Jealousy of lime trees

I'll be honest, it took a lot of will power to drag myself from bed this morning. The idea of getting on a saddle and cycling 130km just seemed like a ridiculous idea given yesterday's efforts.

Yesterday was without a doubt the hardest day so far, and I'll bet there isn't one as hard again (or at least I hope). Perhaps it was because I wasn't feeling 100%. We had just had a rest day and I probably had not eaten enough carbs and taken on enough (non-alcoholic) fluids, but from the word go I was lagging.

For 143km we went up and down mountainous terrain in desperately hot conditions for over 8 hours. I got through around 6 litres of fluids. At lunch we had already completed 90km, and temperatures peaked at 36 degrees.

Now I usually enjoy mountain scenery. I enjoy climbing mountains; but I have never appreciated mountains less. The rock in the canyons acts as a convector and bakes anything in it - us. Which is why I couldn't understand how these lime trees were so fresh, green and lush! Where were those gittish trees getting their water from? We found out just after lunch- massive sprinkler systems across the entire area. For twenty minutes we stood by the road under the stray sprays...amazing!! Absolute highlight of the cycle!

The day ended by pushing on to Oriolo. We finished the day doing a 900 meter climb (at its highest point) and a couple of 300 meter climbs (exhausting). Our accommodation was a really great bed and breakfast; simple stone walls and floors kept it cool, and we ate a traditional four (!) course meal, then collapsed into bed. Views for breakfast were fantastic looking out over the valley.

Fortunately the 130km today, although again desperately hot and dry, was flat and only took 5 hours 28 minutes. Job done!

Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this?

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