Do you know that Cycling in Italy offers a vast array of choices for almost any type of bike enthusiast from novice to expert rider? This is true whether you select the Swiss Alps, or the small outer volcanic islands that are a short hop off the Italian coast. So what you really want to know is how to pick the best cycling trip, so you don’t get in over your head?
The most important recommendation is to have a prepared list of questions to ask any bicycle trip operator. Questions that require precise answers so that you know how physically demanding this tour option might be BEFORE your airplane touches down in Italy.
Questions like maybe asking how far one might typically travel on the average each day.
What is the expected change in elevation in your chosen corner of Italy? Cycling in the mountains can be somewhat misleading. You might begin the day at one elevation and find that when you end the day it is at the same elevation and yet have spent every minute climbing up hills and speeding down the other side. Thus asking how many feet you will be climbing could be somewhat useless, depending on how the individual chooses to answer.
Maybe a better question might be to ask how long to expect that participants will be in the bicycle saddle? What is the average grade of the trails you’ll be traveling? If it takes 5 hours to make it 15 kilometers, then it should give you a pretty good idea that this terrain is not flat.
Ask whether they consider this a beginner, intermediate or advanced course? Is it a technical bike challenge or does it just requires a little peddling muscle and long distance stamina? In the later case they call this an “athletic beginner” course. This means you have to be in shape, but don’t necessarily need to know how to maneuver around single track trails or draft down long hills.
It is also extremely important to make a fair evaluation of your own peddling abilities, if you are planning a trip cycling in Italy. Cycling half way up the Dolomite Mountains is not the time to admit that maybe you’re not really in great shape and should have spent a little more time at the gym before you took on this particular challenge. So ask ahead of time, if they have a cargo van that might be able to transport riders in moments of exhaustion.
Remember the one great thing about Italy, cycling trips can be designed in every area to fit most biking skill levels. Even in the Swiss Alps there are long bike paths through the lower river valleys that let you enjoy the fantastic mountain views without forcing you to take on a bicycle tour beyond your physical talents.
The most important thing then is to ask lots of questions before you sign on to a specific bicycle trip. Evaluate fairly your competence and physical capabilities. Then check out a few tour itineraries before you put some money on the line. Those that design Italian cycling trips can then tailor a vacation specifically for you that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By: Luc Lacasse
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