Day 442 5th October
67 miles (Motta to Mantua) Average speed 12 mph Top speed 98? (I don’t think so!)
A tough second day in the saddle with a headwind all the way. It was very enjoyable but tough on my knees.
I got up at 7.30 and begged three Yorkshire teabags from the only other Brits on the campsite. I forgot to buy any yesterday. I had omelette with cheese and ham and French bread for breakfast. I had to listen to fellow campers having morning sex in the tent next to me, but the Austrians seemed to be enjoying themselves!! I packed up and went to look at the lake in daylight before setting off on the ss10 all the way to Mantua as the cycle path was not the best.
Lake at the campsite, a quick look in the early morning mist before I left
It was once again a good flat road but some of the Italian drivers are not quite as respectful of cyclists as others. One car overtook me quite close at about 100 mph and a lorry came close to forcing me off the road. I guess the stereotype of Italian driving is somewhat true. It was hard work into the wind but enjoyable all the same.
I stopped in Cerea to shop at Lidl, where I found a reduced quiche, but when I got to the park to tuck into it, it turned out you’re supposed to cook it first ! I ate half anyway and have no ill effects. There were once again some amazing villas along the route.
I carried on to Mantua and easily found the campsite, which is small but well appointed and is set on a farm, so plenty of animal noises through the night and early morning. I ate leftover pasta and a chocolate dessert from Lidl before going to an Irish pub in town to see if they were showing the England match, but they weren’t, so I made my way to Knix Knox bar and enjoyed a pint of Oktoberfest beer with a friendly barman.
Knix Knox Bar
Back at the campsite I sat and watched moon for a while and was in bed by midnight.
Camping Algatoura 12 € on a farm.