We eventually crossed the Po some 13km downstream on some lovely country lanes (see photo) and a road occupied by many heavy lorries that were also diverted by the closure of the main bridge. Wobbly photo of the Po attached! Still easy riding but getting to the hottest part of the day and, once again, the final few miles seemed to drag, especially when an effort to get away from the traffic took us on to a cycle lane that led us…..straight back to the busy road! The Italians appear to have a similar attitude to cycle paths as in Britain – they put them in, often as shared pavements, but they become covered in dust, grit and detritus that just begs for a puncture if you ride over it. They are also punctuated by side roads, driveways and other obstacles and progress in any meaningful way is impossible. However, with so many of us riding, we need to be safe too. Eventually an excellent path took us into Parma and a beautiful hostel on the northern edge. We actually did some laundry (!!) and then contrived to catch a bus into town….at least, some of us did. Tizz decided to wander off and buy some fruit (!!) and thus I had to miss the bus to wait and catch the next one with her! A good pizza/pasta place in town, lovely temperature and the only hassle is George breaking a wine glass before the meal is served! A big day tomorrow – 80-90 miles with a climb of about 30 miles – need an early night and a prompt start! First view of the Mediterranean due tomorrow!

Emotional reunion with Fluffy and the van all at once thoroughly confused the cafe owner! Piccy attached. Then down the western side of Lago d’Isio, under the cliffs and weaving in and out of tunnels. We loved it (Pat, George, Tizz and Fluffy riding with me) but Mum hated it in the van! We met on the lake-front at Iseo where, by riding to the van and back to top up the van parking fee, I reached 900 miles. Little did I know that it would feel like another 900 miles to cover the 20 or so km to Brescia. I have NEVER been in such a badly signposted and organised road system ever! Every road led to the autostrada, which at one point, in sheer desperation, we rode on for a short distance. Hundreds of cyclists, all in stylish kit, were buzzing about, but signage as to how to get to Brescia was sadly lacking. After over 2 hours we finally rode into Brescia and the I reverted to my iPhone satnav to guide us to our rather idiosyncratic hotel/hostel. Mum, Mel and George were already there, having been guided through the nighate that is Brescia by a very kind elderly couple who told Mel to follow them! Really hot, but mow in the bar with a beer and the world looks a whole lot better! Off to Parma tomorrow, crossing the River Po in the process!

Lucky to be here to record the start of today after a dramatic night camping out in an Italian alpine thunderstorm! Beautiful campsite a few miles from Edolo and after some pizza in the warm evening it seemed like it would be a good night. As soon as we were in the tents there were growls of thunder and spots of rain that gradually grew in intensity to full-scale blitzkrieg! Tizz helpfully said that she knew of people killed by lightning in tent and asked if we were safe! The thunder just echoed round and round the mountains for what seemed like an eternity! Eventually it passed, to be followed by constant rain most of the night. Mum, Mel, Pat and George in the big tent are all soaked this morning, as are Mum and Mels flight tickets home from Pisa! Interestingly, Tizz, who for the past few nights has been unable to sleep, reported that she had slept like a log!
Just mopping up before setting out for (hopefully warm and dry!) Brescia.

A cloudy but warm start, straight up the Bernina Pass. Not too difficult from the side we were coming from, but distinctly chilly in the mist at the top. Then a descent to die for down to Poschiavo – unending miles of hairpins and a blur of pine trees, Armco, oncoming motorbikes and adrenaline! Fantastic! In Poschiavo for a coffee, still officially in Switzerland but whole feel is now Italian -amazing contrast with the other side of the pass. It’s also raining!!
Onwards to Italia!!!

Lovely to lie in except that church bells started early! Went for a test drive with Mel in the van to hear the legendary squeak, but the van behaved perfectly! Not moaning! Then up to the swimming pool in which we were to spend the next 6 hours! Beautiful! On the hillside, overlooking the mountains, indoor and outdoor pools, spa jets, whirlpool, waterslide and sunloungers. Also hot sun! Water jet massage for tired muscles, and a perfect way for Pat and George to let off steam, especially as the pool was packed with young Swiss and Italian teenage girls! Mel lay on her back in a water jet and started to laugh hysterically as her bikini top started to inflate to enormous proportions! We had visions of her actually taking off and soaring away in paraglide fashion across distant peaks to St Moritz! Mums comment was that if she had bought the bikini in Marks & Spencer then she should take it back!! Everything wonderfully clean and well kept – the place is packed with hikers, mountain bikers, road cyclists (some lovely bikes) and motorbikes. Also some incredible Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the like roaring up the alpine roads. The rivers are a translucent blue but this might change very soon as Patrick has just gone to wash his smalls! Feeling great again and ready to tackle the Bernina Pass tomorrow. Spoke to Dad who has laid the concrete for his new garage – hi Dad! Camping in the Italian Alps tomorrow and meeting Bernard near Brescia on Tuesday. Back in the routine but looking forward to it.