I set off exactly four weeks ago today and with any luck, I should be in Brindisi this time next Sunday meaning I will have completed the entire route from Reading to Brindisi about two days ahead of schedule. The plan for the coming week is as follows;
Monday 16th: Cycle to Sora. Massimo Mazzone has recommended that I visit some friends of his who run a “Farm Stay”. They also have camping facilities.
Tuesday 17th: Cycle to Benevento to meet long-time supporter of my quest to cycle the Eurovelo 5, Mr Massimo Mazzone himself! On Wednesday 18th I’ll be taking a day off in Benevento to discover the town and all it has to offer.
Thursday 19th: Cycle to the Laghi di Monticchio near Rionero in Vulture where there are camping facilities.
Friday 20th: Cycle to Matera and perhaps meet up with Basil & Liz, my friends who spend their summers in Puglia. I will camp or take a hotel in Matera (a last opportunity to live it up in luxury!).
Saturday 21st: Cycle to Cisternino, the town where Basil & Liz live and stay with them.
Sunday 22nd: Once the hangover has gone, cycle the relatively short distance to Brindisi to complete my trip!
I’ll hopefully spend a couple of days relaxing with Basil & Liz in Cisternino before heading back to the UK mid week. At the present moment, trying to get a flight back rather than take the train is very tempting….