#RoadsFromRome Day 1 - Strade Bianchi
Today's ride began from a monastery. It wasn't intentional, but my last minute Expedia booking did turn out to be a fitting place to take refuge from last night's thunderstorm, as I rode into central Rome from the airport, ahead of my departure on the Via Francigena today.
Sunshine came in abundance from the outset of the first proper day of the #RoadsFromRome. I was pleased to leave the bustling city behind, and even more excited to find the first stretch of gravel.
Through backroads and rolling lanes, the route took me northwards into more substantial hills, accompanied by stunning views.
I stopped for coffee and gelato around noon; a much needed counter for the exhausting 35 degree temperatures.
As the afternoon went by the thunderstorms began to build. I watched the forked lightning striking through the skies of the Tuscany hills, and part of me wished the rain would come my way, to wash the salt from my limbs.
Around 20:00, with 200 kilometres on the clock, the wish for rain materialised, and I rode the last hour in a refreshing shower.
With the day's mileage quota made though, and with daylight fast fading, I refilled my bottles and headed into the quiet hills to set up my first wild camp of the trip.
A great first day in Bella Italia.
Catch up with the day's photos on Instagram: @tim_wiggins1
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