Day 1 Palermo to St Stefano il Camastra

The last participants, Paul and Michael joined us yesterday evening (Sam's birthday , cake and lots of kisses from the waitresses at the evening's restaurant)

I cycled my bike back through the pre-breakfast empty corridors and  after a voluminous breakfast - which as always involved preparing the on-the-road snacks  - we were on the road by 9"(ish).

Once we had heft Palermo we progressed along a lovely deserted coastal road - in places with perfect tarmac of a quality never encountered in the UK.

Sam had driven the van to our destination and then headed back by bike and met us for lunch halfway. Pasta and gallons of water at a lovely seaside place. We reach

the destination of the day by 1600 hrs after 112 km involving 820 metres of cllimbing -  still a lot left to do! The charming hotel/N&B soon looked as if washing day had arrived - we headed out for icecream(s) and pizza. The day was finished with Darren and I taking my bottom bracket apart to get rid of a squak. I believe the operation was a succes and the patient will be on the road againtoday!