

It wasn't a perfect day but at least we woke to blue skies and warm air! Chris, Kathleen and I caught the 7:30 slow train to Faenza which was PACKED with bicycles because of the cancellation of later trains because of the strike. Unfortunately Keith missed the train and had to ride from Bologna.

The three of us set out through fabulous flat farmland with grape harvest in full swing! The ride was only about 46km but with a couple of detours and missed turns it ended up being just over 50. As the morning wore on it got warmer and warmer and the headwind picked up. In the last section of gentle climbing to Galeata it was in the thirties with a strongish headwind so by the time we got to our accommodation we were hot and thirsty. Both easily fixed! Our hosts at Corte Isabella were fantastic... thoughtful and friendly and we felt welcome. I can thoroughly recommend it as a place to stay.

In the eveing there was a special event just across the street... a street party where the three restaurants put on extra tables in the street and a band playing a mix of Italian and rock material. Quite fun.'

Pam, Chris, Kathleen and Patrick dined in style. Three of us chose the special porcini and truffle menu which was very, very good but too much to eat! Talk about carbo loading!

Off to bed with some climbing to do tomorrow!