Part 2: Tut-Tut It Looks Like Rain (and Wind and Gnarly Climbs)

We woke up soaked from the night's rain as we had not slept in the tent to avoid being noticed camping outside a campground - worth it in our mind to have saved the 20-25 euro its been costing us. So we found a laundromat, dried our essentials and were on the road by noon.

One of the problems we've encountered regarding roads is that often times a highway (which is okay for biking) merges with an expressway (not okay for biking) for 5-10 miles before splitting again into highway and expressway. That dilemma today led us diverted our course onto a series of back-country roads that consisted of several multi-mile climbs. Throw in a steady 20mph headwind gusting to 40mph, with constant and at times heavy rain and you get an idea of the intensity of our ride. It was by far the most intense ride I've ever experienced. For me personally, the elements combined for what was also the most exhilarating ride I've ever been on. The views were out of this world and there's something about an overcast day that illuminates the lushness of the vegetation - perhaps bc the plants are soaking up the nutrients that make them so incredible. Only about 30m today, it was a full day.

We made it to Albina after dark and by a stroke of luck found a little Bed n Breakfast type place with a room for 2 for the night for 45 euro, and an incredible pizza dinner. After all the rain and wet, a dry room was a necessity. About 80m to Rome, we hope to make it tomorrow, but the weather will be the determining factor. It's good to be dry.