Safe Return Doubtful

(wasting away again in Mosquitoville) – 91 km (56 miles) – Total so far: 261 km (162 miles)

Spent the day in the Po basin, eventually leaving it tomorrow after 130 km. Though i leave it, it goes on to meet the Adriatic just below Venice, on the 45th parallel which it follows almost in its entirety.

Got in at 17:00 hrs and although the town is interesting the place swelters at this time of year, 36 C max today, with 50% humidity making it feel nearer 40.

Change of route today, and the pictures tell the story.

The receptionist’s partner was an administrator at nearby Viadana Rugby club, who were in Serie A, but have recently fallen on worse times financially, they still get a crowd of 5,000.

Distance covered – 90.8 km, about 25% off-road Max speed – 33.4 km/hr Moving time – 5 hr 22 mins Moving average – 16.9 km/ hr Left at 9:15 hrs, arrived in at 17:00 hrs, two hour long breaks, lunch and mid-afternoon.

Town Centre in Gusola, late morning

Great lunch stop, an hour in a cafe in Sabbioneta

Sabbioneta

The Oglio river runs into the Po, and I needed to cross it here on this floating bridge, but the water level is too low so it’s closed. It meant a return trip of about 10 km, and a change of route – no San Benedetto Po. Next bridge 15 km south.

Into the humidity – an hour mid-afternoon water break in a cafe at a depressing Dosolo. Carlo Ancilloti is from near here the barman told me…

Eventually over the Oglio – bit more traffic than on the other bridge.