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Well it was a week in which we thought our catch phrase for ExperienceIt should be changed from “serious cycling for serious foodies” to “come cycle with us to gain the kilos!!”. Whilst every day we were out tackling some great rides ranging from the local 80km champions climb to the amazing Colle dell’Agnello we certainly worked hard in the eating and drinking stakes as well this year. Best lunch for the week has to go to our lunch on the terrace of a Pecchenino winery, after a relatively gentle 70km local circuit we finished up with a table full of great wine and local food including carne cruda, hand made tagliatelle, cheese galore and gelato to finish.Luckily that Orlando had put on only a light lunch!!!! After a great couple of hours eating and drinking it was time for the ceremonial exchange of jerseys ( Orlando is a mad keen cyclist and they have their own “kit’) and then it was off for the thankfully short ride back to Barolo.

As you know it’s not just the road riding that we are into! Some of us are also mad for the fast and furious freeride experience. Which is why recently I took part in the amazing Finale 24hour Mountain bike race. What a race, a 12km circuit with over 350m of climbing, along rocky single tracks overlooking the Mediterranean or through wild woody tracks. I did it as part of a great “squadra” of 4 girls “Pink Freeride” who were the most amazing riding companions as they were tough, fun and never gave up! So much so that we powered on through the night and into the wee hours to take out our division and get a podium finish. Only in Italy could you attend a24 hour race and see a sea of tents set up with the most important equipment…bbq’s and fully equiped kitchens. Yes there was the choice of the grigliata( bbq) in the evening and then in the morning fresh coffee and crostata…….no power bars needed!!! After 24 hours of riding, no sleep and being completely exhausted I was asked whether I would do it again and the answer is OF COURSE,BRING IT ON!

October is a fabulous time to visit Piemonte, autumn is in full swing with the vines turning the gorgeous warm reds, golds and oranges that herald the vendemmia! Our tour from the 9-16 October is full but don’t worry due to demand we’ll be hosting another week in October from the 17th-24th. Come along and experience this magic time of year in Barolo!

Come and experience real italian food and wine on the path less travelled. Here in Piemonte ExperienceIT will take you to the producers to learn and experience first hand great salami, cheese, wine, olive oil, honey and gelato. Fancy taking some cooking classes? Come to Piemonte and experience a gastronomic week you will never forget!

For those of you who prefer the big fats and love to get not just your hands but your whole body dirty, well you too should get yourselves here! The mountain biking around the place is awesome. Whether it is the local rides through the woods and vineyards or the amazing mountains that call you, here in Piedmont you can do it all! The recent climb up Monte Bellino was incredible up to 2900m through amazing mountain landscapes to scale the summit, bike on shoulder was certainly satisfying and the downhill, woohoo was great fun!

ExperienceIT are happy to announce that we now have a gorgeous stone cottage in Monforte available to rent. For those wanting to undertake some cycling or gastronomic activities or for those that just want a place to stay in the gorgeous Langhe region our little “casa di pietra” will suit all! Beautifully renovated with original stone ceilings and walls but with all the modern comforts. It’s got 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry, kitchen, lounge but the best room of all is the underground cantina fitted out with wine, wine books, armchairs so it’s perfect place to partake in a good drop!

It’s not just us that think we’ve got some of the best riding in the world here in Piemonte. Recently cheapflights.com featured Piemonte (Piedmont in english) high on the list of the top 10 great places in the world to cycle. They are not wrong!

Ok for all of you out there looking for the next challenge how about La Fausto Coppi. The famous Gran Fondo dedicated to the champion Italian rider Fausto Coppi it’s a mere 440km with 11,300m climbing! Yes that is not a typo the ride takes in 7 colles including the Col Dell’Agnello at 2744m and the Col De La Bonette 2715m! For those not quite mad enough to do that you could take in the “normal” Gran Fondo of 198kms and 4500m climb. It’s on every year so if you are keen for a challenge get over here and give it a go!

Now you can even look the part! ExperienceIT cycling are proud to show off our new kit. Combining the Italian sporting “azzurro” with the “tricolore” this kit is sure to have you looking the part! Whilst it’s included with each tour you do it’s also available to those of you for whom Italy is a tad too far at the moment. Drop us an email or contact us through the website and take a little bit of Italy on your next ride!

Weather here in Piemonte Italy is perfect for riding and as such the roads are filling up with keen cyclists from all over the world coming to ride the picturesque hills of the Langhe. So how is it that you can tell who is Italian??? Easy 1. usually they are without helmet (casco), riding is all about looking good and those hard things on the head cramp the style! 2. White is the dominant colour for “kit”, yes white pants especially are very popular with both the Italian boys and girls 3. Gorgeous carbon frames, cycling is a popular sport and most Italians out there on the roads have got bikes that make you drool! So if you were out riding here in the Italy and you see someone dressed in white, without helmet on a nice new Dogma, say Ciao not Hello and 99% of the time you’ll be right!