Bella Italia - June 16th 2010

The 5th day - it rained, but I went riding anyway.

It was a cool damp day, and most of the party went to see the sights. I elected to find some more roads to enjoy, so set out towards the mountains. Just before I turned off up the twisties, it began to rain more seriously, so I donned my 'Safety Lab' bright yellow all-in-one rain suit and the fireman's gloves. I'm very glad I did, as it got very cold, windy and wet, with much of the ride in the clouds. Still a damn good ride though, and it proved the Michelin City Grips could be trusted in the wet - they were much better than the Gold Standards I'm so used to and which I had previously rated as my favourite all-round tyre. Michelin have done well here. :)

Coming down another side of the mountains, the weather improved, and there were plenty of dry roads - but it was still chilly and windy, so the 'kit' stayed on. It had been more tiring than normal doing this ride, so I cut out the last bit I had planned - just as well, as I had a terrific road for the last leg, and the planned route would have gone through a lot of built-up areas. As it was it took nearly four hours, with only a couple of stops. I was gagging for a beer at the end! No photos, it wasn't that sort of ride. ;)

Another good evening meal with the 'Hard riders', my shout this time.

Odo:

The track of the day (160km):