10 REASONS TO CYCLE IN ITALY

10 REASONS TO CYCLE IN ITALY

Italy offers some of the best cycling in the world and its terrain welcomes cyclists of all levels and all types of cycling. It stands to reason that you can visit Italy many times over and gain a new cycling experience each time. Riding amazing roads and soaking up the culture in equal parts makes Italy a fantastic cycling vacation destination.

Here are 10 reasons to ride Italy.

# 1 COASTLINE:

With 4,722 miles of coastline, Italy boasts the most beaches in all of Europe and therefore the most coastline cycling opportunities. Designed by nature, Italy’s coastline is characterized by rugged wilderness, smooth flat beaches and hilly shorelines each offering unique cycling opportunities. The Maremma Coastline in Tuscany offers spectacular coastal and inland road riding, along with being a world renown MTB destination. Along the Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, the ‘Via Verde’ paved cycling path offers one of the best rides in Italy with 130km’s of scenic coastal riding along the famous Trabocchi Coast.

# 2 MOUNTAINS: While most of Italy is ‘hilly’, there are three main mountain ranges: the Italian Alps, the Dolomites and the Apennines which are considered the spine of the country as it runs down its center. Since 1909 the Giro d’Italia has prominently featured Italy’s famous mountains in some of the most formidable cycling stages in racing. The thrill of conquering high elevation climbs is often on a cyclist’s bucket list. While the Stelvio and Gavia are top bucket-list climbs, the Apennine Mountains are home to some of Italy's most spectacular terrain.

Located in the ‘Greenest Part of Europe’ and venturing through famous, untouched national parks, the Apennines offer many challenging cycling routes.

#3 COUNTRYSIDE:

Nothing conquers up an image of Italy more than the Tuscan countryside. The famous cypress tree-lined country roads, farmhouses punctuating golden wheat fields and the infinite rows of grape vines create a magical backdrop for any type of cycling. It is best to ride with a local who can find the least trafficked roads and, of course, navigate all the glorious gravel roads or ‘strade bianche’. Tuscany’s famous ‘white roads’ crosscross the region and most are very well maintained and extremely fun to ride no matter your experience level.

#4 FOOD: Italians are passionate about food and Italy has always been a destination for serious foodies. Pasta is the first thing that comes to mind and Italy has the world's best. Each region has its specialties in terms of shape and sauces, but this is only the start to a great meal in Italy. Your meal will typically be a meat or fish dish, typical of the region, with a desert (gelato!) and digestivo to finish off the evening. Cyclists will find the calorie replenishment just as enjoyable as burning them off.

#5 COFFEE:

Since the early 1500s, coffee has been revered in Italy and it is definitely part of every Italian cyclist’s day. A great day on the bike generally includes a coffee stop (or two) for a simple espresso. High quality, uncomplicated shots of espresso are revered in Italy and provide the perfect pick-me-up. Mid-ride coffee stops in Italy are a right of passage. Roll on up to a caffè, saddle up to the bar and shoot your espresso and get back on the road or, if your legs are asking for a break, grab a table and enjoy a pastry . Either way, it is all part of a cyclist’s ‘dolce vita’.

#6 WINE: Italy is known for its world-class wine with each region having its specialty. The Chianti region of Tuscany is home to Chianti Classico wine and the acclaimed Brunello. But these two wines are just the classics of the Tuscany Countryside. Lest we forget the rest of the country!

Experiencing the wine is just as important as cycling through the countryside in which its grapes are grown.

#7 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES:

Italy boasts the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, many of which can be experienced by or with your bike. The Val d’Orcia’s endless rolling hills, ancient castles and picture-perfect villages present unique cycling opportunities with historical and natural significance.

#8 CASTLES: Many of Italy's castles, most dating back over 1000 years, have been well preserved and are a must-do experience.

These castles dot the landscape and offer a window into the past. Each has a story to tell and cycling to these ancient dwellings can’t help but evoke history. And, being as they are all on a hill, they also provide a good opportunity to push pedals up to an amazing view.

#9 THERMAL BATHS:

Italy is home to many thermal hot springs that have been around since ancient times. Some are rivers and pools formed by nature and others are more elaborate spa facilities. Terme di Saturnia is one of the most famous and picturesque, but there are many options with their healing, magical powers to soothe your cycling muscles while enjoying a unique Italian experience.

#10 CULTURE: Cycling is inherently part of the culture in Italy. As a top spectator sport, everyone, cyclist or not, understands and values cycling. Riding in a Gran Fondo or race event in Italy will have the masses cheering you on. But what about after the ride? Festivals abound! Wine & beer tasting fairs, elaborate vineyard dinners, music events, and of course, a ‘sagra’ or local festival celebrating food specialties, harvest or village saint; are to be rolled into the perfect cycling trip.

BICI ITALIA Custom Cycling Tours provide allinclusive, fully custom, private cycling experiences in Italy. Whether it's gravel, road, or MTB riding, every trip is concierge-style to meet the cycling interests and off-bike activities of clients.

Even if you have been before, BICI ITALIA’s memorable vacations are designed to provide you the best regional cycling to your preferences and to connect you to the culture at a deeper level than planning yourself or traveling with a larger tour.

Trips are perfect for families, groups of cycling friends, and even groups with non-cycling companions. To experience all these 10 REASONS TO CYCLE ITALY and more, visit www.biciitalia.com.

www.biciitalia.com