The time had finally arrived to set off on the homeward journey. I had spent quite a lot of time in Ari hunched over a laptop trying to sort out a route to Den Haag by bike and trains. I now had a plan, and it was time to put it to the test. After waving goodbye to my cousin Anne and Gordon, the cycle to Pescara rail station was an easy downhill. I picked up my pre-purchased ticket from the machine and waited for the train. It arrived on time and my bike was l...

Getting there: 19 Sept Cycling today was in two parts: flat along the coast via Pescara to Francavilla al Mare; then inland up quite steep hills to Ari. Getting to Pescara was by the usual mix of coast road and SS16. In Pescara I tried to visit the Modern Art Museum but it was closed. I got into conversation with a local chap called Pietro outside the museum. Very friendly but after I while I sensed a hint of a con, so made my excuses and set off for the main s...

Over breakfast I got chatting to an English woman who lives in Orange - where I started this trip! Then checked out and cycled up the hill to the old city. The main route (through a tunnel) was blocked, so I got a bit lost. Finally I found my way via the university campus to the midaeval church at the top of the hill, with a great viewpoint. Then back down to the docks to head south, but it wasn't long before more steep hills had to be crossed to reach the ...

Breakfast at 8 and away at 0925. The route today just followed the coast, beside the railway, but there was quite a bit of dodging down to the quiet roads on the coast side of the railway, then back to the main SS16 at major river crossings. I went up a very steep hill to Casteldimezzo (East of Cattiloca). A bit of a struggle, but I rewarded myself with a coffee and cake in Ristorante Bellavista at the top (see photo). Later, back at sea level, I had spaghetti ...

Got away at 8am. Garmin showing silly route away from hotel - realised now that it's best not to put the origin on the GPS route, especially in one-way areas, as it will take me round the block. Interested to see trolley buses and trams on the East side of Bologna. I took a winding route avoiding the busiest roads, but there were still some lorries passing too close. Lunch in San Pietro In Vincoli. Finally saw the Adriatic at Cesenatico. Some nice off-road cyc...