A Vacation Cycling in Italy or a Stress Test? Know What to Ask!
by Luc Lacasse
The nice thing about cycling in Italy is that it offers so many
different styles of riding for the novice cyclist and the road
warrior. And it doesn't matter what part of the country you
choose from the Swiss Alps in the north, to the small outbound
volcanic islands that ring the west shore and are only a short
ferry ride from the Tuscan coast. So the most important thing is
to choose carefully so you don't get in over your head?
Overstretched muscles and mental anguish doesn't make for a
great holiday.
The best option is to have a prepared list of questions to ask
your bicycle tour operator.
How far will we cycle on the average, each and every day?
What might I expected in elevation change in this corner of
Italy? Cycling in the mountains can be deceiving. You can begin
and end at the same elevation and yet have spent every minute
climbing or on the decline.
Maybe a better question might be to ask how long do you expect
that you'll be riding each day? If it takes 4 hours to make it
20 km that should give you a pretty good idea or understanding
that this terrain is not flat.
Ask whether they consider this a beginner, intermediate or
advanced course, but remember this is relative? A lot of
Italians are avid cyclist.
Is it a technical bike challenge or just requires a little
peddling muscle? In the later case they call this an "athletic
beginner" course, meaning you have to be in shape, but don't
necessarily need to know how to bunny hop logs and draft the
hills.
It is also very important if you are planning a trip cycling in
Italy that you make a fair evaluation of your own bicycle
talents. Half way up the Swiss Mountains is not the time to have
a reality check. Find out if they use a support van to transport
you to the next exchange, if you find that the trail is beyond
your physical abilities. That's a great backup.
There is one great thing about Italy, cycling trips can be
designed in every area to fit most biking abilities. Even in the
Alps there are great cycling trails through the lower river
valleys that allow you to breath in the spectacular mountain
scenery without getting yourself on an endurance course that is
far beyond casual biking skills.
The most important thing then is to ask lots of questions before
you leave home. Evaluate fairly your bicycle competence and
level of endurance, and check out a few tour companies'
itineraries before you put down some money. Those that create
cycling trips in Italy can then tailor a vacation to your
abilities, that will be a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
About the author:
For more information on <a
href="http://mywheelsandmore.com/bicycleTours/Italy/index.htm">Cy
cling in Italy</a> , accommodation and how to get a bicycle
shipped overseas, visit our website at <a
href="http://mywheelsandmore.com">myWheelsAndMore.com</a>