Time is flying by at a seemingly incredible pace – and I cannot believe that it is only three sleeps until we head off on our next international cycle touring adventure.

The bikes are packed – both have new brake pads, chains and tyres (42 mm).

We carry various spares including the ‘never leave home without them’ rear derailleur hangers. They are small but if you break one it can bring your trip to a screaming halt without a spare. Bike companies tend to make them unique for each model so not easy to find a replacement at short notice.

You can pretty well guarantee any spill off the bike is likely to result in cracking the hanger…they are designed to do that to protect the larger, more expensive derailleur. It can be as simple as not placing your bike securely enough in the wind when off the bike…wind gust blows the bike over.

Tony went to replace the cleats on my touring shoes – but the cleat screws would not come out – and closer examination showed that the rubber around the recessed cleats had substantially worn down with the many trips done, impacting the screw heads.

I needed to rush purchase a new pair. Thanks to Adam Hartley at West Beach Cycles who did some research on wider boxed, leather and available shoes interstate. $350 later this is what I have:

Then I noted my ipad I use to prepare the blogs on had a small crack on the lower left screen. That certainly is not ideal for touring with the amount of bouncing around over 3,000 km. The quote to repair and was $650!! So I decided to buy a new one direct from Apple as a well known national retailer said that there were none of this model in Tasmania and 2-3 weeks to get one in. Credit to Apple – got it within 48 hours of ordering.

Then I had an accident involving my bike, my hand and a bollard. Bollard 1, Sharron 0. I needed get a ring cut off to allow healing. This photo is the following day all cleaned up. Being on blood thinners made a big mess at the time. Healing ok now.

That aside, what are the plans you say? Where are we going?

Here is the map – fairly set in stone, with a few possible variations on given days depending upon the weather and inclination.

We fly to Milan and will cycle to famous Italian lakes including Maggiore, Lugano, Garlate, Como, Iseo, and Garda. We are planning on seeing my daughter and her family, Hannah, Rory and Willow at Lake Iseo.

Lake Garda is a firm favourite and will be my third visit there, having also been there in 2016 and 2018.

Climbing out from Lake Garda we are doing a slight deviation to check this church out that we saw on our 2016 trip. We were on the other side of the river but I was amazed by the structure seemingly hanging off the cliff. It is only open on a Sunday but we will see how close we can get.

From there we head up to the Dolomites and if the weather is suitable, aim to complete the Sella Ronda, a famous classic ride.

Just over 50 km with over 1900m ascent is going to be a challenges. Given the height, peaking at 2213m Passo di Sella, a ride that will only be done in good weather.

We continue through the Dolomites to Sappada where we hope to catch the finish of that day’s Giro d’Italia.

Towns go out of their way with their pink Giro decorations,

From there, it is off to Slovenia for a week via Kranska Gora, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, across the mountains to the Soca Valley and more mountains.

Back into Italy we cross the Venetian Plains, heading below Venice (Lido) and crossing down to the Republic of San Marino. Multiple ferries are required around the Venetian Lagoon.

With our bikes, we are avoiding Venice. Bikes are banned in Venice, even pushing them is illegal. Hence our route via Lido and Pellestrina islands. It is possible we may get the ferry across to grab some dinner. Time will tell.

Tuscany awaits and my birthday will hopefully include lunch at Radda in Chianti – a gorgeous village we visited back in 2016 after we had completed London to Venice.

We undertook a three day self supporting ride through Tuscany, starting and finishing in Venice. That was our very first time carrying all our gear.

We found a wonderful craft store in the village and purchased this piece, which we had posted home as we were touring and could not possibly transport this.

We then work our way towards Elba Island, located off the Italian coast towards Corsica – famous as Napoleon’s exile location. We have three nights in Elba giving us time to explore the island.

Back to the mainland, up via Volterra to Pisa and Lucca – then back to Milan, Pavia and where it all started close to Milapensa airport.

We are cycling over 35 cycling days. Plus getting there and back, we are way for just under six weeks….my poor boss 😁

Phew.

I look forward to having you join us vicariously on our 2024 odyssey adventure – it will be a corker!