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Participants
Who is the tour aimed at ?
We
like to combine the best of two worlds. On the one hand a challenging bike
journey in an attractive environment and on the other hand to have the
opportunity to enjoy the beauty and cultural heritage of a fabulous
country.
The
tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge themselves. It's
definitely a challenge to cycle the whole distance between Palermo in the
South and Lake Como in the North with all its hills, mountains and volcanoes. But the tour is also meant for the people who like to travel by bicycle
thru a beautiful country and to visit the Italian highlights and some of
the less known attractions. It is not a problem if you take a seat some
days in the supporting vans. If you like the challenge or if you prefer
more the
Italian journey, you are both welcome in "La Bella
Italia".
Am I capable of doing this ?
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy cycling, you are capable of completing
"La Bella Italia". We average 105 km per day and you can ride at your own pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support
vans.
Before you start
What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel insurance, including emergency rescue. Further information will be given in the
brochure. Individuals without proper insurance will not be allowed to participate.
On the Tour
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ?
Suitable accommodation has been organised throughout the tour. The vast majority you stay at well equipped campsites. In totality, you'll also 7 nights in a hotel, this includes the first night in Palermo and the last night in Como.
At 50 per cent of the campsites you have the
possibility to rent a bungalow or site caravan at own expense.
The campgrounds are most of the
time on the outskirts of cities on our route.
At rest days in the major places we also have campsites in short distance
of the center.
What will I eat ?
On biking days, our cook will prepare four meals. We know how important food is on a trip like this. You will be treated to generous portions of food that will be a combination of regional recipes and meals made from local ingredients as well as some of the cook’s specialties. We will also provide energy bars, clean water and
an energy boosting beverage.
Everyone is of course free to explore and sample the culinary hot spots along the way. We believe eating
the Italian cuisine is part and parcel of the journey.
For those with dietary restrictions and/or ferocious appetites, you need not be concerned. We take all this in consideration when preparing your meals. You may go to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items including tent, sleeping bags, camping
gear and spare parts. In addition, support vehicles will also carry such items as food, water,
kitchen equipment and emergency medical items. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a snack.
Climate
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions in Italy in May and June are normally fine with temperatures between 20 and
30 degrees Celsius.
It is not uncommon that we will get some rain showers along the way.
Keep in mind that the temperatures can drop down considerably in the
Dolomites and the Passo di Stelvio at altitudes above 2000 meter.
On a whole, we expect too have
good weather for cycling. Not too hot, and rarely too cool or wet; and in the end it’s all part of the adventure.
Road conditions
What is the terrain like ?
"La Bella Italia" is all together 3000 kilometer which is divided into
28 cycling days. An average of around 105 kilometers. The stages along the sea and the
Padan Plain are mainly flat, but the rest of the country is hilly to
mountainous. Especially in the Dolomites and on the Stelvio you can
expect some serious climbs.
Bike
What
kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of your equipment.
The tour can be completed on any kind of bicycle as long as it is entirely
human powered. The route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most efficient way to cover the
distance, but hybrids, mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more
comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you prefer. Enough gears,
strong legs and common sense, and
you can do the job.
Non-cyclist
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come ?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who like to join
"La Bella Italia", but don't like to cycle. You can take part in the
organization around the cyclists and join the other staff with their daily activities like setting up campsites, providing the meals, visit local markets, etcetera.
What to bring
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
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