got italy / lombardy area bike info?

by JFS_PGH on Jun 19, 2009 10:47 AM EDT

Details still sketchy, but spouse has a conference in Trento the week after the Giro de Lombardia, which is on Oct. 17. We're intending to do some bike touring the week before the GdL, so we'll be in shape to hit a couple of spots on the GdL route somehow...and then conference time.

We'll be flying into Venice or Verona (frequent flyer miles finally pay off!), then getting to Lombardy / Trento by some combination of bike & train. But what combination should that be? Train to a strategic location, then rent bike? Bike ASAP, then navigate trains with bike? Complicating matters, we're hoping to either rent a tandem in Italy (presumably not as falling-off-a-log easy as renting a couple of standard road or touring bikes) or ship a tandem (scary and potentially expensive). Anyone know the rules on tandems in Italian trains? (They were surprisingly unwelcome inotherwise bike-friendly Dutch trains.) Good vs. bad stretches of road? (Rolling terrain is ideal for tandems.) Best/worst camping options? Ideal bike rental spot / source?

Also, basic question...how do you say "tandem" in Italian, in a way that makes it clear you're talking about a bicycles, not, say, a romantic proposal?

Finally, while steephill and Cyclingfever both confirm the date for the GdL, I can't seem to find an actual official site for the race. Anyone know more?

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It doesn't look like anyone's got anything specific

but I can at least give you some vaguely general info.

First, if you want to find a tandem in Italy then start looking now. I saw all sorts of odd bikes when I was out there, but never a tandem.

Italian drivers are used to having cyclists around, and they do tend to treat them considerately. Plus there are lots on the road so there is the safety in numbers factor. But, they are still Italian drivers. I was once overtaken going uphill on a hairpin bend. Right on the apex.

The rules on trains vary according to which train you are on. As does the fare. If you can’t find out then chooses a couple of suitable looking trains and go and negotiate with the clerk in the ticket office. You might have to take the slower trains, but it’s Italy so you’ll have more time to enjoy the view. All trains go through Bologna if you want to go and make a pilgrimage/test yourself on the 20% stretches.

You’ll be on the edge of the Po valley. Going North is flat, South is the hills. You may be able to manufacture yourself some rolling terrain if you stick to the edge.

Check out http://italiancyclingjournal.blogspot.com/ for lots of info on riding in Italy. he may even help if you ask him nicely.

by Monty. on Jun 21, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

Italian Cycling Journal

had this little gem, plus a link to a company that specialises in tandem tours, although I can’t see whether they actually supply the tandems for the tours they run.

by Monty. on Jun 21, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Very cool article! Thanks!

I found an outfit that rents bikes throughout France and Italy (selected locations) but only a handful of tandems. Their Colorado office was friendly, and told me to send an e-mail directly to the Italy folks, because they are “very resourceful.” I figure if they have an assured rental and $ in advance, they might even buy a tandem? Or borrow a used one from a neighbor? Who knows.

At the moment, we’re thinking of renting near Como and riding around in the general area of Como and Lago Maggiore, which allows us to pick as much or as little of the surrounding hills as we feel up to. And booking lake-side camp sites, and putting the money we save that way into piles of incredible food.

by JFS_PGH on Jun 21, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

P.S. great blog, too

Didn’t think I’d come away from it with bike lust for a Pashley, though.

by JFS_PGH on Jun 21, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

La Gazzetta should have more after the summer

http://www.gazzetta.it/grandeciclismo/

A rental tandem?! You’re brave. Renting road bikes is difficult enough, renting sporty tandems quite impossible, I think. The only rental tandems I ever saw were these contraptions: http://dealers.batavus.nl/site/script/showimage.asp?id=6472

By the way, according to the Dutch Railway (NS) rules, a tandem is the same as a regular bicycle and should be allowed on all trains after 9 AM (for the standard bicycle fee). However, it’s always in the guard/conductor’s discretion to deny large luggage, like bicycles. (I have never seen anyone denied and I brought large rowing oars on the train.)

by tedvdw on Jun 21, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

We rented a fine tandem in Nova Scotia.

It doesn’t have to be a co-motion or a new Santana. A 10 year old Burley will do. We seem to hit “average size” for both front and stoker—nothing that a slightly longer seatpost, different cranks etc. can’t handle.

Off topic…Cabot trail & environs are a great place to rent a tandem.

by JFS_PGH on Jun 21, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions