Cycling Trip Recommendations

[brodymom]

We are considering a cycling trip in Italy some time this year - late summer most likely. I was wondering if anyone on this forum has any recommendations for tours/trips and would be willing to share or recommend options. Any insights appreciated and you can pm me if that is easier...

Thanks in advance.

[Kernyl]

We are also thinking of doing a cycling trip in Italy! We haven't done a lot of looking yet, but we know we want some mountains in it and lots of good food.
What kind of trip are you looking for?

[Crankin]

Unless you go to northern Italy, it will be very hot (90s-100). The Lakes region or near the Italian Alps would meet your criteria. Lot of wine and good food, along with mountains.
We are going to Torino/Milan for 9 days in August and plan to visit some of the Lakes area. This is not a bike tour, but I have a feeling we might be convinced to do some riding while we are there.
I have ridden in Tuscany; get ready for lots of climbing, with scenery that makes up for it.

[brodymom]

In talking about this more, we are now thinking of Maine or Vermont as alternates. My husband does not ride (yet) and I am thinking a week or more in Italy on a bike for a beginner is not the right thing.

Any thoughts on Maine or Vermont? August?

We are also interested in the different groups that host these tripos so any feedback is appreciated.

[Kernyl]

Thanks for the advice Crankin. Can't wait to go! ( I hope we do. We're just "thinking" now)

Maine and Vermont are both beautiful. In Vermont the Green mountains are really nice. But I wonder if your husband is a beginner whether a flatter ride might be more to his liking. You could do a coastal ride in Maine, which would also be very nice. If you like seafood, there will be plenty of fresh. August days will be warm, even very hot, but up north the nights can already start to get cool in August, so you'd need to bring pants and a light jacket/sweatshirt.

[Veronica]

I'm originally from Maine. I LOVE riding there. Rev3 put on a triathlon that went through our home town last summer and we had so much fun riding on roads from our youth. Wide shoulders and good pavement, unlike here in CA where much of the pavement is chip seal, nasty stuff. On our pre race ride we covered much of my elementary school bus route. It was a slow ride because I was pointing out the houses where all the kids lived back then.

A few years ago we did our own tour of the Gaps in Vermont, supported by my husband's parents who schlepped our stuff from hotel to hotel and geo-cached while we rode. Riding in Vermont was absolutely beautiful, but it is hilly,. certainly doable by someone who is fit though.

The tour company, Easy Rider, does tours in New England. We did a tour with them a few years ago, around Sao Miguel, one of the islands in the Azores. They're a good company, really enjoyed our tour.

Have fun planning!

Veronica