Ciclismo Classico

Follow the French Race Trip in American Airlines' Celebrated Living Magazine

CYCLING - WHAT'S NEW

WATCH IT

A biking trip that combines riding with watching is offered by companies such as Ciclismo Classico, which takes travelers to the Tour de France and organizes rides that allow for viewing of the race's various stages. After seven days of channeling your inner Lance Armstrong, while perhaps watching Lance Armstrong, you'll finish up with a group dinner and toasts to Tour de France competitors.

Ride on Italian Alps & Sud Tyrol tour in Continental Airlines Magazine, March 2010

ESCAPE TO LAKE COUNTRY

TRENTINO ON TWO WHEELS

Bicycling is practically a religion in this country. There's even a patron saint of cyclists — La Madonna del Ghisallo. Italy has produced numerous top professional racers and boasts thousands of miles of bike routes, through some of Europe's most luxuriant scenery.

My connection to Italian cycling for this journey is Ciclismo Classico, a U.S.-based operator specializing in cycling tours of Italy (among other countries). My guide and companion is Ciclismo's European operations manager, Davide Marchegiano, a veteran cyclist and an articulate tour leader. Davide's staff of guides leads groups on cross-country rides of 6 to 15 days. Today, we'll do one loop of a popular Ciclismo tour along the Sarca River, which feeds into Lago di Garda.

In crisp morning air, on the outskirts of Riva del Garda, we pedal toward the Alps, past fruit orchards, vine-covered stone walls, and small, tidy farms. Approaching the village of Arco, we pass a group of rock climbers shouldering their gear to one of the local vie ferrate, prebolted climbing routes. Arco is a world capital for the sport, no surprise given the dizzying limestone cliffs that soar above the town to the west. Perched atop one of these cliffs is Castello di Arco, whose crenellated battlements date back to the 10th century.

Farther north, I'm surprised to find citrus trees around us even though snowy, 7,150-foot Monte Bondone is visible in the distance. Lago di Garda and the neighboring lakes are not far above sea level, resulting in microclimates that are more Mediterranean than alpine. Here in Arco, we even see palm trees planted along the road, and as we coast by one small farm, the aroma of freshly harvested olives fills the air. The olive groves of the Trentino lowlands are the northernmost in Italy.

Our path narrows and we turn onto the cobbled surface of a Roman-era bridge, stopping in a village called Dro for an espresso at a paninoteca oddly named the Green Bar. Across the sunlit piazza is a Romanesque church with an incongruous Russian-style onion dome, one of many reminders that this alpine region of Italy is very much a part of northern Europe.

Leaving Dro, we pedal fast along a manicured bike path to Pietramurata, arriving at the family-run winery of Gino Pedrotti, a favorite watering hole on Ciclismo Classico's tours. Pedrotti's specialty is vino santo Trentino, a rare and delicate wine that he makes from Trentino's indigenous Nosiola grape. His daughters fuss over guests, bringing us plates of local delicacies, pickled vegetables, marinated trout, locally grown prosciutto, pancetta, and a fine artisanal cheese, Spressa delle Giudicarie. The meal ends with a glass of vino santo and another reminder of the local northern influence — a slice of the best apple strudel I've tasted outside of Vienna.

We reembark for Lago di Garda, spinning hard along the east bank of the Sarca, past pine forest and the ancient rock slides of the Marocche geologic preserve. Back in Riva, Davide locks our bicycles in the hotel basement. Although today's ride was only a segment of Ciclismo Classico's regular excursion, I can honestly call it one of the best cycling experiences I've ever had.

Read the Full Story

Ciclismo Classico on First-Ever National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism

Arlington, Mass. – Lauren Hefferon, Founder and CEO of bicycle tour company Ciclismo Classico, is honored to announce she will be a panelist at the first-ever National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism during the National Bike Summit being held March 9 – 11, 2010 in Washington D.C. Ms. Hefferon and the Panel on Tourism will explore ‘How Tourism Can Help Transform Cycling in America.’ Lauren will address the impact and allure of bicycle tourism and specifically how tourism changes the attitude of communities, and how bike tours bring sustainable tourism to regions.

Speaking to over 500 bicycling advocates and state delegates, Lauren and this National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism will address the fact that tourism is one of the largest industries in many cities, states and regions. The panel will discuss how bicycle friendly communities are not only great for their residents but also become tourism friendly communities with an opportunity to market their “cycling attractiveness” to increase leisure, convention, event and business tourism. This panel will give attendees ideas on how cycling advocates and bicycle dealers can partner with regional tourism authorities, tour operators and tourism vendors, such as hotels and restaurants, to play an active role in the tourism vision for the destination and to increase and improve ridership, infrastructure, and travel dollars for their communities.

“Bicycling is my hobby, my business and my politics,” said Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico. “I have witnessed how cycling can transform people and places and I look forward to being the first representative of a bicycle touring company to be invited to share my experience and passion with delegates and advocates from across the country.”

In addition to Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico; the panel will include: Jim Sayer of the Adventure Cycling Association addressing the key ingredients of bicycle travel, and Kristin Dahl of Travel Oregon presenting a bicycle tourism case study. The moderator of the panel will be Todd Copley of Summit Travel Consulting.

2010 marks the 10th year that the League of American Bicyclists has organized the National Bike Summit where advocates, industry executives and education experts gather from across the country to speak-up for bicycling on Capitol Hill.

League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org .

Ciclismo Classico

As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest.

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2010 Video Contest & Film Festival

Feelin' Fellini-esque? Got footage? Enter the Ciclismo Video Contest & win a free Ciclismo Classico tour. Upload any video filmed on a Ciclismo tour to YouTube by April 30th. The five videos with the most YouTube views will be voted on by our panel of guests, guides, & Ciclismo staff. The winner will travel free on a Ciclismo Classico More Miles for Less tour (value $2299) in 2010 and three runners up will be awarded $500 in Ciclismo trip credit. All entrants will get a free CC jersey.*

A selection of our favorite flics (and other classic cycling shorts) will be shown at the First Annual Ciclismo Film Festival Party to be held on May 20 during Bay State Bike Week (May 17-21) at the Capitol Theatre in Arlington .

To enter your video, here's all you need to do:

Upload your video to YouTube before April 30. Follow this link for tips on optimizing your video for YouTube.
Be sure to to include the words "Ciclismo Classico" in the title, description, and tags of the video. Also include the name of the trip in the description. (This is required to be eligible.)
Email andrew@ciclismoclassico.com with a link to the video, and he'll make the video a Favorite of Ciclismoclassico.tv and share on our Facebook page.
Spread the word! The more views your video gets before April 30, the better your chances!

Good luck! We can't wait to see your videos! (What? You didn't shoot any video on your tour? You can always create a Ken Burns-esque video montage from your photos! Email andrew@ciclismoclassico.com for more tips.)

* Eligible videos must be uploaded to YouTube between January 15 and April 30, 2010. Winners will be announced on May 20, 2010. The grand prize is the equivalent of one More Miles for Less trip - $2299. Winner may apply this amount to another trip. Only videos with "Ciclismo Classico" in the title, tags, and description are eligible. Multiple entries per user are permitted. Winning videos must be sent to Ciclismo Classico via download or on a CD or DVD by May 10th, 2010 in MPEG or MOV format. A minimum of 20 entries must be received for free trip to be awarded. If 11-19 entries are received, the grand prize will be $1000 in trip credit, runners up will receive $250. If 10 or fewer entries are received, the grand prize will be $500 in trip credit, and no runners up prizes will be awarded.

Does Adventure Travel Matter?

This article appeared in a recent issue of our bi-weekly newsletter, The Pasta Times. Click here to subscribe.

As I was walking my 6-year old to school down very busy Massachusetts Avenue he remarked at the car fumes and quietly said "You know mom, I don't think there is much we can do about global warming." Whoaaa! Simultaneously I was concerned yet curious that a young child could already sense the precarious state of the world and feel so hopeless. Later that day I had the same concerns expressed to me by an elderly woman who was similarly concerned about the demise of the planet she had seen in her lifetime and the serious environmental issues that her 20 grandchildren would face.

My retort to these two voices representing a complete generational spectrum was the same: We cannot be optimistic or pessimistic, we must be determined to make a difference. I heard this powerful nugget of wisdom at the conclusion of a troubling yet call-to-action talk about biodiversity, erosion,and climate change by Astrophysicist Hubert Reeves at the annual Adventure Travel World Summit held in Quebec this October. Hosted annually by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the Summit is a powerful, creative, exciting, productive gathering. The Summit brings together diverse facets of the industry to network, collaborate, and learn. Attendees are enabled to effectively and readily tap into the burgeoning potential of adventure travel.

Dr. Reeves was one of many inspiring keynote scholars, environmentalists, and business gurus addressing 500 delegates from the adventure travel industry. Their collective message really hit home for each of us: Adventure Travel Matters.

This was the main point of Adventure Travel Trade Association President Shannon Stowell's "state of the industry" address. Adventure travel companies like Ciclismo Classico create situations in which travelers experience transformation, discovery, cultural engagement and the miraculous web of life. We share with our clients our passion, wisdom, and experiences that can change beliefs and the way we all interact with the planet. But Shannon asked, do we as an industry matter? How would it be different if we were absent? His answer was a resounding yes, adventure travel matters now more now than ever before for three major reasons:

We are one of the few industries that intrinsically can achieve the "triple bottom line" goal of people, planet and profit
Because we are one of the few industries that deals in transformation - we create advocates not just repeat customers
More than ever, travelers are interested in the authentic and real; and interest in adventure travel is surging worldwide

Having attended many of these summits and adventure conferences over the years, at this years summit I felt more empowered than ever. Whether it was Jeff Dossett, CEO of Adventurelink.com sharing his midlife Mt. Climbing epiphany which lead to him becoming the 3rd Canadian in History to complete the "Seven Summits," or Dr. Wallace Nichols from the California Academy of Sciences whose lifelong love of turtles and the sea led him to passionately promote his (r)evolution that is helping save the planet and is making a difference; the message rang loud and clear: as leaders in adventure travel interacting with literally millions of travelers annually, we are making a difference in the way people are experiencing the world's most precious resource.

Adventure travel companies (and their guests and stakeholders) have a crucial role to play and we at Ciclismo Classico hope you play it boldly. Together we represent millions and millions of consumers worldwide. Bicycle tour companies, eco-lodges, adventure operators, outfitters, safari companies, rafting companies, diving companies, walking tours... the list goes on and on. But we know instinctively that as a group we do impact millions of people in nearly every region on the planet with what we do.

We wholeheartedly embrace the clear vision of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Ciclismo Classico is proud to be a part of a thriving community of responsible organizations who transform customers and businesses alike into advoctes for sustainability and justice worldwide. And like Dr. Reeves said convincingly, "Let us not be optimistic or pessimistic, but to be determined to make a change."

As you make your travel plans for next year, we applaud your decision to tread more lightly on the planet and to take a bicycle tour with Ciclismo Classico or a fellow member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. While the economics of time might dictate otherwise, simplifying our lives by leaving all our stuff behind and interacting with the world by bike might just be the panacea many of us need to grow and create a new reality. As a tribe of travelers let's be determined together to make a difference.

Visit Ciclismoclassico.tv for videos

We've got more video on our Youtube channel now than ever before. Ever since Andrew C got his tiny Flip Mineo HD video camera, there's been no stopping him!

Visit our Youtube channel at ciclismoclassico.tv to see interviews with Boston cycling women, snippets from rides, and, premiering on June 10, 2009, an exclusive interview with our latest tour consultant, Andrew Krulewitz.

For the 2009 season, we're also inviting our guests to contribute their videos - and the one that best showcases the spirit of Ciclismo wins a free tour in 2009!

Outside Magazine Features La Bella Sicilia Trip in May Issue

HOMER WASN'T STUPID

From cycling Sicily to climbing Sardinia to trekking Corsica, the Mediterranean is an active traveler's paradise. And with timeless culture and incredible eats at the end of the trail, that sounds like the sirens calling.

SICILY Bike Italy’s Spiciest Island

It’s only day three of our 220-mile cycling trip through Sicily, but I already get Don Corleone’s attachment to this island punted into the sea by mainland Italy.

No wonder the mythical Mafia boss was so protective of his turf: While honor killings and extortion are more than just legend in some parts of Sicily, today I’m living la dolce vita. The largest island in the Mediterranean sprouts wild oregano, smells of citrus, and harbors some of the world’s most important Greek and Roman ruins.

The 75-degree autumn sun beats down on our 17-person Ciclismo Classico peloton-a crew of 35-to-65 year-old American cycling fanatics-as we head from the Baroque southeaster seaside city of Siracusa and eventually out to the Aeolian Island (the La Bella Sicilia trip starts at $4,695; ciclismoclassico.com). Our two Italian guides, Enrico Pizzorni and Paolo Nicolosi , have titanium lungs, a vast knowledge of Italian history and culture (e.g., never drink cappuccino after 10 A.M.), and a serious sense of humor.

“It’s very hard to get in a fight with a Sicilian,” rants Pizzorni, who is from Piedmont, as he and Nicolosi, a native Sicilian, get into a wildly gesticulating standoff over trip logistics and bicker like brothers. “They’re always trying to get around things.”

At the moment, Nicolosi, who’s known throughout the island as “the King of Sicily,” is hammering up a steady climb in his sleek Acqua & Sapone riding kit, with no hands, while belting out Italian arias a cappella. We Americans, on the other hand, sport Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey and bonk-at least I did-on the 60-mile ride to the hilltop city of Ragusa, the centuries-old hideout where crusaders rested on their way to conquering Jerusalem.

After we settle into the Locanda Don Serafino boutique hotel, the hippest (and only) rehabbed 19th–century mansion I’ve ever slept in, we step into the street, which is crowded with jugglers, fire eaters, clown, and street musicians who’ve turned this World Heritage site into a five-night bacchanalia-the annual Ibla Busker, a raucous street fair where performance artists from all over Europe test their best conceptual work and everyone drinks too many Negronis.

At dinner, after we’ve sampled a few bottles of local Cerasuolo Avide-Barroco frappato, Pizzorni tells us how to catch an octopus. “My grandfather taught me,” he says. “The trick is to turn his head inside out and bite it on the brain.”

I’m skeptical but slightly preoccupied by the edible sculpture of eggplant ricotta that’s just been placed in front of me.

We eventually eat and cycle our way to the seaside city of Taormina, where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor used to hide from the paparazzi, and hike to the sulfuric crater of active Mount Etna. Then we hydrofoil north to Lipari, the hub of the Aeolian Islands and the backdrop for the film Il Postino. We’ve cycled more than 200 miles, drunk too much Sicilian pinot, chardonnay, and Nero d’Avola, and eaten pizza with crust as thick as my skull. I haven’t bitten an octopus on the brain. I’m saving that old fishing trick to make my living after I move to Lipari.

-STEPHANIE PEARSON

Ciclismo Classico and Colavita Cook Up One-of-a-Kind Tour

Colavita Welcomes Bicycle Vacation Company for Olive Harvest Cycling Adventure in its Italian Homeland

Arlington, MA and Linden, NJ – Award-winning bicycle vacation company Ciclismo Classico has partnered with Colavita USA , marketers of the #1 brand of Italian extra virgin olive oil, to create an unforgettable bicycle tour to coincide with Italy’s celebrated olive harvest .

“All of our trips include a local cultural twist,” says Ciclismo Classico founder Lauren Hefferon. “But we are truly fortunate to have Colavita serve as ambassadors to Molise, where the family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for decades.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Ciclismo Classico and its guests to Colavita’s homeland, Italy’s rich but undiscovered Molise,” said John A. Profaci, Vice President of Colavita USA. “This trip combines two of Italy’s signature passions: olive oil and cycling.” He continued, “In addition to marketing the #1 brand of Italian extra virgin olive oil, Colavita also supports the largest competitive cycling organization in the world, with men’s and women’s pro teams, a junior cycling team, and more than 350 recreational cyclists riding in 12 elite Team Colavita clubs throughout the US.”

Home to the Colavita family for four generations, Molise is situated southeast of Rome and stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the central Apennine Mountains. Guests will have the opportunity savor local customs and fare throughout the eight-day trip, scheduled for October 17-24, 2009.

The journey starts with a warm-up ride to the tiny village of Pastena by way of Guasto and Paduli. Afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to stroll through the charming center of Isernia. On day two, early risers can search for Molise’s famed truffles with a local guide before pedaling to Pietrabbondante to explore ancient theater ruins and the Marinelli family’s renowned bell foundry, which has been producing church bells for over a thousand years.

Then, it’s pasta day. The group will ride to the Colavita pasta factory in Trivento for a tour – complete with samples and tastings of freshly-made pasta. From there, it’s on to the medieval city of Campobasso to enjoy a traditional meal in a Molisana tavern surrounded by gorgeous views and centuries-old buildings.

Days four and five are all about olive oil – from harvest to production to tasting. Guests will experience Italy’s “green gold” as the tour makes its way through vast groves of olive trees, carefully cultivated for hundreds of years to yield the finest olives. On day five, Enrico Colavita, the company’s president, will welcome the group to his family’s stone frantoio (olive crushing mill) where Colavita continues to produce extra virgin olive oil using traditional methods that date back thousands of years. After experiencing the production process, guests will have the opportunity to taste the prized novello oil, freshly-pressed from the new harvest.

Then it’s on to the rolling landscape known as Italy’s “bread basket” for the start of day six. The group will pedal along fields blanketed filled with wheat, sunflowers, and olive trees before arriving at Cantine Cipressi, one of Molise’s most acclaimed wineries in the town of San Felice Del Molise.

The group will return to Termoli by way of the Adriatic coast. After a relaxing evening that features a variety of traditional brick oven pizzas, guests can take a short morning ride before heading to Rome. Upon arrival, guests can explore the city or relax before departing the following day.

This eight-day excursion starts at $3,295/per person based on double occupancy (if booked before April 30th; $3,495 if booked after that). The tour includes expert tour leaders, use of a fully-outfitted bicycle, accommodations, most meals, cultural encounters, language lessons, visits to the facilities and lands of Colavita, and many surprises along the way in true Ciclismo Classico fashion. Colavita gift baskets will be provided to all travelers who reserve by April 30. For more information and reservations, visit www.Ciclismoclassico.com.

Ciclismo Classico has been recognized by several publications for its outstanding cycling vacations. The company was recently named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies [on Earth]” by National Geographic Adventure. In 2004 and 2007, Outside Magazine awarded Ciclismo the “Trip of the Year” for Western Europe, and Men’s Journal named the Southern Italy: Sea to Sea trip as one of the “Top 100 Trips on the Planet.”

About Ciclismo Classico

As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and, delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest. For more information about Ciclismo Classico, visit www.ciclismoclassico.com.

About Colavita USA

Family-owned Colavita USA LLC, headquartered in Linden, NJ, has been importing and distributing Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil for 30 years. Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil is recognized as the #1 Italian brand in the US and has earned awards from renowned cooking publications such as Fine Cooking and Cook’s Illustrated and general-interest magazines like Men’s Health.

Colavita’s authentic Italian specialty products, including durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, and traditional and organic pasta sauces, are the ingredients of choice for chefs in home, restaurant and professional kitchens. Recognizing the company’s contribution to developing the North American market for genuine Italian extra virgin olive oil, Colavita Founder and Chairman Emeritus John J. Profaci was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame in 2009. Colavita also supports The Colavita Center for Italian Food and Wine at the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park Campus, committed to improving the quality and authenticity of Italian food in the US; The Colavita Foundation for Children, dedicated to creating joyous moments for children in need through its bicycle gifting program, and the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light. For more information about Colavita USA, please visit www.Colavita.com.  

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Media Contact: Joe Luchison, Ciclismo Classico; 781-646-3377 x14 joe@ciclismoclassico.com
Photo Credit: Jonathan Devich

Response to Earthquake in Abruzzo and How You Can Help

On Monday, April 6, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region close to L’Aquila, Italy, the capital of the Abruzzo region, approximately 60 miles (95km) northeast of Rome. All of us at Ciclismo Classico extend our most supportive thoughts and prayers to those affected by this event. Some of our guide team live in Abruzzo, and we are pleased to report that they were unaffected by the quake.

Massimo De Laurentiis, a senior Ciclismo tour leader since 2000, hails from Colledimezzo, Abruzzo, approximately 110 miles from L’Aquila, stated, “although we have a sadness in our hearts for those affected by the earthquake, my family and I are all doing well. The Abruzzesi are strong and proud people, who will certainly recover from this tragedy.”

According to European Operations Manager, Davide Marchegiano, thousands of people from all over Italy are traveling to L’Aquila as volunteers to assist the authorities in the recovery efforts.

If you wish to help those in the Abruzzo region affected by the earthquake, please join us in donating to the Italian Red Cross. Online donations may be made here.

Ciclismo Classico Trips to Run as Scheduled

Our USA-based team and our staff in Italy have been in consistent contact with our business partners in the region, and all have confirmed that operations have resumed for normal business on all of our tour routes. A portion of our “Bike Across Italy” route travels through the Abruzzo region well north of the affected zones, and the cycling routes in the region are not affected.

We are pleased to bring travelers to the Abruzzo region and all of Italy, and we will continue to support its residents, local businesses and economy. Keeping consistent with our standard business practices, we will communicate regularly with our Italian staff, tour leaders, and business partners throughout the year and will convey any developments accordingly.

Entrepreneur Magazine Mentions Ciclismo Classico Founder

TRAVEL

What do boomers desire? "They have everything and realize that doesn't bring happiness," says Lauren Hefferon, founder of Ciclismo Classico, an Arlington, Massachusetts bicycle tour company expected to bring in $4.9 million in 2009. Craving experiences with their children and grandchildren, boomers are planning trips that let them see the world not as a bystander but as a participant.

Ciclismo Classico cleints, whose ages average from 45 to 55, can choose trips by region - say France, Italy or Spain - or sign up for specialty vacations that let travelers tour with celebrities, or try yogs or gelato, for instance. Says Hefferon, 46, who runs the coompany with her husband, Mauro Rugiero, 50, "These are well-to-do Americans who are active, educated, love the outdoors and want to travel and have group experiences."

http://www.entrepreneur.com