Phew! It's been a busy few days which is why we haven't updated for a while. Let's see if we can remember what we've done.... We left Monfalcone in Italy and had our first border crossing of the trip into Slovenia. Joy soon turned to tears (not really) when Matt realised he had some BIG problems with his rear wheel. He had a 1cm hole in the rim and some broken spokes. No bike shops open so we soldiered on carefully. Then the first big hills of the trip made for a puffing, pan

We finally got around to using the camping equipment, which we have been lugging across the country, last night. A coolish 55km east along the coast from Venice to Caorle was the perfect chance. Not sure that it truly is a two person tent, but we managed some sleep and got an early start this morning. Feeling strong and positive, we bashed out 90km, arriving in a town called Monfalcone near Trieste and the Slovenian border. Reflecting on the 11 days we have spent in Italy,

Into the swing of things now, as we try to have our first early night, the rain is lashing down outside. A feeling of relief for the fact that we haven't been soaked yet and because the humidity today means that rain is needed. Weird; I didn't think I'd be that bothered by the weather on this trip, but we are certainly bronzed already. I realised today that ever since we've started I've had a little moment each day when I've thought how lucky I am to be doing this 50 day rid

After a tricky 15km making our way out of Milan with our heavily loaded bikes, we finally hit the Naviglio Pavese. This old canal runs to Pavia and provided us with a smooth tow path and a direct traffic free route. We made great time stopping for lunch and some sight seeing in this pretty town, out first on the river Po which we will now follow some 450km east to the sea and Venice. The afternoon was spent tracking the river on some unsuitable paths, gravel sand and pudd

50km in to Milan today. Our first, nice and short ride to the city. A busy but mechanical problem free day. Heavy loads, hoping thay will feel lighter as we get stronger. Looking forward to our route along a canal to the town of Pavia by lunch tomorrow. Link to interactive route map for here. #italy #pwsa #biketour #bicycletouring