Safe Return Doubtful

(On The Kerouac Road) – 81 km (51 miles) – Total so far: 343 km (213 miles)

Tremendous afternoon after leaving the intense heat of the Po Basin.

Got away late for reasons in the picture below, but managed 50 km before lunch in the centre of Modena. Lots of history here, dating to 218 BC and an invasion by Pompey. Lamborghini headquarters provide employment these days so it’s not the hardest hit Italian city.

After a top lunch it was on the Eurovelo 7 cycle track all away from any roads for 28 km into Vignola.

Then the only disappointment of the day as I catch the last hour or so from the Oval.

Big storm about to hit – I’ve given up on today’s cricket – off to find a bar and avoid pizza.

Distance – 81.28 km – no off-road. Top speed – 34.1 km/hr. Moving average – 17.1 km/hr. Ride time – 4 hrs 45 mins. Left – 10:00 hrs, arrived 16:00 hrs.

Trouble at Mill.
I’ve a slow (very slow) puncture for a day or so so was half expecting this. Good place to repair it though!

24 hour cigarette machines – under 16s trusted not to use them

Saturday morning market in Guastalla.

Dorando Petri won the marathon at the 1908 Olympics in London – but was disqualified – reasons in the following photo. He lived in Novellara for most of his life.

Petri fell four times and was helped back up by “umpires” on all occasions, depicted here being pushed across the line – will this London Olympics marathon finish in a similar way?

Saturday lunch in the centre of Modena.

Pasta Fredda – Parma ham and mozzarella

More clock towers and bikes – Modena

These 30 km of the Eurovelo 7 is called the Kerouac Strada. Various quotes are posted on signposts to inspire cyclists – this one from “On The Road”

Arrival into Vignola – a big summer for cycling.

The clock tower of Vignola. Vignola dates from 826 when this large Middle Ages castle was built.
Note the man in the orange trousers who spoilt my photo!

The castle on a quiet Saturday