2010 CYCLING SCHEDULE.
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First-class, safe and well organized cycling itineraries.
Vacation properties which serve as welcomed retreats.
Exceptional meals to please every appetite.
Extraordinary value and unmatched service.
Exclusive EVT team cycling jersey.
Riccione, Italy Cycling Tour Review - May 2009
Featuring Nove Colli
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Monday:
Our guest arrived comfortably into Riccione. After a full sportsman's breakfast of cereals, yogurt, eggs, fruits, breads, juices, and cappuccinos the group was ready to hit the roads in the Emilia Romagna region. Most of our cyclists came from climates with average temperatures around the 12 degree C range. This day the temperature would be in the 30 degree C range. The higher temperatures would prevail for the duration of our time in Italy; a real difference and that would impact everyone's fitness level.
Once the cycling began and we moved inland from the Adriatic Sea the group did not expect the gradual climbs of 3 - 4 km's in length with a steady average incline of 4%. The destination on this day was the castle of Montescudo, passing along the way historic villages of Monte Colombo, San Celemente, and San Savino. After Montescudo the group headed towards the country farm house for a barbeque lunch. It was a real pleasure to relax in the hills, enjoy lunch and listen to laughter and accounts of everyone's first day of cycling.
Tuesday:
This day's cycling program was to cover 100 km's through the
greater climbs and hills of the Emilia Romagna region; our ultimate destination was the great Walled City of Urbino. This challenge was more difficult due to the longer ascents, twisty descents and hot weather. When we arrived in Urbino the group could not have imagined such beauty within the Walled City with its cobbled-stone streets, shops, churches, a university and museums displaying history and modernization of the eras. The group soaked up all the area had to offer, enjoying a relaxing rest after our sweaty efforts to reach Urbino. The calm, sublime nature of the young and old in the Piazza was truly refreshing!
Wednesday:
We had organized a group ride for this day but the combination of high temperatures and unaccustomed hilly terrain had the group wanting to rest instead. So,
So, this day was devoted to sightseeing on foot, not bike, and enjoying more of the splendid Emilia Romagna Region.
Thursday:
We had special plans for our group on this day - pure Italian spoils. We organized the ride to start with an easy 45 km ride, which ended up us taking 3 hours to complete. Our destination was a farmhouse, where we spent 2 of those 3 hours having lunch under large large umbrellas shielding us from the hot sun. We were treated to different wines of the region, as well as cheese, cured meats, breads, local olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. After a great afternoon of enjoying the foods of the region the group really had to be motivated to get back on their bicycles and embarked on the return ride to Riccione but after a few km's, our legs were eagerly participating.
Friday:
On Friday we always prefer to organize the Panoramic Ride. This ride hugs the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Mapping the route it seems to a rather easy day in the saddle with little in the way of climbing. Our guests soon realized climbing for 5 km's steady on a 3% gradient can certainly wear you down, especially when dealing with 30 degree temperatures and a full week's program in their legs. The scenery of the coast as you climb above Pasaro, Cattolica and Gabicce Mare was breathtaking for everyone! The sea was azure in colour and it stretched to the limits of the horizon. This was a special day for cycling for our group which rounded out the cycling program for Eurovelo Tours May Riccione Cycling Tour 2009.
