When we planned The Grand Finale, one thing we thought we would be able to rely on was the weather. September on the Mediterranean in Southern Italy? What could possibly go wrong? Well, how about some biblical thunderstorms, flooded roads and 15 degrees for starters? Yes, that’s what our fearless adventurers faced on Day 5, the largest stage of the tour at 110 miles along the coast from San Felice Circeo to Santa Marinella, passing Rome on the way. The only saving grace a favourable wind direction, helping the boys to push through the terrible conditions – more like Rochdale than Roma!!
They had seriously decided that the only answer was to keep pedalling, to make the most of the wind while it was blowing, and in a vain effort to outrun the storm (which appeared to be moving up the coast at the same speed as our intrepid duo – doh!)
A couple of punctures slowed things down a bit, at the result of the poorly maintained Strada Provinciale roads hiding their potholes in massive puddles.
However, the miles were ticking by at an impressive rate, and by noon the lads had covered a barely believable 62 miles, arriving at Lido di Ostia, a kind of Roman Southend-On-Sea, with weather to match!
The next challenge was getting around Rome’s main airport at Fiumicino. Detailed investigation of the available routes showed only “autostrada” motorways surrounding the airport, so the decision was made to use the van to get around the airport. It did provide the opportunity for the boys to change their sodden clothes, and warm up in the van for 10 minutes before having some lunch before the afternoon session.
Having taken on more pizza-shaped fuel and checked up on England’s progress against Tonga in the Rugby World Cup, it was back to the grind of another 45 miles up the coast to Santa Marinello. The weather remained foul, the tailwind had dropped off, so it was a hard slog all afternoon. But these guys are made of stern stuff, so teeth were gritted, and the miles ticked off one by one.
Arriving at the hotel saturated and freezing, you could be forgiven for thinking that Gary and Miles would have had the worst day of anyone in Santa Marinella. Apart, from the stressed-out wedding planner in the reception who had arranged a totally outdoor wedding for over 100 people, in a resort where it “never” rains in September!