Day 5 of the Via Francigena (72km)
72km / 3 hours 22 minutes / 138m gain
I had a great time on the ride today; it was nice not to ride in the rain. It was super foggy for the first couple of hours, then the fog lifted a little, and it was colder, and then the sun finally came out toward the end. A lot of rivers, lakes, and trees along the way. A few spots where I had to jump on the highway, but otherwise, it was a mix of bike paths, gravel roads, and back roads. Great route!
Breakfast this morning was basic, just a croissant and a roll with butter and jam. I only had a little bread left, so I ate that for a snack after a few hours, along with my last two apples. I need to find a place to restock food. I am staying at a weird hotel off a highway, though, so no luck yet. I had an amazing late lunch of pasta and pizza, though (super nice people, and the pasta was spicy, which was fantastic). Breakfast should be good as an I splurged on a nice hotel today.
What else?
- The hotel where I am staying has private garages for rooms so that people on the outside can’t see license plates… Lindsey and I refer to these as Italian hooker motels. We think they do that so people can have affairs discretely (or ladies of the night). We saw one happen on a trip in 2020, which was hilarious as we watched an older gentleman pull into the garage in front of his room, and then a very dolled-up lady got out of her car in the parking lot to join him.
- I saw a rabbit today. Beyond cows and goats, this is the only wildlife I have spotted.
- I feel good, and I can tell my improved training is helping. It is still a bit early to tell, but hopefully, I will feel similar around day 12. My legs don’t get tired, but what happens is my soul gets exhausted at some point as I get mentally worn down.
- I really like my new bike seat, and so far, my butt is feeling ok. I am definitely sore by the end but not terribly yet. I hope that holds up, as you don’t really want to be using a new bike seat 2 weeks before a ride like this (mine broke).
- I passed a few pilgrims today, all walking.
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