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In this entry, the team reunite in Milan, only to discover Frank has decided not to continue on the trip. Following the loss of two bikes last week, Paul and Ruth continue through Italy on the remaining cycles, while Toby flies back to the UK with Frank, to return after Christmas with a replacement machine. Meanwhile Paul and Ruth make good time, covering high distances in flat countryside - despite record low temperatures. Will they achieve their objective of reaching Greece by Christmas and will their feet survive the cold? Read this exciting instalment of Cycle to the Summit to find out.
Cycle to the Summit Part 4 - Milan to Senigallia
Toby Hammond2006-06-25 18:44:10
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source: http://www.cycletothesummit.org.uk
Monday 17 December - Milan rest day
A lazy start with breakfast in bed; - well we had to quickly scurry across the cold marble floor to seek out the yoghurt and fruit. A quick glance out of the window confirmed that yesterday's events were no nightmare but reality. Infact a man was seen chaining his bike to the very spot left empty by the rude departure of our own machines. We reported the loss to a friendly and sympathetic police officer, sentiments reflected by Simon at Orbit Cycles (who provided our bikes) down the telephone line. We ordered some replacement bikes ASAP, which were promised for five days time all being well. David at Carradice, (the pannier sponsor) was as obliging as ever, and coolly agreed to send some replacement brackets.
Where were Frank and Toby? In fact they were having trouble getting their bikes on the train in Switzerland. A little ironic - Ruth and Paul were stranded without their bikes, whilst Frank and Toby were finding theirs an encumbrance to travel. Waiting in the hotel room, it took Paul 20 minutes to guess 'crack' (in the wall presumably) during an action-packed game of Eye Spy, and in The Name Game, Ruth proceeded to guess she was 'Shep' the dog (from Blue Peter) before Paul discovered he had the name Linford Christie stuck to his forehead.
Tuesday 18 December - Milan rest day
All four of us were together again although it proved to be a short lived state as Frank broke the news that he did not wish to continue into Africa. It seemed that he did not think he could enjoy the travelling lifestyle for another eight months. The news was taken on face value and there appeared to be no animosity between us. Frank explained it was not an easy decision to make but felt it was best to quit whilst the going was good and the loss of the bikes might make this moment a convenient
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See photographs from:
Italy Gallery
