La Piazza Blog & Stories
Sandy’s Ciclismo Transformation Story
Sandy’s Ciclismo Transformation Story
I am married to a very serious cyclist; obsession may not be too strong a term; he has a mountain bike equipped with studded snow tires to give you a clue. He loves bikes, he loves biking and he loves me. He’s an athlete; I am not. How to convince me that I would love biking? Thoughtful pondering: she loves to travel; how do we compromise? The solution has two parts: a custom tandem bike and traveling with Ciclismo Classico. He would bike and sleep in a tent; I like creature comforts at the end of a ride.
Our first trip with CC was to in 1995. We had the best vacation ever and loved seeing an area at œpeople level with experiences choreographed by an awesome set of guides. We went back and did several other trips. I became more willing to tackle hills after we decided that the ride was too easy.
He is happy as I am now willing to bike and train for our next big ride. I have now added œdomestique to my list of accomplishments as I have been camp follower and helpmate to him as he has ascended the major Tour de France climbs in France, the longest day being his three assaults of Mt. Ventoux in one day that had me up at 5 in the morning following him in the car. The top of Ventoux is memorable,an other worldly place, and I was there three times in one day! Biking also gave me the fearsome œopportunity to drive a stick shift up the winding switchbacks of Alpe d’huez waiting to re-hydrate my true love as he completed the Marmotte, another character builder ride that he had on his œlife list. I far prefer biking with Ciclismo Classico, although switchbacks on the back of a tandem are no picnic, but the downhills are sublime.
The best part of our CC experience came in 2005 when we decided to do Puglia again. On this trip we met two couples that are now really dear friends who we see at least once a year for riding and laughter. Something just clicked; six people who are now connected in a most marvelous way. The next year we all went to , after that, we have gathered in Massachusetts, Washington and Idaho. We will ride again this fall in France with CC. The three couples have a vast age range: we are racing to 70 while the youngest are awaiting the arrival of twins this spring (and will miss the trip in the fall, but have arranged for childcare for the next year). Our son and his partner joined the group on the Tuscany and Elba tour and will ride with us this fall in Provence. I travel a lot, but there is something about biking with friends and family that is satisfies my soul.
There are times when I feel like the poster child for CC (I am using poetic license here as I am soon to turn 67). This fall will be my 8 trip with CC. I have conned girl friends (poetic license on the girls) to join me on two hiking trips with CC as well. Since these are active vacations, I am in far better shape than when I first began. This does not mean I am running marathons or fantastically fit; I am still spandex challenged, but I get it done. Biking should be ageless; I intend to continue for a very long time.
Our first trip with CC was to in 1995. We had the best vacation ever and loved seeing an area at œpeople level with experiences choreographed by an awesome set of guides. We went back and did several other trips. I became more willing to tackle hills after we decided that the ride was too easy.
He is happy as I am now willing to bike and train for our next big ride. I have now added œdomestique to my list of accomplishments as I have been camp follower and helpmate to him as he has ascended the major Tour de France climbs in France, the longest day being his three assaults of Mt. Ventoux in one day that had me up at 5 in the morning following him in the car. The top of Ventoux is memorable,an other worldly place, and I was there three times in one day! Biking also gave me the fearsome œopportunity to drive a stick shift up the winding switchbacks of Alpe d’huez waiting to re-hydrate my true love as he completed the Marmotte, another character builder ride that he had on his œlife list. I far prefer biking with Ciclismo Classico, although switchbacks on the back of a tandem are no picnic, but the downhills are sublime.
The best part of our CC experience came in 2005 when we decided to do Puglia again. On this trip we met two couples that are now really dear friends who we see at least once a year for riding and laughter. Something just clicked; six people who are now connected in a most marvelous way. The next year we all went to , after that, we have gathered in Massachusetts, Washington and Idaho. We will ride again this fall in France with CC. The three couples have a vast age range: we are racing to 70 while the youngest are awaiting the arrival of twins this spring (and will miss the trip in the fall, but have arranged for childcare for the next year). Our son and his partner joined the group on the Tuscany and Elba tour and will ride with us this fall in Provence. I travel a lot, but there is something about biking with friends and family that is satisfies my soul.
There are times when I feel like the poster child for CC (I am using poetic license here as I am soon to turn 67). This fall will be my 8 trip with CC. I have conned girl friends (poetic license on the girls) to join me on two hiking trips with CC as well. Since these are active vacations, I am in far better shape than when I first began. This does not mean I am running marathons or fantastically fit; I am still spandex challenged, but I get it done. Biking should be ageless; I intend to continue for a very long time.
