Cycling to Italy

[PiersArmstrong]

I am new to CTC, and an occasional cyclist, nearing retirement. I am considering cycling to Assisi, in Umbria, in about a year's time. How do I set about planning the route; which is the best way go Italy, what pass, etc. |If anyone has done a similar journey, advice earnestly sought.

Piers

[phil parker]

A friend of mine is cycling from Andover to Italy and crossed the Fluela Pass yesterday. He is hoping to arrive at his destination today as the next 100 miles are down hill! I've just tried to open his route 11-12 days worth on Bikeroutetoaster, but it seems to be locked out. I will ask him to change it to public when he gets back in about a week's time.

A good place to start is planning your route and I prefer Bikeroutetoaster as a mapping/planning tool. Then decide how you are going to be accommodated on your route i.e. camping, hostels or B&Bs etc. Then decide your approximate daily mileage for a realistic pace, whether mile-munching or leisurely, to plan your approximate overnight stays. Finally you can set yourself a training program and I would advocate some short tours for practice/experience equipment checking and conditioning as well as training.

[mr riff raff]

I hate people like you coming on here......giving me ideas!

Top tip? Ride your bike as you intend to when you go away and have a trial run to somewhere exciting first that's two days riding away.

[JMaude]

Check out this site - the book is also a useful introduction to route planning, preparation and a good route to Italy
http://cyclingeurope.org/

[phil parker]

My friend returned about a week ago, after a short holiday, we've not had a chance to catch up yet, but here's his blog: http://stannah2daldoss.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-one-done.html. I will send him a link to this thread and ask him to make a comment regarding the route as I'm aware he had to make adjustments.

Good Luck!

[apsykes]

Check out this site - the book is also a useful introduction to route planning, preparation and a good route to Italy
http://cyclingeurope.org/

It's also now available as a paperback book. Follow this link: http://www.completelynovel.com/books/good-vibrations-crossing-europe-on-a-bike-called-reggie
Andrew

[apsykes]

Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie is now available as a paperback on Waterstones / Amazon / WHSmith websites...
Andrew