#RoadsFromRome Day 4 - Into The Dolomites

Today started in the flatlands of northern Italy, and gentle backroads took me northwards into Lombardy. Before long I was at the southern tip of Lake Garda, and worked my way up the western shore.

A comedy moment came when I jumped on the wheel of one of the many cycling clubs riding the lake's shores, and then realised so too had the 60+ year old gent in the canvas shorts and beret on the 20 year old Peugeot that I had just passed. It was comical because we actually ended up overtaking and leading out the entire cycling club on the next small climb. I gave him a solid "Bravo!" when we did part ways.

As I left the lake behind, the road climbed gradually alongside the river. Passing deep blue lakes and taking me ever closer to the distinctive Dolomite peaks.

By 16:00 I was at the foot of the final climb for the day - the Madonna Di Campiglio. I stopped for a coffee and gelato, and then began the 15 kilometre climb into the mountains proper.

It was a beautiful late afternoon climb, through the forests and pastures.

By the summit it was 18:00, and the sun was setting fast. I had wondered about a mountain top wild camp, but at over 1600m height, I decided it might be too cold; let alone the chill I'd encounter descending in the morning. So, I headed down into the valley, and eventually found a peaceful spot by the river to set up camp.

Risotto, then lentils, and then my last freeze dried curry for dinner... fusion cooking on a JetBoil.

Tomorrow... Merano. One of my favourite places in the world.

Catch up with the day's photos on Instagram: @tim_wiggins1