Sports Betting Articles
Cycling in Italy - Cycling Vacation or Endurance Test?
By Luc Lacasse
Cycling in Italy offers unlimited opportunity for almost any type of bike rider from novice to road warrior. That is true, as well, no matter what part of the country you choose from the Alps in the north, to the small outbound volcanic island that are a short ferry ride from the shore. How do you choose carefully so you don’t get in over your head?
The best recommendation is to have a prepared list of questions to ask any bicycle tour operator. Questions like:
How far will we travel on the average each day?
What is the expected elevation change in your chosen corner of Italy? Cycling in the mountains can be deceiving. You can begin and end at the same elevation and yet have spent every minute going up and down hills. Maybe a better question might be:
How long do you expect that we will be riding? If it takes 4 hours to make it 20 km that should give you a bit of an understanding that this terrain is not flat.
Ask whether they consider this a beginner, intermediate or advanced course? Is it a technical bike challenge or just requires a little peddling muscle? In the later case they call this a “athletic beginner” course, meaning you have to be in shape, but don’t necessarily need to know how to bunny hop logs and draft down long hills.
It is also very important if you are planning a trip cycling in Italy that you make a fair evaluation of your own bicycling abilities. Half way up the Dolomite Mountains is not the time to admit that you’re not really in great shape. Ask if they have a support van and if it is able to transport you in any situations that you feel are too demanding.
There is one great thing about Italy, cycling trips can be designed in every area to fit most biking abilities. Even in the Alps there are long bike paths through the river valleys that allow you to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery without getting yourself on an endurance course that is far beyond your biking abilities.
The most important thing then is to ask lots of questions before you leave home. Evaluate fairly your bicycle competence and level of endurance, and check out a few tour company’s itinerary before you put down some money. Those that create cycling trips in Italy can then tailor a vacation that will be a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
For more information on cycling in Italy and possibly even arranging a self-guided bike tour with total control over your options, visit our website myWheelsAndMore.com
Luc Lacasse is an avid cyclist with 10 years of racing motocross and mountain biking under his belt. He is the author behind myWheelsAndMore.com a website designed to share his knowledge gained as a bicycle enthusiast and mechanical engineering student.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luc_Lacasse
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