Alarm was set for 0700, but I woke at 0530 and re-set it for 0745. Alpen for breakfast for first time on this trip (I was later to find it impossible to buy porridge oats in Italy). I wrapped a banana for later in the day. After retrieving the bike from the underground garage, I had another unsuccessful search for a map. Eventually at 10:00 I set off to do battle once again with the camions. Dead straight (Roman!) roads and a lack of mountains in view made for a somewhat boring ride, and I was having second thoughts about my route plan. Stopped for lunch in a small cafe with very welcoming staff, in Spinetta (just past Alessandria), beside a level crossing. After here the roads got less busy. Next stop was Voghera, wher not only did I manage to buy a good map, but also spent 2 hours in an internet cafe booking accommodation for tonight and tomorrow, and emailing my HoD in Leeds regarding my retirement party plans. Off again feeling relieved and happier! Next stop was for strong coffee and cake at a roadside cafe. To relieve the boredom of the main SP10, I went off to the South at Broni, in an attempt to find a moreinteresting route to Burgonovo. This was a big mistake as it was getting late, the land to the South was very hilly, and the distance was much greater than it looked on the map. Eventually I gave up and returned to the main SP10 (via a nice downhill!) but it was late now, so the last 50 minutes of the ride was in darkness. But the hotel Valtidone (in Borgonovo Val Tidone) was great at 45 Euros, and the town was jumping with some kind of festival. The main streets were full of tables, chairs and settees, street artists, DJs, dancing etc. Dinner about 10pm. 130km today.