Last day of PedElle 2019: The route into central Rome was originally meant to be navigated using a drop off system, which I admit rather filled me with dread, despite excellent GPX files and TomTom working perfectly. The Evening before, we were told there was a change of plan – normally the late thing you want to hear! We were to be met by the CycliRoma club at the North end of Ponte Milvio, where we would also acquire a police motorcycle escort. Much relief to me, and they would not use the planned route which involved tram tracks.

We were duly met (above pic), plus a representative from the British Embassy to welcome us to Rome, and the 49 lady cyclists joined us from the cycle route. We asked how the escort would like us to proceed, and were told two of us at front and two at rear of cycles, but with the lady police person as easy rider in front of us, and please use every light you’ve got! (Imagine Met saying that!)

Enter the wrong way onto a dual carriageway, blare of sirens, and the road was closed; swap to correct carriageway and the road was cleared in front of us by the two police junction bikes – through red traffic lights, the lot, and straight onto St Peter’s Square through all the security!