Ciclismo Magic

What makes a bicycle tour really hum? Is it that feeling of the wind at your back - even when it isn’t? Of conquering greater heights than those pesky elevation charts cheerily suggest?

Here are a few of the ingredients that go into creating the Ciclismo Magic:

Magic ingredient #1: EXPERT, LOCAL GUIDES

Our renowned tour leaders aren’t just fit snowbirds showing you all the sights. Most were born and raised in Italy and Europe and live there year-round. They’ll give you the inside running on their home territory and the regions you’ll visit, sharing secrets and tips that only locals are privy to. It’s what Ciclismo Classico is famous for. Get to know them here.

Magic Ingredient #2: FUEL, GLORIOUS FUEL

Not the fossil kind, but glorious fuel for you! Each day, feast on gourmet spreads featuring the tasty signature specialties of the region, from home-made tortelloni in Italy to crepes stuffed with goat cheese and honey in Provence. Plus, twice on each tour, you’ll enjoy the bounty of our famous Ciclismo alfresco picnics—a real treat.

Magic Ingredient #3: RAMPING UP YOUR RIDE

Like true bicycle bambini, our guides have ridden—even raced—thousands of miles in their adventurous lives. In special mini-clinics and lessons, they’ll share with you the fine points of shifting, braking, posture, climbing, descending, cadence and more, so that you’ll ride for maximum enjoyment and achieve your personal best.

Magic Ingredient #4: LESSONS IN THE LOCAL LINGO

You won’t be at a loss for words when a local pays you a compliment or gives you directions to something. Our native guides will conduct a number of efficient, structured language lessons covering important words and phrases that will earn a big, welcoming smile from the locals.

Magic Ingredient #5: SPELLBINDING CELEBRATIONS

There’s no other adjective to describe them. Don’t be surprised to roll into a village at the height of a Renaissance fair, community feast, or religious celebration like the madcap Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio on the Bike Across Italy tour (May 11). We design many trips to coincide with them. Bring plenty of memory cards for your camcorder or point ‘n’ shoot!

Magic Ingredient #6: HOME AWAY FROM HOME

When traveling by bicycle, getting an excellent night’s sleep is up right there with gourmet carbs and fabulous scenery. From a rustic farmhouse to a five-star villa, from a medieval castle to a cute cottage, we make sure your nightly “casa” reflects the character of your destination. Learn more about our accommodations here.

Magic Ingredient #7: ON THE SAG WAGON IN STYLE

Need a breather? Hop in the Ciclismo support van, your air-conditioned deli, tool shed, cafe, and hangout. Rest your wheels, crack open a box of biscotti, and follow the route until you’re ready to roll on that magic pavement again. Caveat: the guides might get you singing “Volare” or some other classic Italian tune while you enjoy the ride.

Magic Ingredient #8: SNACK ATTACK THOSE HILLS

Speaking of biscotti, we make sure you keep your body fueled regularly with water, fresh fruit and highenergy snacks sourced locally when we can. Think—or rather scarf— orange-and-chocolate pane dell’orso (bear bread), piping hot pastries and, va bene, you better start pedaling!

Magic Ingredient #9: DOPO IL GIRO FUN

That means “apres ride” fun in Italian. You’ve parked your wheels, indulged in dinner, what’s next? Gelato strolls, dancing la tarantella in the piazza, spontaneous serenades, and even a late-night dip in the Mediterranean are just some of the ideas our guides conjure up for that all-important night cap. Dormire bene — another magic day awaits your willing wheels.