We woke up to a beautiful day, looking out our front windows.

We had over 100 km to ride today and including navigating busy Brescia to get to our destination of Roina, on the shores of Lake Garda.

This was to be my third visit to Lake Garda, but this trip we will be exploring more of this famous lake loved by many.

As we headed out we rode through Lovere, where Hannah, Roey and Willow were staying, but would be leaving for Lake Maggiore. I was thinking what a shame they were staying up a hill that had cobbles ha ha….rounded the corner and heard a shout!

There they were seated roadside at a cafe, deliberately positioned. So I got to hugs my girls again, and Roey 😊❣️

We did not stop for as many lake photos today, having taken plenty the day before but there were a few.

At the town of Iseo we were to turn away from the lake. One last view of the lake that has been my favourite so far this trip.

The next stage of our ride today was nicer than I had envisaged, riding through the famous franciacorta wine region. The traffic was not so bad and it was scenic with surrounding vineyards and wineries.

We had stopped to take a few photos and an Italian cyclist came to a screeching halt to talk to me. He wanted to know where we were heading, our route and implored us to change route to head through his home village.

He spoke little English, and I spoke little Italian. I had no idea how I was going to extricate myself from his passionate ideas to change route. I was unaware Tony snapped a few photos., cackling to himself.

So Elia (the Italian) told us to ride to Gussago (we were going through there on our route) but to then change direction and head through his home town (has one street only) and I needed to remember the name Nave. We had to go to Nave. From there we would climb 500 metres and later have a big descent. We were not to go to Brescia. Well that is my understanding.

I still could not get Elia to draw breathe so I suggested a photo (unaware Tony already had some) and he was happy to oblige, calling me a Bella Donna ( hoping he did not mean the deadly plant) as he finally bid us farewell.

We could see him ahead on the road for some distance, and I did say to Tony do not catch him as he will probably lead to his village!

Through some villages including Gussago!

We stuck to our route and traffic got busy as we hit the outskirts of Brescia.

Brescia was a pain in the butt. Why did we not listen to Elia ha ha. We had to get off and push our bikes through a busy street market.

We found a few quieter piazza’s. In this piazza is the Duomo and the old cathedral built circa 12th century.

We were glad to be back on the road. It was quite warm now, around 26c.

I think this is the roundabout of the day promoting a nearby car museum.

Finally Lake Garda was sighted, as we began our descent.

On the shores edge.

Our accomodation was up a 13.5% hill, of course, in the small village of Roina.

The bikes are in the foyer area of a small establishment.

After showering and washing our clothes we walked down the hill to another village Bogliaco in the search for food.

We found a waterfront restaurant opening at 6 pm so we wandered around before eating.

Walking back to our accomodation I was curious about these rocks that jut out from the old rock wall. Many have quite large holes in them like drink holders, many are badly placed at head heights in your were walking too closely to the wall. Any idea of their purpose?

Another day done. Around 104 km.

Thanks for reading 😊❣️