Italy (local)

With point of departure and arrival in Porto Torres, a travel through northern half of the island of Sardinia.

Il percorso porta a scoprire la cosiddetta Bassa Veronese con il suo fascino discreto e melanconico. Richiama il rapporto fra uomo, terra ed acqua che da sempre convivono.

Lontano dai grandi centri del traffico, la natura si offre al visitatore lento, colorata in primavera, sonnacchiosa nell'afa estiva, avvolta nei colori sgargianti dell'autunno, sfumata e fiabesca tra le nebbie e le galaverne invernali. Percorso facile tutto in pianura, in parte sterrato, ma con fondo in buone condizioni.

E come foglia cadente sospinta dal vento e che troverà dimora dopo lento girovagare, così senza meta può essere anche l'incontro della bicicletta con questo territorio. Di qua o di là, sul piano o sul pendio, in discesa o lungo il fiume, liberamente il cicloturista, trova emozioni nel lento procedere. La bicicletta disegna le sue evoluzioni e lungo il fluire delle linee, le ruote incrociano i liberi pensieri.

The lake Garda is the mountain bike paradise of Europe and there are many roads that lead up into the mountains. Some of these roads are a challenge and some roads are a major challenge. And then there is one tremendous challenge: the Scanuppia, a concrete road that is leading upwards from Besenello to the small natural area of Scanuppia, which is the steepest ascent of Europe and maybe the steepest ascent of the World. Reports speak of gradients of 45 %. Whether it is possible to actually cycle there remains a mystery, yet there seem to be people who have made it. And so I would be able to do so myself, I try to convince myself. And while we are around now, we may just as well give it a try.

The last tour of the season - that is if the weather cooperates. The plan is as simple as it is elegant. We take the train from Munich to Landeck in Austria. From there it is a short bus ride to Nauders near the top of the Reschen Pass and the border to Italy. That saves riding in unpleasant traffic, not to mention a hefty climb! From Reschen in South Tyrol it's downhill (almost) all the way.

This blog is the record of a cycle touring holiday in Tuscany during September 2010. The trip included Volterra, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano and Cortona. Extensive use was made of secondary roads including strade bianche.

The blog should be read in conjunction with the planning information that is in this wiki http://holidaykeogh.pbworks.com/ and more photographs that are in this Flickr set http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_keogh/sets/72157625071265988/.

Again Lana... Lana has become another standard tour. This time we concentrated on Passo Lavazze and the Passo Timmelsjoch.... Enjoy the picture! Good luck to all the followers!

Lana again... has become another standard tour. As Lana is located so central, like a big gate to well known summits, like Passo Mendola, Passo Palade (Gampenpass), Passo Lavazze, Sella Ronda, etc. This time we tried hiking beside biking.... Enjoy the pictures! Good luck to all the followers!

Lana has become another standard tour. As Lana is located so central, like a big gate to well known summits, like Passo Mendola, Passo Palade (Gampenpass), Passo Lavazze, Sella Ronda, etc. This time we tried a short trip to the Passo Stelvio. Enjoy the picture! Good luck to all the followers!

Some guys went down to Cesenatico by car, we joined them... Cesenatico is nearby Rimini, with a very good gastronomic infrastructure. This people are prepared to welcome bicyclists. The surroundings of Cesenatico are scenic: San Marino, Nove Colli and more... A good and rather cheap training place in spring time... This has been more a bicycle club oriented tour. Enjoy the pictures! Good luck to all the followers!

After the good experience on the Amalfi coast, we tried further South: Sicily. For a round trip to large... Anyway, we climbed up the Etna road (elevation round 2.000 meters). We had a rest day at the city of Belpaso. This people understand to live! I remember an excellent Grappa, we have been offered...!

Leaving Belpaso, we followed the costal road to Messina. Crossing the sea street by ferry. We went up the Aspromonte mountain range. Interesting experience. We continued in going back by ferry to Island Sicily and followed the North costal road. Wonderful climbs, untouched nature. Interesting little villages; often found on top of a mountain. Going back 'home' (to the airport Cantania), has been a very powerful ride, because of the high numer of hills... Good luck to all the followers.

1st day: start at Innsbruck (after a night travel by train): Innsbruck - Brennero - Lana (a wonderful bike path down the Eisack valley). Distance: 140 kilometres.
2nd day: Lana - on the bike path to Trento and back. Distance: 115 kilometres.
3rd day: Lana - Prad - Stilfer Joch - Umbrail - Santa Maria - Meran - Lana. Distance: 176 kilometres.
4th day: rest day (it is not recommended to go by bicycle to any Alpine road due to heavy traffic of motorcycles).
5th day: Lana - Kastern - Sant Nicolo - Mendel Pass - Gampenpass - Lana. Distance: 90 kilometres.
6th day: Lana (by train to Mals) - by bicycle to Reschenpass (a new wonderful bike path), and on the ``Inntalradweg'' to Landeck.
by train, back to Vienna. Distance: (by bicycle) 90 kilometres.

By train from Vienna to Milano. Following the route 'Milano - San Remo'... Left the route near Genova and riding the Cinque Terre coastal road. Visiting Carrara. Back home via the Passo Cisa. And further North along the Lago di Garda. Hit the train again at Innsbruck. Good luck to followers!

One of the best tours in Europe. Fun, good weather, good landscape. Down the Amalfi coast - like Hwy 1 in California. Good luck to all the followers!

Spesso chiamata ciclabile, della ciclabile non ha nessuna caratteristica. Questo itinerario lungo il naviglio Brenta, detta Riviera, delude l'appassionato cicloturista che pensa di trovare l'interesse architettonico del paesaggio, sposato con il viaggiare lento, con la serenità dell'osservazione, con la tranquillità della propria sicurezza.

Un peccato veramente che queste caratteristiche, presenti nelle più note ciclabili europee, non siano presenti in questo luogo, vero gioiello italiano e mondiale.

Nach der Ankunft und einer ausgedehnten Stadtbesichtigung in Catania radelten war nach Süden um anschließend in das 1000 m hoch gelegene Gebirge bei Ferla in Richtung Westen. Nach einer Erkundung des Valle del Anapo führten kleinere Straßen durch urtümliche Dörfern nach Norden. Den Ätna in Sicht erwischte uns ein Regenschauer. Es sollte nicht der letzte bleiben, denn wir hatten auf dieser Tour leider etwas Pech mit dem Wetter gehabt. Auf 1200 m Höhe waren wir über der Wolkenschicht uns zelteten am Südhang des Vulkans. Mit -8°C Außentemperatur wurde es in der anschließenden Nacht recht frisch. Am nächsten Tag fuhren wir bis zur Seilstation auf 1900 m Höhe und wanderten den Rest bis auf eine Höhe von 3000m. Nebel und der nahende Sonnenuntergang zwangen uns zur Umkehr. Auf einer Eigenkonstruktion aus Plastikflaschen rutschten wir den vereisten Hang ins Tal und zelten erneut im Gebirge (- 2°C im Zelt). Das Bergmassiv fast einmal umrundet arbeiteten wir uns über den Portella Femmina Morta Miraglia - mit 1524 m der höchste Pass der Insel. Wir sehnten uns nach dem Meer, denn während der Abfahrt war zäher Nebel und nur drei Grad. An der Nordküste erlebten wir sonnige Etappen und abschließend entspannende Tage in der quirligen Hauptstadt Palermo.

Our bike tour from Florence to Rome.

An account of a 6 day bike/tandem tour based in Arabba at the foot of the Passo Pordoi in September 2009. Includes daily ride reports, route maps, lots of photos and details on how we got there - and how we got on! The rides include ascents of the following passes... Passo Giau, Falzarego, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, Valparola, Tre Croci, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Duran and Staulanza.

''the last stretches to the top were crazy. I was basically pedalling through thick snow. After reaching the top we hurriedly got our photos taken by the summit sign and got ready for the descent

And this descent was going to be an education. Very few times in my life have I actually feared for my mortality, but believe me, this was going to be an extreme experience in cold, terror and emotion''

A leisurely tour in Tuscany, just two weeks but time enough for a flirt with its hills without getting too involved. We have fun cycling the streets of Florence, Pisa and Lucca, take our time visiting Medici villas and Renaissance gardens and get lovely views of the Tuscan countryside in the spring.

A three-week, 800 km cyclotouring trip across beautiful Italy (mostly camping) from Livorno to Rome, with a detour to the Cinque Terre, passing through Pisa, Firenze, Siena, Montepulciano, Lago di Chiusi, Lago di Bolsena and Lago Bracciano. Practical informations about traveling and camping in Italy and going there by train from Switzerland.

Mit dem Rad unterwegs während der Apfelernte im schönen Etschtal

Von Meran in die Radmetrole Bozen, dann 'rüber zum Gardasee.

Bei Traumwetter ließen wir uns über den See schippern.

Die Abschlußetappe führte uns noch nach Brescia.

These pages describe a series of day rides based around Lucca in Northern Tuscany. The rides visit

• Diecimo
• Bagni di Lucca
• Collodi
• Castelnuovo di Gafangnana
• Isola Santa
• Galleria del Cipollaio
• Forte dei Marni
• Marina di Pietrasanta, and
• Camaiore

Un percorso alla scoperta delle Alpi Orientali che combina in maniera piuttosto equa bicicletta ed escursionismo in montagna.

Via dei Saraceni: 12 (junior) e 13 luglio (senior) 2008, tracciato di Salice d'Ulzio (Souze d'Oux).

Competizione aperta a tutti, professionisti e non. 38 km con un dislivello totale di 1050 metri quasi completamente su sterrato.

Itinerario:
Partendo dal centro di Sauze D'Oulx ci si inoltra all'interno del Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand; attraversando un fitto bosco di conifere si giunge sulla strada più alta d'Europa tra la cresta spartiacque che divide la Valle di Susa dalla Valle Chisone. Questo è il tratto più impegnativo, con una salita di 15 km che permette di raggiungere la vetta del monte Genevris a quota 2540 mt. Arrivo in leggera salita.

Während unserer zweiwöchigen Tour sind wir mehr als 1200 km gefahren und konnten die Insel einmal umrunden. Zudem war Sardinien deutlich welliger als wir vorher gedacht hätten, was für die 12.000 zurück gelegten Höhenmeter spricht. Das Wetter war sehr angenhem: kein Regen, viel Sonne und nur teilweise Gegenwind. Zudem war die Landschaft sehr abwechslungsreich. Von Traumstränden bis zu Gebirgspässen war alles dabei.

Our bicycle tour in Italy started on October 6, 2007 with our arrival in Rome. After sightseeing in Rome we took the train to Orvieto and cycled up the hill to our first overnight stop. Over the next 3 weeks we cycled across Umbria and Tuscany. If you are planning a similar bicycle tour you will find a lot of useful information in our detailed trip Itinerary, day-by-day Trip Report, and the collection of Practical Tips. If you would like to see the beauty of cycling in Italy do not miss the Best Photos. You may also be interested in our recommendations for the best places to see, stay and eat in Top 5.

A six-day circular tour around the island of Sardinia. 619km cycled, stopping over in Fertilia, Stintino, Oschiri, Cala Gonone, Lanusei, Macomer and final destination Alghero.

Copious amounts of strenuous uphill pedalling, plenty of long speedy descents and hairpins, amazing scenery along coasts and through many ridges and mountains. Wonderful welcomes and hospitality from the locals, and some quirky, but lovely, local culinary specialities.

Despite the need for extra effort, Sardinia is strongly recommended!

Info pratiche su dove fare downhill, freeride, cross in Italia con segnalazione di 4 percorsi per l'estate: Oropa, Livigno, Pila e soprattutto Val di Sole sede dei mondiali di downhill 2008. Anticipazioni sui mondiali Mtb 2007 e 2008.

This was written as a ``Daily Blog'' of my bike trip from Venice to Rome. I had taken some Italian Courses at the University of Pittsburgh, and made friends with various Italians on the internet through an instant message program called SKYPE. I recruited my Italian Teacher to drive a support car, and I rode my bike. I was able to meet with 4 different people/families that I met online in my quest to learn the language and experience the ``real culture'' of the country. There are MANY pictures, and also quite a few VIDEOS of this trip. All links to photos and videos can be found on the index page. There is also a separate page for each day of the journey - my daily ``diary'' of surprises, delights, frustrations, and revelations. Even though I had only cycled in Italy before with organized cycling groups, I had an amazing trip doing this one alone. I am in the process of translating each day's blog into Italian, and eventually I'll try to post each day's road notes or route as well.

Eine anspruchsvolle Radrundtour auf Sardinien in 13 Tagesetappen über insgesamt 1126 km, Tagesetappen zwischen 60 und 110 Kilometern.

In May, 2007, I spent 15 days cycling in north-central Italy and covered about 1600 km (990 miles). I cannot understate how great the trip was and I suggest anyone who is eager for culture, amazing food, adventure, and a physical and mental challenge to follow in my tracks. Wine-lovers will also find this route especially pleasing.

The route begins and ends at Milan Centrale train station, providing an easy connection to the rest of Europe. Overall, the trip was flawless with only one flat tire. The route would be best suited for anyone who wants to cover lots of miles and see the main sights of north-central Italy (e.g. Venice, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Langhe/Roero). Although my trip was great, I would make some changes, and these are suggested below. I've briefly described the route and sights for each day. Please feel free to contact me for more specific information and advice (calebschiff@gmail.com).

Info, mappa del percorso, foto dell'edizione 2006 e link intorno al famoso Sella Ronda bike day, che segue un tour dei passi dolomitici (Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena e Passo Campolongo).

Agosto 2006: 1.000 km lungo la costa siciliana da Palermo a Trapani, Marsala, Mazara, Agrigento, Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania, Messina e tutti i bellissimi paesini incontrati.

Mare, sole, arte, storia, sapori e profumi dell'isola al centro del mediterraneo, dove hanno attraccato e hanno lasciato tracce della loro cultura Fenici, Greci, Romani, Arabi, Normanni, Spagnoli, da Ulisse e Archimede, a Federico II, fino a Garibaldi e ai giorni nostri

Queste pagine raccolgono gli itinerari lungo l'Adda, il quarto fiume d'Italia, nel suo primo tratto, in Valtellina. La pista ciclabile dell'Adda, nel suo tratto in provincia di Sondrio, prende il nome di Sentiero Valtellina. Il percorso è ancora in fase di realizzazione, ma è stato commpletato quasi all'80% al mese di aprile 2007.

Mon voyage entre Venise et Rome, environ 900kms de bonheur en passant par Bologne, Florence, Sienne, Montepulciano... Un vrai bonheur! Avec des cartes, infos pratiques, tracks GPS...

My travel in Italy in 2005 from Venice to Rome, about 900kms of happiness and beautiful landscapes going through Bologne, Florence, Sienna, Montepulciano... A pure delight!! Maps, practical infos and GPS recordings included. In French but don't hesistate to ask for details...

In the summer of 2006 I aimed to finish to succeed the Granfondo Campagnolo, the hardest bicyclemarathon in Italy in 2006. Before the Granfondo I and two friends of mine spent 3 days in the Dolomites, with those tours I bicycled onto 6 passes above 2000m there. The most wondeful climb was the very hard Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2350 m) from the Lake Misurina, with a beautiful panorama. An another memorable pass was the Staller Sattel (2052 m) on the austrian border: the last 5 km is very nice with panorama, calmness, forest, flowers, blue lake down and snow on the mountains. The Giau pass was a hard one, but ``only averagely nice''.

The Granfondo was one of my most memorable bicycle memory. I was the only one who finished it with a 13 kg+ 2,5 kg pack heavy touring bike. I could bicycle with the last 30-40 participant; I enjoyed the nature, countryside and the feeling; I stopped few times for photos. After arriving in time, as the speaker saw with how a bike I arrived into the finish, he called me next to him and after 2-3 sentences he spoke a few minutes about my performance. After it, the 50 people audience clapped for me and immediatelly I could hear the hungarian anthem from the loud-speakers. It was a surprise for me from the speaker, who found this performance very serious with a bike, I had.

From Zürich (Switzerland) to Sicily (Italy). Through Lugano-Como-Bergamo-Verona-Vicenza-Padova-Ravenna-Rimini-Ancona to Pescara. After Pescara the river ``Sangro'' comes down out of the Abruzze mountains. I followed this river to get on the other side of Italy. Further through Napoli-Amalfi,down the coast of Calabry to Messina (Sicily) -Siracuse-Agrigento-Marsala-Trapani-to Palermo. (the capital of Sicily) Total kilometre 2731

After the long German winter, we are impatient to get started with the cycling season. Looking for a land of early spring sunshine and mild temperatures, we decide on Apulia, southern Italy, the heel of the boot.

Apulia is more than just sunshine. There are many small roads with little traffic, beautiful beaches and an excellent cuisine. Those interested in history and art won't be disappointed: with Palaeolithic finds, Greek vases, Romanesque churches, Norman fortresses and Baroque cities there is much to see.

We toured two weeks, 750 km and stayed in hotels or pensions.

These pages describe a week long cycle tour through Central Tuscany in May 2006.

The route took me from Siena to Florence via Castelnuovo Berardenga, Vagliagli, Radda, Gaiole, Panzano, Montefioralle, Greve, San Polo, Strada, and Impruneta.