Ciclismo Classico experiences?

[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!

[michelem]

Ace,

I spoke with a couple who have been on several CC trips and they said to do carryon only if possible. They said that is the biggest thing they've learned to do differently. Not sure what airlines you are flying, but we are using Lufthansa for the international part of our flight and their carry-on limit is one at 17.5 pounds per person, with dimensions of 22x21x6 inches, plus one small handbag/purse. I purchased an MEI Voyageur for each of us and it comes to 22x14x9 inches, which is the US limit for a carryon, so I hope they are acceptable by Lufthansa! I'm mainly worried about the weight limit though, especially with having to pack the helmet, bike shoes, and clipless pedals. The other thing that concerns me is the liquid/gel limits. However, I was reminded that we are not going to a third-world country and we can purchase sunscreen, etc. when we get there.

Clothing-wise, I plan to bring 1 SPF 50 jersey and 2 (one black and one white) lightweight long-sleeve SPF 50 undergarment shirt (REI MTS long-sleeve) to wear underneath the short-sleeve jersey they provide us with on arrival and to wear in the evenings (alternate them). Two pair bike shorts and two pair SPF 50 tights (if I can ever find some). Two pair cycling socks. One pair cycling gloves. Two sports bras. Two pair underwear. One lightweight, waterproof cycling jacket w/zip-off sleeves. One pair walking shoes (dansko professional clogs - very comfy!). For evenings - One pair black pants (something wrinkle-free - haven't found something suitable yet). One lightweight sweater/wrap. Contact lenses and solution. Prescription glasses. Prescription sunglasses. Non-prescription sunglasses. Camera. Baking soda for brushing teeth and washing hair. Small amount of leave-in conditioner. Toothbrush. Floss. Maybe a very small amount of makeup, like a colored spf lip balm and some cake eyeliner and mascara. Disposable facial scrub pads. Woolite & small clothesline. Money pouch. Electrical converter. Deodorant. As much sunscreen as I can fit in the leftover room for liquids/gels.

I've probably forgotten something! As I'm always freezing on airplanes anyway, I'll probably be wearing one pair of cycling tights, pants, socks, underwear, sports bra, long-sleeve undergarment top, sweater/wrap and/or cycling jacket, and clogs. I'm debating wearing my helmet on the plane so I don't have to pack it -- ha ha -- just kidding!

I've really been obsessing over all of this. This is our first spendy vacation we've ever done and the first time we've ever been out of the country. We're used to going camping for our vacations!

ABC, how much leisure time is built in to the tour? DH is really concerned about that. I am more the type that likes to go-go-go and he is the type that likes to stop and smell the roses. If he wants to take a day off cycling and just hang out, is that acceptable?

Did you use the hybrid or the road bike? DH has signed up for the hybrid with flat pedals, and I've signed up for the road bike with clipless. I've heard the Bianchi road bikes are very nice. How much do they do for you with fitting before you get out and ride?

Thanks for all the great info! This is getting more and more exciting!

[ace]

Yes, I initially thought I'd try to just do carry-on. Then I talked to my dad, who travels back and forth to Europe several times a year for biking, hiking and skiing trips. He definitely doesn't care what he wears, and is one of those "bring two pairs of underwear and wash one every night" kind of guys. He said no way could I do carry-on for a bike trip, plus a week in Florence (where we're going out for a few expensive dinners, so I want to look presentable). So I've given up that idea! I am bringing a couple pairs pants, a couple pairs shorts, 4 or 5 t shirts, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket, 3 biking jerseys, 3 biking shorts, sneakers, sandals, bike shoes, clipless pedals, helmet, camelbak, cycling windbreaker and rain jacket...plus some. I'm just hoping I can fit it all into one size up from a carry-on! My dad and his globe-hopping gf both said to get a wheeled duffel for a trip like this. Anyway, it's not like we'll be carrying the luggage onto and off trains all the time. Getting it from the van to the room shouldn't be too big a deal. But believe me, I am obsessing about it, too.

[abc]

MicheleM,
I have to say I have never had an issue with luggage with CC. The guides are great about schlepping it for you, so I try to pack light anyway. I usually have 2 bags, a checked and carry-on, and that's worked well for me, especially if you put all the bike gear in the the checked.

Re: how much leisure time is built in to the tour? There might be a cultural stop or two on a day, and then when riding there's usually a few re-groups and a lunch stop. Other than that it's your own pace, you don't need to stay huddled as a pack, and you can stop and photograph/shop, etc. as you wish. As a courtesy let the guides know your intentions so they don't worry about you, or so they can worry about you. Taking the day off, or part of a day, is truly cool if that's what you chose.

Re: Did you use the hybrid or the road bike? I've done both. Started with the hybrid when I wasn't comfy on the new fangled road bikes, then switched once I got my own Bianchi. Love the Bianchis they provide. Day 1 is all about getting you fit to your bike and they're great about helping you adjust things through the course of the trip.

abc