Remembering Italy

Remembering Italy

It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since I spent a week riding in Italy. I don’t generally go back and re-read my posts (mostly because they are riddled with spelling errors, typos and inaccuracies) but if my posts…

Day 8: The Forbidden City

Day 8: The Forbidden City

If you ask most cyclists where the birthplace of cycling is, the majority will say “Italy”. Those that don’t are likely either French or Belgian, and are most probably drunk. When I think about cycling in the classic sense, the…

The Road to Vicenza

The Road to Vicenza

Today, our second last day, was supposed to be another long one. Like 206 kilometres long. But on a routine recon of the route that took place several weeks before we arrived, Sergi and the boys had determined the first…

Day 6: The Ups & Downs of Nove Colli

Day 6: The Ups & Downs of Nove Colli

Photo: Augustus Farmer/Peloton Magazine You may have been wondering (although probably not) “Hey! Where did that Winnipeg CycleChick go? Did she crash and fall off a mountain? Or run off with that sexy Italian guy?” The answer is no. I’m…

Day 5: The New Normal

Day 5: The New Normal

Rising early, I feel like hell. Again. I am starting to get used to this sensation – part hangover, part ride fatigue, part jet lag. And I am always starving. During the day we are burning an impressive number of…

Day 4: The Terminator

Day 4: The Terminator

In case you hadn’t heard, I’m not much of a climber. The lack of elevation where I live, combined with my not-exactly-petite stature and delicate composition make me about as suited to going uphill as an old John Deer tractor….

Day 3: Campagnolo Granfondo Roma

Day 3: Campagnolo Granfondo Roma

I’m not sure there is a word I could use to describe what it’s like to be on the start line of an event with five thousand cyclists. If there was, it would be big. And probably Italian. The Campagnolo…

Day 2: Buonasera signor Campagnolo

Day 2: Buonasera signor Campagnolo

It’s not everyday you meet someone like Mister Campagnolo – but then today was not just any day. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start back at the beginning. In the morning I was able to meet the Thomson…

The Campagnolo Experience, Day 1: When in Rome

The Campagnolo Experience, Day 1: When in Rome

Today was a resounding reaffirmation that airplanes are flying germ canisters that put us in unacceptable proximity with other humans – complete with all of their unpleasant habits, noises, and smells. However, until teleporting becomes a reality, mass transportation will…

Mamma mia!

Mamma mia!

In case you missed it, a while ago I entered a contest on Facebook for a dream cycling tour in Italy called The Campagnolo Experience, which I WON in a random draw. Some Bitter McBittersons out there have been insinuating that…