Day 109 was a much needed rest day. I had my biggest week of the trip so a rest was in order! We checked out the lake in the morning and took some cool photos perfect for a profile pic (see below). Dad and Tim went for a 10km walk to another lake but couldn’t make it because the path was blocked off. Tim took this cool photo though!

In the afternoon I played table tennis against Tim and Brandi. There was only going to be one winner in that line up (see below). In the evening, Brandi and I cooked (mainly Brandi) some Mexican food. It was delicious! I’m afraid I don’t have any photos to show you though!

Day 110 was suddenly upon us! I was back on the porridge/exercises morning ritual. Today was my last long ride- we were cycling 35km to the outskirts of Rome. It hasn’t sunk in that I’m so close and have cycled all that way! Tim joined me for the ride and he couldn’t have been happier (see below).

The ride started off next to the lake. The views of the glistening water in the sun looked great (see below). We soon found ourselves on a hilly road running through the countryside. We cycled up some short, steep inclines and sped our way down some sharp hills. Once again, the road was in an absolutely shocking state. It was still better than being on the main road!

Then we came to a complicated roundabout. The road we wanted took some finding- when we did, a lady kindly slowed down and let us cross the road. It was very busy and not the safest piece of road so we were glad to be away from the traffic.

Our new road was an interesting one. After been so close to civilisation it appeared we were now in the middle of nowhere. We cycled past some farms along a gravelly track with lots of warning signs picturing dogs’ faces……uh-oh! Luckily, none appeared. We had a new menace to deal with though- a stream! The water was too deep to pedal through so we had to carry the bikes over it. By that I mean Tim. He carried each bike across and then popped me on his back and took me to safety. My feet remained perfectly dry whereas poor Tim’s were now soaking. Top work from the mule! See the photos below! Even these last rides aren’t straightforward!

We had to push our bikes up a steep hill as the surface was still woeful. It wasn’t long until we found tarmac again and we made good progress. We cycled by some magnificent houses- we concluded we must have been in the rich area. The final part of the ride was simple apart from the busy town of Prima Porta (First Gate). Cars pull out from nowhere and people wander the streets paying very little attention. Good prep for the main part of Rome though!

Check out the data below from the ride. We are on the edge of the city now and in a couple of days I’ll be cycling into the centre! Unbelievable scenes! Mum and some of her golf ladies and Brdget & Bilal arrive today! Looking forward to seeing them this evening!