To - Rome
Distance - 61km
Time - 3.5 hours
Final total - 4755km
HEADLINES IN ROME TRIBUNE
RICHARD GLUTEUS MAXIMUS ENTERS ROME TRIUMPHANT
'Like a conquering Emperor at the head of his Legion Richard pedalled into Rome triumphantly after completing an epic ride of 4755km through territory of the Gauls, the Vandals, the Goths, the Magyars, the Slavs and the Etruscans. When asked to sum up his mammoth task he said "Veni, vidi, vici". He will into the annuls of history alongside Hannibal!'
I expected Russell Crowe in full Gladiator outfit to be ready waiting for me but no sign of him so far. Although I did spot some look-alikes.
The ride was undulating and I managed an extra bit of energy from somewhere to push along at a good speed. There was actually a nice cycle path along the Tiber into Rome centre and into Borghese Park which is a park that we walked through everyday when we visited here with Sue and the kids, probably about 6 years ago.
I went to the cycle shop that I emailed about getting a cardboard box for the transportation of the bike. It was closed! Today is St Paul's Day and a lot of places are closed as a result, including bike shops it seems! It is open on Monday afternoon! There is no point trying other cycle shops because they will be closed too.
I got to my 5th Floor accommodation and it was very pleasant. I managed to get my bike vertically into the lift and avoided the hassle of carrying it up the stairs.
Here is a quick message to those people who have been holding back on the donation - GET YOUR CREDIT CARD OUT! (I know some people are doing cash or cheques rather than the Internet). Last reminder of the Internet link is - www.justgiving.com/R-Vernon
On my way into Rome I was singing 'Volare' by Dean Martin. I somehow associate him and Frank Sinatra with Rome, maybe its the mafia connection. Other songs might be appropriate like 'My Way' but it could be 'Little Old Wine Drinker Me!'
I had. Little walk through Borghese Park and into the city just to get some bearings again. Once I found the Spanish Steps and the Trevino Fountain I felt I had arrived properly. I am looking forward to seeing Tavia and family and having a meal with them.
I was looking for a T shirt present for John that says "My Dad cycled round Europe for 80 days and all I got was this shitty T shirt" but no luck yet!
I'm watching the first day of the Tour de France whilst doing the blog. They could have waited for me! Its at Corsica which isn't too far away. My training programme is over and I am fit and available. Looking at the pictures I am sure I could keep up with my panniers on, no trouble! I am also having some celebratory Peroni beer, nuts and spicy olives before going to meet Tavia et al.
I will carry on with the blog till I get home. Not sure if I will do it every day but I will look back on my trip.
Photo 1, View on the way to Rome.
Photo 2, I guess I've arrived.
Photo 3, Celebrating at the accommodation.
Photo 4, Villa Borghese.
Photo 5, Fountain at Spanish Steps.
Photo 6, Found Russell Crowe at last!
Photo 7, Trevi Fountain.
Photo 8, Happy chap! I did it my way!
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