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...

Sat 14Sep2013 Good breakfast - cereal again. While in restaurant, used WiFi to book two nights in Hotel Perla in Bologna, so as to give day off on Sunday when rain forecast. Still had GPS problems getting on the route out of Reggio, but fixed by deleting some waypoints. Some of the direct SS9 road was OK with cycle paths, but these disappeared after a while (just like in UK!) So I set off on parallel quiet roads to the North of the railway and autostrada, tow...