It is warm from the minute we wake up. Nick W sets off on the bike and Grete leads us to the funicular which runs up the hillside to the town. A short walk leads us to the huge square, entered at each corner through arched gateways. Tuesday is market day and the square is filled with stalls and white vans. We amble through the aisle of clothing, shoes and houseware before meetng Nick W at the far side, right beside a convenient coffee shop. From the square w...

The car park fills quickly from about 06:30. We are ready to leave at 10:00. No motorway today, just a 45 mile cross country ride from Alba to Cuneo, passing Bra and following roadwork diversions through Fossano. Ir's lovely lowland alpine scenery, tractors working fields, herds of cattle and alpine style buildings with overhanging roofs. We drive through Cuneo's huge central square and down to the aire. 11:30 we arrive at our rendezvous and once again Mary*...