End of day four - and a little reflection on 'day 3' (known only by it's number...)

After yesterday's challenge (for 'challenge' read 'nightmare cycle'...) the boys welcomed the relatively easy day of around 94 miles from Maranello to Lake Garda, a route without any horrible hills and with the prospect of a dip in the Lake at the end.  Yesterday all of the boys hit the wall through exhaustion with a 14 hour day and 110 miles in the saddle uphill.  As Stu put it:  "I knew day three was always going to be tough but it was the hardest day on a bike I can say I've ever had.  Hitting the 'wall' was the worst part:  with obtaining two 4cm blisters on each foot coming a close second!  I did thoroughly enjoy the day though!".  George's lungs held up ok (the GP in Chorleywood will be pleased about that), Paul hasn't so far shown any signs of any of the strange illnesses he developed during the last tour but did get locked in a toilet (thankfully rescued by Adrian): He says:  "All i can say that at the end of day 4, it has been a very eventful journey so far. To date, this has included having to ascent and descend a mountain that Chris Boddington would have refused to climb. It was so high, that there was no sign of animal life (even the mountain goat refused to go that high). Other challenges have included, having to cope with George's terrible jokes (I use the term joke in the wildest possible sense), being locked in the toilet, and having to be rescued by Adrian and following 16 hours of cycling then descend into Manarello in complete darkness at 11 o'clock at night via a motorway.

I'd love to talk about the panoramic views, snow capped mountains and even the stunning wildlife. However, given the complete physical exhaustion after each day, i'm not in a position to do so. Thanks for all your support so far and please keep sending your messages, they're really appreciated by all the lads. Best wishes Paul. Special hugs and kisses to Emily and Grace.

Getting lost in Maranello when they arrived was probably the most trying part of the day!

Today the boys really enjoyed the cycle.  As Stu put it: "what a difference a day makes.  Today was dead flat, a smooth road - perfect cycling weather.  This was followed by a swim in Lake Garda.  The only downside was the fact that I couldnt' make up my mind whether to spare my sore backside, sore hands or sore feet!".  Step wasn't up for a dip in the Lake but the boys weren't having any of that and so he went in anyway.

As Jamie reflects:  Maranello to Lake Garda (86 miles) – Late start this morning after yesterday’s tough ride and refuelled by demolishing the breakfast buffet at the hotel. George (Cav) Owen demonstrated his superior sprinting ability after being exper

tly lead out by the R2H train. The group attempted a rotational peloton today with minimal success but have shown signs of improvement. To finish off a great days riding we had a swim in Lake Garda to relax the muscles. The Alps are approaching.