10 ARTWORK BY MICHAEL VALENTI, THE VELOIST Tips & …10 tips & tricks for cycling in italy | luccacyclingclub.com pg. 1 10 tips & tricks for cycling in italy artwork by michael valenti,

10 TIPS & TRICKS FOR CYCLING IN ITALY | LUCCACYCLINGCLUB.COMPg. 1

10 Tips & Tricks

FOR

Cycling in Italy

ARTWORK BY MICHAEL VALENTI, THE VELOIST

https://luccacyclingclub.com/

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— one —

Italians wave!If countries could be characterized as introverted or extroverted, Italy would be high up on the extroverted scale. Italians are curious creatures who love chit-chat and making new friends so, for the love of cycling, don’t be a grumpy non-waver. Ciao is like “hey there!”, salve is hello, and buongiorno is wishing you a good day.

10 TIPS & TRICKS FOR CYCLING IN ITALY | LUCCACYCLINGCLUB.COM


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— two —

Water fountains are almost everywhere.

Nine times out of ten, you won’t be far from a water fountain while riding a bike in Italy. It’s why most Italian cyclists carry just one bottle — less water weight equals faster average speed plus you can use the second bottle cage for a spare tube and tools. Fountains can be found at the top of climbs, in parks and in town centers. If you’re planning an epic ride in the heat, it’s probably best you take two bottles. Also, skip fountains marked non-potabile (non-drinkable).


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— three —

Cafes are bars.Venice was one of the first European ports to import coffee beans back in the 16th century, and in 1901, Luigi Bezzera patented what we now know as the espresso machine. His invention made it possible to prepare individual cups of coffee for each customer expressly — a speedier service similar to an American-style “bar” where the clientele stood, saloon-style, instead of seated at a table. Caffè Manaresi in Florence was the first (but would be far from the last) of the countless coffee-serving establishments in Italy that call themselves bars.



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— four —

Know a few basic Italian phrases.Italians aren’t French; they’re genuinely impressed whenever you make an effort to learn their language, so I highly recommend brushing up on the basics. Now, repeat after me: Andiamo! means “let’s go!”, as in “we’re leaving now!” Sono un/a ciclista (m/f) — I’m a cyclist — which, in the right scenario, will win you over a ton of new friends. When you stop at a bar mid-ride, this is how you order a coffee: mi fa un espresso/macchiato/cappuccino, per favore? The mi fa (make me) is actually optional. Lastly, when you’re ready to pay, just say: quant'è? (how much?) Remember, you almost always pay on your way out.



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— five —

Bring a wind jacket (or vest).Soon after moving to Italy, I became aware of an almost obsessive, ritualistic use of wind protection. Of course, I started ill informed/equipped with empty, wind-jacketless pockets. The solution? Newspaper pages I was advised to put inside the front of my jersey. The truth is, cycling in Italy consists mostly of climbs and descents, and having a light wind jacket in your back pocket makes perfect sense. From June to August on long descents, a vest is enough to keep the wind from creeping in.



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— six —

Age is not an excuse.If you’re worried that you might be too old or too heavy for cycling, banish those thoughts immediately. In Italy, cycling clubs start children as young as six years— and there’s no end in sight. The Italian language even has an official word for cycling grannies: ciclononni. If there’s any place where you belong as a cyclist, it’s in Italy.



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— seven —

It’s all about club kit.Italians know fashion, and they know it well… except when it comes to cycling. To be a cyclist is to be social, and to be social is to be part of a club or a team. And all clubs and teams, including Lucca Cycling Club, need matching kit. (But just so you know, we’re not jealous types — you can be part of our club and also another club. We’ll still like you just the same.)


https://luccacyclingclub.com/shop/#kit


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— eight —

Bad weather passes quickly.Passion goes hand in hand with emotion, and everything about Italy is saturated with emotion. From the people and the way they communicate to the dramatic weather, there’s rarely a dull day. But the thing is: bad moods and crappy weather rarely last long, in fact, they’ll usually blow off in the span of a few hours. That means from March to October, weather is unlikely to get in the way of your riding.



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— nine —

Not all roads are considered equal.

Learning the roads in Italy takes serious time and dedication. It’s an artform to craft a low traffic, scenic route that brings immense satisfaction when well executed. For Italians, cycling is mostly social group rides and for training purposes, so in my partial opinion, their stock Strava routes are not on par with the chops of a Top Guide. That’s where Lucca Cycling Club steps in: we’ve put in the serious time and dedication in case you can’t yourself.


https://luccacyclingclub.com/shop/#guides


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— ten —

Never underestimate the power of local knowledge & sound

logistics.Nothing beats warm sunshine and an open slate of “We can do anything!” until you realize that you’ll probably want to do at least something. That special something takes thoughtful planning and careful attention to detail — all qualities that embody our cycling trips.


https://luccacyclingclub.com/trips/


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About AlisonAlison Testroete, Presidentessa of Lucca Cycling Club has been a cyclist ever since teaching her younger sister how to ride a bike. She officially moved to Italy in 2012 after discovering Lucca as a professional cyclist. She’s most proud of her Canadian National Championship title and several international podium results thanks to being a crafty descender and small bunch sprinter. The innate beauty of Italy, meaningful connections and the joy of cycling inspired her to found a cycling travel company.



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10 ARTWORK BY MICHAEL VALENTI, THE VELOIST Tips & …10 tips & tricks for cycling in italy | luccacyclingclub.com pg. 1 10 tips & tricks for cycling in italy artwork by michael valenti,