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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 stay 12 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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