The last , felt-like-the-longest, day

finally we have reached the journey's end.
We had a leisurely breakfast in the Apartrmento Bolognese - it was a DIY affair with all the calories provided. Afterwards we strolled the streets around the Piazza Maggiore (Bologna is certainly worth a return visit - not least as I later discovered that my wallet was gone and someone must be having a good time!!) then packed the bikes ready for the last leg - with Paul safely on his way home only the three of us left. For once we did not get lost (no I do NOT blame you, Paul!!) but the route was boring and rather tedious - not really improved by a strong headwind  which left me without much puff and the others often without me!! It was a 105 km ride along busy roads - and always with the wind smack in our faces - just like when we started in France a Century - or was it only a week- ago. We reached Hotel Riz in Cesenatico by 1730 - just in time for the drinks reception and a warm welcome from our Wheeler friends (fellow CYCLISTS - a German along the route asked me if I was a triathlete - he almost needed a nose job afterwards!!) and from the lovely staff. Is it a sutprise to hear that it was good to get out of the saddle??!!!
Our evening meal was the usual for Riz -  a multitude of courses providing all a cyclist needs to face the next day. When one of the waiters topped up my plate he said " you always cycle to here, don't you?". Not necessarily in style but  it would seem that I do!
Lessons learned ? Not many apart from bring as little as you can get away with - and preferably less than that. Choose a comfortable saddle and shorts. Go with some good friends as companions - you will spend a lot of time together.
Plot the route electronically but bring a map (paper) just in case. And bike-mounted devises are not good at giving a general overview.
And do take time to stop and smell the roses (botanical, bricks'n mortar and human!).
Life is like a long cycle ride  - no point in racing along and suddenly realising at the finish line that you have missed having a good time. So enjoy!
PS some stats/  we cycled approx 1050 km ~700 miles) and climbed 5200 metres ( approx 20,000 beer bottles stacked on top of each other - but don't do this at home - you'll get a puncture and so will everyone else in the neighbourhood !). 🇩🇰🇬🇧🇫🇷🇮🇪