Ciclismo Classico experiences?

[michelem]

Ace,

It sounds like you are doing Assaggio Tuscana, yes? DH and I are going late June - early July. I can't wait. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know how it goes! I'll probably have a million and one questions for you when you get back!

[ace]

That is funny, michelem! Yes, I'm doing the Assaggio Toscana trip starting 5/27!!

Are you going to spend time in Florence before/after your trip? We're doing 4 days there before the bike trip, then 4 days after.

I will definitely report back, and if I don't, feel free to pm me to ask any questions.

You must like the heat to go in late June. It's probably be really hot when my trip is too- they're having an insanely hot spring (10 degrees above average).

[michelem]

DH was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and we lived in the Phoenix area for quite a few years before moving to N. Cal. about a year-and-a-half ago. So, we're used to heat. I'd rather be hot than cold, that's for sure! Also, it's the only time that works for us to go. DH works for the school district and doesn't get out 'til mid-June and goes back mid-August. The trip just happens to fall during the week of my b-day as well!

I can only take one week off work (luckily, I get to sneak in the 4th of July holiday and get an extra day that way). We'll fly out of SFO on Friday morning and arrive in Florence on Saturday afternoon. We're just going to straight to the first hotel so we'll be there for the start of the trip. I'm sure we'll be tired from the travel and we don't want to have to worry about getting there on time the next day. We'll fly out right after the tour ends the following Friday and arrive back home the same day (weird how that works with the time difference). That will give me Saturday and Sunday to get ready to go back to work.

That sounds wonderful that you get to be there longer! I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself! I am driving DH crazy with all the plans. He's only gotten himself on the bike twice so far this year. I am worried that he won't be conditioned when tour time comes, but he says it won't be a problem. We'll see! I've definitely caught the cycling bug!

I really look forward to hearing all the details when you get back. Hope you're having as much fun planning as I am!

[abc]

All,
Just found this thread. I'm going on my 6th CC trip in May. I am loyal to them for several reasons. Their focus on balancing cultural experiences and cycling is unwavering. The level of service from initial phone call to last drop-off has been consistently high level. The guides do a wonderful job of reminding people they are on vacation...relax, enjoy the experience, take in the ambience. The company has built strong local relationships (from the hotels chosen to the restaurants)...I don't like to feel like a tourist or that I am being treated like one, either. I think it's important to note, too, that as a single woman traveler, I wanted to find a company that I felt comfortable traveling solo with while avoiding the "singles" group dynamic.

I have been on 2 Tuscany trips, one Piedmonte, one in Puglia, and am going on the 2nd of 2 Bike Across Italy trips (the first was in the north, this one is in the south). I hope your experiences are as positive as mine have been, and enjoy!

[ace]

Yay! Great to get that feedback from you, abc. I'm so glad I picked CC...I just had a good feeling about them.

Any advice of stuff to bring, how to prepare, etc.? The trip I'm going on is pretty short, 5 days of cycling, "advanced beginner," I'm having trouble figuring out what to bring, because I'm spending a week in Florence, too, so I have to bring all the bike stuff, then all my clothes for the rest of the trip. I hate bringing too much stuff/huge luggage, but I almost feel like I have to.

[abc]

Hi ace.
I did Giro de Toscana early May last year, it's a little cooler in the mornings than you'd think, so you might want to consider arm warmers/tights, or a long sleeve cycling jacket/fleece depending on your tolerance level. I target 1pair of shorts and shirt for every 2 days of cycling, and also a rain jacket, bike shoes, and helmet. Evenings are really casual, and that time of year possibly chilly, and bring comfy walking shoes (for those hill towns and uneven stones in the piazza!).

Not knowing how experienced a cyclist you are, I can share that I am not very, and since spring comes late where I am I target being able to do 40mi every day or so on a stationary bike (it's better than nothing!) for several weeks before the trip, and try to get on the road for as much as possible to re-learn how to shift and cycle in the real world. That area is rolling hills, so once you get the hang of them it's really quite fun!

[ace]

Thanks so much. I love rollers, so I hope there are lots of them. Not so fond of hills, though. Which has been your favorite trip so far and why?

Our trip doesn't start until 5/27, so I think it'll be pretty warm by then (not too warm I hope!). I am still recuperating from a knee injury, so I'm trying to ride as much as I can w/o reinjuring myself, and hopefully I'll be able to ride the whole trip.

Did you really mean you rode 40 miles a day on a stationary bike for several weeks?? I would never have the discipline to do that! You're made of sterner stuff than I am!