2017 Giro Classico • by Lucy and Andrew Simmons
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The 2017 Giro Classico trip with Bikestyle Tours marked the 100th Anniversary of the Giro d’Italia. My husband Andrew and I joined Bikestyle Tours on ‘our trip of a lifetime’ together. We chose a cyclists only trip and I was the only female among the 18 guests. Our 3 riding guides and bus driver took us to amazing places in following the Giro. We saw many stages and Andrew and I were finally able to fulfill our dream of being there, live with the pro cyclists at a Grand Tour. Bikestyle Tours took us on a fabulous tour of great cycling, spectacular mountain views and climbs that were simply breathtaking.
We live in Brisbame and to prepare for the Italian Alps we spent a lot of time on Tambourine mountain. Our training showed especially for climbing the massive mountains in Italy. Our trip was packed with famous climbs of the Giro including the Passo dello Stelvio, Mortirolo and Passo de Gavia. And we managed to complete them all! I was able to prove to those men who may have doubted my ability up the climbs. But I knew I had trained hard and with my will and determination, I never gave up. I was supported well and encouraged by our guides. Reaching each summit was amazing. I was ecstatic and it felt like I was on top of the world. It was great to share it with my husband who was with me all the way.
A trip highlight was riding the spectacular Sella Ronda which included 4 mountain passes, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Gardena and Passo Campolongo. All of them were huge climbs, some reaching close to to 3000m elevation. Completing the Sella and reliving my selfies around the loop brings back incredible memories!
- Our hotels were fabulous and were in beautiful Italian villages
- We had a delicious breakfasts every day and ate amazing Italian food
- We cycled the best places in the country
- Our guides were fantastic, friendly, funny and so supportive
It was an incredible cycling holiday and one that my husband and I will fondly remember.
