Day 1 - Monterosso to Carrara Riviera

Day 1 and straight into the hill climbing after the usual group cycling post breakfast faffing.
It’s a strong and very competent group with some impressive hill climbing today. I’m fine on the upward bits but definitely the wimpiest on the descents.



The views were spectacular as we went up and down along the coastline



The coffee stop was in a bit of a tourist trap town and I’m not sure the cappuccino was worth the battle through the coach parties down then up another huge hill.
We then rode through the port of La Spezia with some interesting Italian driving - overtaking cyclists is obviously a whole new challenge!

Lunch was on top of the last hill with a great view of the marble mountains - pasta salad, bread, cheese, melon, apricot tart... yum

Bob has not had a good start with a puncture on one of the descents today, but he enjoyed the views, maybe needs a gelato or two

After 53.4 miles and 3553 feet of climbing, time for refreshment

We then found a lovely restaurant, yummy fish and finally the gelato - delicious!








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