The Debora Matthews Fellowship

Well actually we are a few km past Vercelli which is a very attractive town in the heart of the Italian rice-growing area. After cycling through paddy fields all day, I now have a risotto craving which I intend to satisfy as soon as is decent.
Frankie and I navigated ourselves through the Northern side of Torino. I am sure there are pleasanter routes through but you would have to know Torino to find them. We didn’t so our route was efficient rather than scenic. The Iveco trucks outside the factory looked nice though. Once we were through the city Cat joined us on the ride – her first day on the continental part of the trip.
A few things to catch up on…
I’d forgotten just how wonderful Monetier-les-Bains is. Go there in Winter for the skiing, summer for the walking and cycling, anytime for the spa, Briancon for the fascinating old town. Go there: see Mel if you need an apartment or help with just about anything else Eurekaski; stay with Paul at the hotel Rif Blanc if you prefer to be looked after Hotel Rif Blanc, and for skiing lessons Gavin at New Generation Skiing New Generation Skiing . Yes I am plugging my friends, but they were all very kind to us and deserve it. They are also all great at what they do.
We’re taking a break from camping tonight as there aren’t really any sites in this part of Italy, and instead are staying in a strangely Germanic sort of motel (it’s very nice, but you’d have to be here). It’s still very hot, and there was a headwind although not as strong as yesterday. It’s also been the first ride that has been almost entirely flat, with only the odd bridge over an autostrada for relief.
Shortish ride into Milan tomorrow to sample Francesca’s cooking. Really looking forward to this. As well as putting us all up for the night, she and Neil have been really supportive all the way through. They are also coming with us from Bolzano to Selva.