Epiblog

The first day if relaxation after a very good nights sleep.
A leisurely breakfast with several coffees, eggs, bacon, toast , muesli fruit etc
Followed by - a leisurely bikeride of only 50 miles in the hills around Cesinatico. The bike almost flies without  the panniers.
Robin did note that my rear wheel was a bit wonky yesterday- and guess what? Two further spoke nipples broke yesterday so my favourite surgical procedure was performed this afternoon (i am getting very good and fast at it!!) before I had a fantastic massage in the spa. No nipples broken but it was close!!
Tomorrow Robin is cycling up to meet Yvette in Bologna (he has been fantastic company and without his navigation skills we would probably have ended up in Lapland) whereas I will stick around, ride to San Morino, eat some more and allow my body to recover.

So what have we learned on this trip?
Don't trust the weather or historic data- wherever you go expect a headwind.
Don't plan 100+ mile distances per day unless you are supported i.e. Carry nothing (apart from spare nipple spokes!!). Cycle tracks are not always tarmac'ed - some are, some are gravel, some pepples and some boulders dropped from a passing spaceship! Bring very very little that ways more than a credit card!
Don't expect France to be open for business - any business.
Don't expect the Swiss to smile- if they do they may have stepped on something pointed and a puncture will soon happen! And they will charge you - a lot!!
Shit happens - mechanical breakdowns, getting lost, inclement weather. But that's life!!
If you have a dream/plan/wish- get off your backside and do it for tomorrow may be too late. What makes God smile? He smiles when he hears about our plans. So carry them out before he hears and surprise him!
People are generally friendly and helpful.
Europe has places of outstanding beauty and there is no better way to enjoy them than from a bike. If you want to look or take pictures - just stop pedalling (i'm told this may not be the case if there is a tailwind but I have little experience in these matters!)
European cuisine is wonderful and local food is generally fantastic.
Beer is good for you (in moderation),
Wine ditto
Good company ditto - but here no moderation applies.
All in a all it has been a great adventure- thanks to our families for allowing us to do it, to strangers for helping us out and being kind, and to you for bearing up with my musing (yes, reader- I mean you!)
Ciao!!!!