So we got back on the bikes today and set off across generally flat country lanes in the headwaters of the Po valley. Crops now include peach trees and pumpkins as well as maize and grassland. With a sunny morning we had great views on both sides as we rode of the long outline of the Alps circling almost right around us.

We started out at 9am with the temperature at 21C with 50 miles to cover and by early afternoon it was in the mid 30s. We had a peaceful lunch in a shady restaurant in Racconigi, overlooking some posh palace once owned by Umberto 1, no I didn’t know him either. Anyway the good burghers of Racconigi were very friendly to two hot cyclists and fed us and sent us on our way. They all stayed in the shade chatting of course.

We did another 20 miles in the heat and reached Alba well before 4pm. Our hostess at the B&B doesn’t speak any English but seems very kindly and I have had some tea, a shower and now watching the finale of TDF. Life is Ok.

Track of the day:

Yesterday: Goin’ Places by The Jacksons. Very silly song but manages to convey the excitement of travelling to new places!

Today: Iron Sky by Paolo Nutini.
Partly influenced by the massive blue sky above us now we are on the flatlands, and partly from reading my emails from Oxfam and 38 degrees about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Makes you angry, makes you cry, makes you feel that life’s good things are not being shared out fairly. I know the situation is complex but people there now have no water. I hope the big powers get a ceasefire to
hold soon.