Italy Competitions!

Okay...I'm declaring TWO competitions during our italia trip. The first is MOST UNIQUE JERSEY day. You shall select your favorite JERSEY outfit to cycle the entire day (yes you must cycle that day). At dinner we will cast the vote for most unique Jersey. The second day will be OUTRAGEOUS SOCKS. You shall wear a pair of socks on September 23 that represents your most OUTRAGEOUS statement. Here are the official competition dates:

JERSEY - September 17th

This was worn by G. Tucker last year. Clearly a winner!

SOCKS - September 23rd.
These were worn by L. Picard last year (no repeats).

Bill's Packing List

YOUR items:
1 well checked over bike w/ good tires
Cycling gloves
Helmet
Cycling shoes
Cycling sunglasses
2 Water bottles
Electrolyte mix for water bottles
Starter supply of energy bars
Socks, 3 pair
Riding shorts, 3 pair
Riding jerseys, 3 at least 1 long sleeve or arm warmers
Long sleeve poly under armor
Leg warmers
Rain/wind jacket
Personal toiletries
Any meds, prescriptions
Bathing suit
Shorts, 2 pairs
Underwear, 3 pairs
Shirts, 2 nice
Slacks/skirt, 1
Fleece jacket or like
Hat
Walking shoes
Sandals
Passport
Wallet credit cards, driver license,
Airline tickets
Medical info, postcard addresses, phone numbers
Journals, PDA’s, phone, iPod, other gizmos
Camera, waterproof Ziploc, charger, wall plug adapter
Soap to wash clothes in sink
Clothes line
Extra zip up bag (nylon, or sport) for everyday convenience items
Translation book
Highlighter pen for maps
Ear plugs
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Optional, cold weather gear…
Booties
Tights
Under helmet cap
Long finger gloves

TOOLS:
Allen keys
2-3 tubes
Patch kit
CO2 or frame pump
Tire spoons/irons
Extra cleat if you will be walking on them
Chain pin
Chain oil
Spokes front & back
Brake & shifter cables

GROUP items: ( please volunteer for one )
2 cable bike locks
Floor pump - Lisa
Extra fold up tire or two
Pliers - Bill
Leatherman - Bill

NOTE:
Try to limit your stuff to 40 lbs.
Write name on critical stuff
Inform your credit card company of your travel plans

Pat's Stellar Photo Techniques

Bill, you will have some competition on this trip!

Amazing Restaurant in Treviso

RESTAURANTS IN ROLLE (just outside of Treviso)
In this small, fascinating borgo there are two very renown restaurants: Da Andreetta and Locanda al Monastero, where it is possible to taste some fine local dishes, according to the culinary tradition of the Prosecco hills. I'M SECURING RESERVATIONS NOW!!!!
This is the HEART of the Prosecco Wine Region. Seasonal products are an extremely important ingredient in the preparation of the menus: Mushrooms, Treviso Red Chicory, Spontaneous Wild Herbs, Asparagus, cheese from the Pre Alps, are just a few of the options available to the chefs. Wonderful al fresco dining in summer and excellent fireside dining in winter. Maybe we stay a little longer here before CLIMBING????

Some Great Websites

BIKE RIDES & CLIMBS:
www.climbbybike.com
www.bikely.com
www.cyclingcols.com

STAYS:
www.farm-holidays-italy.com (options first week)
www.musella.it (second week)

FOOD & WINE:
acevola.blogspot.com (an italian wine blog)

Zoncolan

Have you seen this beast?


Description:
One of the most difficult climbs in Europe, the Zoncolan has been compared with El Angliru, the fearsome climb in the Spanish region of Asturias. The steepest, 23.6-percent pitch of the Angliru is very short however, being part of a kilometer stretch that averages "only" 17.2 percent. While the Zoncolan has a kilometer of nearly 20%.

The Monte Zoncolan is situated in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Starting from Ovaro, the Monte Zoncolan is 10,5 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1210 heightmeters. The average percentage is thus 11.5 %. Look for other sides to climb the Monte Zoncolan or find all information on climbs and cycling in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Click here for more information, comments and reviews from fellow cyclists!! Send your story or review on the Monte Zoncolan too!