Today had a very cold start with rain, hail and a howling gale. The guys had gone out dressed for summer but needed an hour to warm up in a restaurant and had to get Sir Galahad to drive out with extra layers. Adding insult to misery, there were strong headwinds for most of the 98 miles (do you think we can round up to 100?!).
Looking like two characters out of Just William, the Richards were showing signs of manic hilarity, completely unaware of the tempest that was about to descend on them. Fortunately, the lunch pit stop had a patio heater that they could warm up under while figuring out if their Italian was now up to translating the menu. My guess is that it was pot luck again!
From Richard W:
The team set out in the morning in what seemed light rain but as they left Ancona the heavy seas, driving rain and gale like winds made the decision to only wear the official route 20 top by Paul and Richard seem quickly inadequate. With the weather worsening after 40 mins a call to John was made to bring more kit. The three bravely cycled on until Paul lost sensation in his arms and the rain had changed to biting hail. After 90 minutes the team sought shelter in a restaurant and John brought rain tops. It took nearly an hour for everyone to stop shivering so cold had they got. The temperature had dropped from 29 the day before to 10. It shows how quickly hyperthermia can set in. The restaurant kindly switched on the patio heater and the rain eventually eased enough for the rest of the ride to continue as everyone considered how close they had come to a serious problem and how grateful that John was a phone call away. Happily the rest of the 100 mile ride was less eventful with a succession of affluent resorts like Rimini with smart ports and busy disco bars to distract from the tired legs and saddle sores. Eventually just as it fell dark the team made Ravenna where a warm shower then dinner in a quirky local restaurant followed. It was with some relief that everyone returned to sleep at the hotel.
Red meat was on the menu tonight with a 2017 Romagna Sangiovese by Il Nespoli. Super label so I have posted it above!
Data: 98 miles (156km), elevation 944 feet (286m). Cumulative: 1,888 miles (3,021km), elevation 86,977 feet (26,713m).