Day 1 Rome to Latina

Lovely to be back on the bikes. We all met at the van at ten to unload bikes and load up luggage. 17 bikes was quite a squeeze, so there followed an hour of general faffing while everything was re- assembled. Shortly after eleven we were all on the road. We were quickly clear of Rome on Ian's excellent route, but it was fifteen miles to get to quieter roads. A great lunch stop at a roadside bar, pasta for all all except me- green salad with the addition of a boiled egg saved from breakfast.

Then a speedy ride into Latina. Latina was built on a reclaimed swamp by Mussolini in the early thirties. A bit like a seedy Milton Keynes. Dave's ukuleles were pressed into service, and we almost have an un hireable band now. If I can upload a clip you can judge for yourselves. We opted to eat inside at the hotel to avoid the swarms of mossies that have been trying to eat us since we arrived. Between us we are sporting a great range of bite, but Stewart wins- his whole leg is looking like a piece of raw meat. The meal was ok, some good, some bad. Emma is still waiting for a pizza meal- second night with no pizza on the menu. Bad luck Emma.