Questions & Answers

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions and answers. If you have any others please send an email (info@bikeitaly.com).

What’s included?

  • Comfortable lodging in a family-run inn with a private bathroom to each room.
  • All breakfasts and dinners.
  • Experienced ride leaders.
  • Basso® or Wilier® Italian road bike, or NordBridge® hybrid bike.
  • Van support.
  • Guaranteed small group size with riders of similar riding ability.
  • Tailor-made small group itineraries daily. We design rides to match the interests of the group!
  • Complimentary Saturday transfers from/to Bassano del Grappa train station.
  • Daily mileage options.

What isn’t included?

What condition must I be in?

Our support van makes it possible for everyone from non-riders and beginners to advanced riders to enjoy our rides. Non-riders can take strolls on quiet country roads to enjoy the fresh air and flowers, and join up with their riding companions at interesting places to visit. Beginners can ride the less demanding stretches and hop in the van for the really tough climbs!

  • Our beginner rides can be done by anyone who follows a light fitness plan including aerobics, cycling, walking, or other sports.
  • Intermediate/advanced rides are for cyclists who ride or exercise vigorously on a regular basis. You’ll have opportunities to ride with strong local riders.

What if I’m traveling alone?

  • You’re certain to meet interesting, like minded people!
  • You’ll room with someone of the same sex or can pay a single-room surcharge (depending on availability) if you prefer your privacy.

What if I’m traveling with a non-rider, children or different level rider?

  • Our support van makes it possible and comfortable for adult non-riding companions to come along on our rides in the van.
  • There are many alternative activities for non-riders.
  • You could rent an automobile so the non-rider can visit some of the ride destinations.
  • Easy rides are 10—45 miles long and average a pace of 12—15 mph. Older children who are accustomed to this level of riding are welcome to join.

When is a good time to come?

  • See our calendar of events for dates of special events.
  • A trip in May will greatly improve your cycling endurance. You’ll return home in better shape than you can imagine. Great for racers or triathletes who want to get a head start on the season.
  • June, July and August are the best months to visit if you want to experience the Italian flair for putting on a party. We attend many different local festivals, concerts and cycling events.
  • August is a great month for climbing. The weather is much cooler at altitude. Our best, longest rides are usually in August.
  • September weather is exceptional! Most cyclists have had a chance to get in enough training that they can enjoy riding daily and end the season in style!

What kind of bike do I need?

We provide high-performance Basso® or Wilier® road bikes or NordBridge® hybrid bikes at no additional cost. They are equipped with triple cranks and 9-speed gear-clusters to handle the hills. If you have special requirements or are not within the height range covered by our fleet (5’0”/152cm to 6’3”/183cm), you may wish to bring your own bike. We recommend 39/53 (or smaller) chainrings and freewheel gearing that is suitable for variable terrain.

Many airlines charge $75 or more each way for bikes. Train stations often have pedestrian underpasses between platforms, but no elevators or escalators to help you with large bike cases. You may wish to consider these additional inconveniences in deciding whether to bring your own bike.

I’m coming to Tuscany, can I ride with you?

Tuscany, just above the halfway point down the Italian peninsula, is very well known, very popular and overrun with hordes of tourists. We’re in northeastern Italy, near Venice, about 3—4 hours away by ground from Tuscany, in a region still unspoiled by tourism (with generally lower prices), rich in its own history and culture, and a hotbed of cycling. We think you’ll find the Veneto region enchanting in its own right.

What airlines fly to/from Venice Marco Polo?

The following airline alliances operate from Venice Marco Polo airport:
  • Aer Lingus — British Airways — Iberia — American
  • Air France — Delta
  • Alitalia — KLM — Northwest
  • Lufthansa — SAS — United
  • Air France — Alitalia — Continental
  • USAir — flies directly from Philadelphia

Are you guys for real? You’re not some fly-by-night shady outfit?

Many of our guests continue to come back to us year after year. We can email you a list of references — recent guests of CMI — upon request.

Our prices are a terrific value because we, your hosts, operate the business ourselves. Your accommodations are comfortable, clean and safe; we keep our bikes in excellent condition; we don’t skimp on your included meals — in fact many of our guests comment at having more than they can eat!; the rides and points of interest are spectacular and fun.