Before our calorie levels drop, we make a lunch stop at a trattoria where we are brought huge plates of cheese, meats and bruschetta.

With a lunch stop and breaks to take in the myriad views, you will need about six hours.

Designated rest areas, including the lunch stop, are provided roughly every 20to35 km of the ride, dependent on site availability.

They suggest several routes to the next small hotel and brilliant lunch stops en route.

After all the riders have eaten lunch, the van and trailer continue on to the destination for the day, or to set up a second lunch stop, on longer days.