Hi everyone,

Day two has drawn itself to a close, and what an absolute stunner it was. Today we followed some of the route of the famous 'Sella Ronda' cycle race, taking in three epic Dolomite climbs (and one a bit later on), and my god did the scenery deliver.

There's something extremely striking about the Dolomites, the rock formations are jagged, the snow seemingly hangs onto the side of mountains at impossible angles, but about their hills... they're steep.

We were faced with a day of two halves really. Part 1) 4 mountain climbs in 95km, totally over 3000m climbing, Part 2) a long downhill stretch before a flat ride back to our hotel, totalling about 65km.

The scenery just about dragged me up the climbs (along with Steve Joyce when it came to the last two) but I enjoyed every minute of them. It was another 100+ mile day, so the legs are really feeling it and I still end up getting back to the hotel with so much salt soaked into my clothes that I pretty much look like a snowman.

It's bringing it home how important the camaraderie is between the riders: when you're feeling low, someone else will dig in and help you, and when you're feeling strong, you do exactly the same for them.

On Day 1 we all waited outside until 10pm to cheer home the final riders who had been suffering in torrential downpour. Today everyone was home at a much more sensible hour, but we still shared hugs and fist bumps to reflect on the hardships faced that day.

Below is a link to my day 2 video diary, and I promise I will do a big post with all the photos from the first day soon...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVzL4dLCPzE

Remember, this is all in the name of raising money for those who suffer far more than I will on these climbs. No matter how hard this is, their battle is far more daunting. So again, if you haven't sponsored me, please do: www.justgiving.com/simon-lewis-fireflies-tour-2019

Peace out,
Simon