La Gazzetta dello CycleItalia

News about "La Dolce Vita in Bicicletta" 

Volume 11                                                   www.cycleitalia.com                                                   Numero 5 

Carissimi Amici,

This is the second full issue of the electronic La Gazzetta dello CycleItalia.   With the print version we previously offered only four issues per season.  With the email version we hope you enjoy reading more issues more frequently and perhaps get inspired to join us this summer. 
Grazie!  Larry & Heather
 
Guaranteed Departures 2009
howardenjoyingdinneratsancarlo
Worried that your choice of cycling vacation for this summer could be cancelled due to low reservations?  
Want to make sure your hard-earned vacation period is secure? 
For 2009 we've guaranteed departure on selected itineraries, including Cilento Coast, Umbria & Marche, Paradise in Piedmont and Legendary Climbs of the Giro d'Italia
Guaranteed Departure means just that -- these tours will run -- guaranteed!
You could be sitting down to dinner just like our friend Howard (at right) after a challenging day of cycling through the hills or mountains of the Italian countryside. With airfares low and the US dollar strengthening against the Euro, we say -- "PERCHE NO?"  (Why Not?)
Great Deals on Airfares! 
Amid all the economic doom-and-gloom and excuses to stay home this season, there are bright spots over and above our guaranteed departures described above. We hear in the news every day about what may be "the lowest transatlantic airfares in a decade." And just in time to complete arrangements for your dream cycling vacation with CycleItalia.  Call or email our friends at Premier Travel 712 252 0008 [email protected] to get the best rates and connections to meet us in Rome or Milan this year.
 
  
Featured Supplier--Albabici
Gianluca and Alessandro, our friends at Albabici, began helping us when we started our Pro Bike rental program in 2005.  They supplied with us what we think is "the world's best seat pack" - sciconbagshown in the photo (right).  This special Sci-con model features the Italian Cycling Federation's official logo and the classic azzurro color of the Italian national team.  These bags feature their secure "Roller System" of attachment -- with no velcro straps to snag your shorts! 
Since that time we've visited their offices in Southern California and are happily using their SMP saddles and Hibros embrocation products as well.  If you can't find them at your local bike shop we're happy to help through our online store.
Euro News
The US dollar has gained strength against the euro recently. While we're not able to reduce the actual prices of the tours (set back in September) we're optimistic that current trends will continue and offer us the opportunity to do some special things on our guided tours this season.  Like what, you ask?  Join us and find out!
euro banknotes 
Featured Vacation:  Legendary Climbs of the Giro
For 2009 we wanted to create a way for fans of the famous climbs of the Giro to enjoy more passes at lower cost.  Our idea was to combine the first two weeks of our previous four-week Legendary Climbs Series into one ten-day climbfest. We'd save you almost two grand over the cost of the two weeks previously needed to experience all these famous climbs.
We weren't the only ones who thought this was a good idea.  The editors at BICYCLING Magazine Bicycling Magazine Coverthought so too, naming this tour one of the "15 Trips We Love" in their December 2008 issue.  Unlike some competing tours, our itinerary takes you over all the famous climbs in the direction they're typically tackled by the Corsa Rosa.  The true experience of climbing the famous 48 numbered switchbacks of Passo Stelvio can only be enjoyed from the Prato allo Stelvio approach.  Same for Passo Gavia and many others. Some operators access them from a hotel based on what we think is the "wrong" side of the climb.  It's certainly easier logistically for the tour operator but shortchanges you on the true experience. Interestingly enough, this years Corsa Rosa will skip many of these famous climbs so the newly unretired "BigTex" will not experience the awesome majesty of the Stelvio or the sublime scenery of the Dolomites.  But you can!  Join us for Legendary Climbs of the Giro d'Italia June 27-July 8 $4895Passo Pordoi
 
Dolomites
No connection to or endorsement by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport is expressed or implied. All rights reserved CycleItalia LLC