July 2nd, 2009
Volume 2 | Issue 14
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Dear Cycling Friends,
 This issue of the Pasta Times focuses on destinations we love. We strive to bring our guests to the best locations for cycling from Chile & Argentina to Europe to Vietnam, and even New Zealand. Each of the places we visit gives you, the traveler, the best experience for learning more about the culture and seeing some of the most picturesque scenery the world has to offer.
With Lauren and her family off on a European extravaganza, we asked some other members of the US staff to tell us about some of their favorite destinations. Here's what they had to say:
Mary Jane "MJ" Keeler
Favorite destination? I actually have two, equally as good, yet equally as different. I have to admit, some of the most beautiful places I've been to were on fat tires. Firstly, Utah. Specifically, Moab. Smooth yet fragile rock, red skyscrapers, towering over you while your knees go weak in its presence. Secondly, Vermont. Specifically the Kingdom Trails. Home of some of the best and varied singletrack. Roller coaster riding with soft pine needles whooshing underneath make you feel like a kid again. I would say these are couple of my favorite destinations because you can leave your worries at home just long enough to have some great laughs and treat yourself to some great micro brews.
Andrew "AK" Krulewitz
The most beautiful place that I have ever visited was Dominical, Costa Rica. Palm trees overhang pristine beaches, which are never crowded, and the water is always warm. Far from other touristy parts of the country, the food was fresh and cheap and the locals very welcoming. When the beach got too hot in the middle of the day, the nearby rainforest was great for escaping the sun and seeing a lot of wildlife. After a week of surfing, swimming and exploring, my friends left saying "Pura Vida!"
Justin Ordman
Fresh out of college, I packed up and moved to Breckenridge, CO for a season to live life as a ski instructor. Having spent my entire life in and just outside the city of Boston, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived in the remote mountain town. What I was met with, was crisp, clean air, a town seemingly frozen in time during the wild, wild, west days, and some of the most genuine, friendly people I have ever interacted with. It was there I rediscovered my love of nature and returned to Boston a changed person. Won't you let yourself be transformed in some of our favorite cycling destinations? E-mail us your own favorite destination - we love to hear about your travels! Buona pedalata! The Ciclismo Team |
Journey to an Untouched Paradise in Chile & Argentina
 As Lili Winslow pedaled along the roads of Chile, she noticed something - complete silence save the whirring of her wheels hitting the pavement. Without any sign of civilization - no cars, no other cyclists - it felt like these roads were paved just for her and her group of cyclists on Ciclismo Classico's Chile & Argentina trip in the beautiful Seven Lakes Region.
"There was absolutely no traffic, it felt so surreal," Lili recalls. "We didn't even encounter an intersection until Day 4 of the trip!" The lack of traffic made it easier for her to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of tranquil lakes framed by snowcapped mountain peaks. "The scenery was more of a natural beauty like New Zealand, but with less people and fewer cars," she says. "Whereas cycling in Europe is steeped in colorful culture, Chile & Argentina has that raw, untouched nature which is unparalleled in any other cycling experience I've had." Every year, the countries of Chile and Argentina are developing new roads to take guests even deeper into places seldom visited by tourists.
Upon arriving in Chile for the start of the trip, Lili didn't know what to expect. "It's a newly discovered area where not too many people have visited," she notes. "What impressed me the most, was the ability to ride five abreast with no other cars and to have it be so pretty. The roads were very good cycling roads - excellent surface for riding."
In addition to the picturesque scenery, the wine and cuisine were also a pleasant surprise. "Argentina has the best tasting lamb I've ever had," Lili adds. "There were also lots of fresh fish and vegetables. In the morning there were unbelievably delicious breads which were perfect to start out a day of riding."
Every night consisted of peaceful relaxation and a glass of delicious Chilean white wine, which has a dry and robust taste. The lodging was unique in the sense that all the properties are ski resorts during the winter. Often times they were the only group there, considering many have under 20 rooms. "Each accommodation had it's own rustic character," she says. "Many have floor to ceiling windows to view the beautiful settings in which they lie. The best part about the end of the day was sitting in the lobby staring out over the tranquil lakes, lush vegetation and seeing mountains and volcanoes off in the distance."
Despite the tranquil surroundings, there was plenty to do during the non-biking times. Lili and her group had the opportunity to travel by local boat across the quiet Pirehueico Lake. They also visited a local wood carver and learned about the Mapuche, the area's indigenous people. She also took advantage of the post-extension to Santiago - hub of the Chilean wine country - an experience Lili claims was well worth it! "Not only was Santiago a beautiful city," she adds, "but we learned so much about this emerging wine country through visiting three different wineries and the insights of a sommelier."
Being in the southern hemisphere makes the winter Chile & Argentina a great time to travel there. "It's a wonderful warm weather winter destination," Lili is quick to point out. "One of the best times to travel is over New Year's. The temperatures are mild, it's even less crowded since it's before their holiday season, and I really can't dream up a better way to celebrate a new year in such a great location."
When all was said and done after Lili's whirlwind 10-day adventure, she had transformed; accomplishing the feat of crossing the major continental divide of the Andes by bike - something she never in her life expected to do. One of her most memorable moments was riding along the lake untouched by industry and letting her eyes soak in its pristine beauty. "With the snowcapped mountains in the background," she adds, "to me, it was just heaven. Simply perfect."
Chile & Argentina - 8 days (+3-day optional post-tour extension) - 12/26
Request a detailed itinerary
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| Puglia - The Most Pleasant Italian Surprise!
by Joe Luchison, Director of Marketing
As I approach my five-year anniversary with team Ciclismo, I reflect on how riding my bike more - and riding in Italy - has transformed my approach to life's challenges and surprises. The simple view from the saddle, traveling on one's human power, and encountering the elements with all senses has empowered me to appreciate the slow pace, sensory-rich, and independent spirit we acquire while riding. One of the most pleasant of life's surprises was the first Ciclismo tour assigned to me - it was my discovery of the beloved Puglia region of Italy.
Italy's heel, tucked in the southeast corner of the boot, is close enough to the country's world famous sites, but its distinct culture, matchless architecture, contrasting land and seascapes, and smooth, peaceful roads create an unmistakably magnetic appeal for cycling and all things "Pugliese". The region is steeped in ancient cultures, having been settled and conquered by the Greeks, Romans, Goths and Lombards.
On our 6-day La Bella Puglia mini tour, I rode with seventeen travelers of varying abilities from all across North America. Friendships formed almost immediately in such breathtaking surroundings, warmed by the southern Italian charm of the locals.
The Pugliese people are welcoming and proud and they want you to know their land. That's why when you encounter any local, you automatically feel like you're living there rather than just visiting. After a very slight climb inland from the coast and a descent into one of Puglia's lush valleys of vineyards, I witnessed the grape harvest in progress. I paused to watch the harvesters at work. Within minutes, one worker greeted me with a hearty wave, snipped a small bunch of grapes, and brought them to me with a commanding "mangia"! With gestures and some basic Italian, we communicated and understood each other. The grapes, by the way, were a sweet and refreshing surprise to the palette.
Later that afternoon, I rode a stretch of lightly rolling country road lined with miles of low stone walls on either side, I stopped for a bit to look around and be warmed by the sun on my face, hear the silence and savor the view of the rolling olive groves dotted with white conical trulli, as they appeared to roll into the sea on the horizon. It was like being in a watercolor painting that slowly moved around me!
Days of riding are always rewarded by meals surprisingly lacking large quantities of pasta. Braised porchetta (pork), roasted organic chicory greens, and the freshest seafood are the staples on the dinner table, as is the crisp white wine from Locorotondo, a pristine hilltop village with gothic fountains and stone streets so clean you can see your reflection in them.
I could go on and on! Rather than continue to wax poetic, I welcome your telephone calls should you want to talk more about this delicious region of Piglia - full of discovery and surprises!
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NEW - Ciclismo Classico Events Calendar
 If you're looking for some fun cycling events or rides in your area, check out our brand new Ciclismo Classico Calendar of Events!
Not only will you be able to participate in some great local rides, but you'll also see when you'll have a chance to meet Ciclismo alumni and staff all over the country. The calendar will be updated frequently, so be sure to check back often - you'll never know what you might find!
We're always looking to add more to our calendar, so submit your local ride to us and we'll be sure to include it.
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