UKC

Last 2 years we have stayed in the Maurienne Valley and climbed some of the best HC and Tour climbs - epic!!

Now thinking about Italy for Summer 2018 - Where though? Somewhere that has some great climbs nearby so we can make a base there?

Suggestions / Opinions please?

In reply to Carpe Diem:

Arabba, Canazei or Corvara are all great.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

I’d be tempted by somewhere in the Dolomites for the scenery. Where’s the place GCN promote? Alta Badia?

I’d also fancy basing myself somewhere near the stelvio - there are 3 ways up that I think so you wouldn’t get bored.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

I would go for the Dolomites as well. Stunning ride up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and you can check out the climbs too.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

We have three apartments at the foot of Passo Fedaia in the Dolomites, which are just right for what you are looking for. We are surrounded by some of the finest climbs in Europe with the Giro d'Italia passing us twice during the hardest mountain stage. There's Passo Giau, Passo Staulanza, Passo Duran, Passo Falzarego, the Sellaronda - just too many to mention. For example, the most famous ride is this one:

http://www.casa-alfredino.co.uk/cycling/road-cycling-the-sellaronda/

There is also the Maratona dles Dolomitis which is a world famous event with various lengths to suit your pain threshold.

The GCN channels also have loads of video of the riding around Alta Badia. https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/search?q=dolomites

Drop me a line if you would like more information.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

No alps or massive hills but we stayed in Matera this year. Hard enough to keep things interesting if you wanted but plenty of routes to put some easier miles in.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

We did a week ages back in one of the Riccione Bike Hotels, not mountainous but lots of little climbs to go at and a lovely area, the hosting and food in the hotels was amazing.

http://www.riccionebikehotels.it/en/

In reply to coffee lounge:

another vote for Corvara. Beautiful place.

In reply to grommet:

Corvara thirded. Never tire of the Sella Rond.

In reply to Carpe Diem:

If you like great rides, climbing and unspoilt beaches try Sardinia. An island that quite rightly has been defined a small continent, thanks to the crazy variety of ever changing landscapes  in such a small area. 

https://www.dolcevitabiketours.com/en/sardinia-cycling

write me if you like to have more info!

In reply to Carpe Diem:

So we have got accommodation in Zoldo Alto already organised... 

Next question - Drive or Fly:

Looking at airlines its not cheap when you take luggage & Bike bag too.  Other option is Drive and stay somewhere near Metz / Strasbourg over night. Have a 530D Tourer so that will eat the miles .

How have you guys gone -  

In reply to Carpe Diem:

When we went on climbs around this Dolomites and Lake Garda cycling holiday >https://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/dolomites-lake-garda we found that there were some lovely places to stay around Mont Blanc. We drove to Italy and it was a nice place for a stopover