Guest Stories: Mark & Wendy Hermann

Ciclismo Classico: A Journey of Family, Friendship, and Lifelong Adventure

For Wendy and me, and our children—Mackenzie, Chelsea, and Gavin—adventure and active vacations have always been the cornerstone of our travels. Our love for the outdoors, nature, and exploring the world from an active perspective is a core part of our family identity. Cycling is simply a natural extension of that lifestyle.

Our relationship with Ciclismo Classico began in 2002 on the unforgettable Bike Across Italy trip, guided by the incredible Gabrielle Del Rossi and Susie Regul. We had previously cycled through the Dordogne region of France in 2000 with another company and loved the experience, but our first trip with Ciclismo was truly powerful and inspirational. It was there that our deep connection with the Ciclismo familia was born.

That initial experience sparked many more. I joined Gabrielle again in 2004 to cycle the Pyrenees, and in 2005 we brought our entire family to the Dolomites on the Family Adventure trip—three generations strong, as my mother joined us alongside our children. That trip stands out as one of the most meaningful, with the magic of sharing this experience together across three generations.

Since then, we’ve returned for eight additional Ciclismo vacations, including a return to Bike Across Italy this past May—23 years after our very first Ciclismo journey—to experience the unforgettable Ceri Festival in Gubbio. Along the way, we’ve had countless special memories, but one of the most profound was watching our daughter get engaged in Ostuni, Puglia—on a Ciclismo trip. That moment, surrounded by the beauty and spirit of a Ciclismo journey, was simply unforgettable.

The familia continues to grow. Just last summer, my cousin joined us for a remarkable trip through Provence, France, adding yet another layer of shared adventure and connection. That experience reinforced how special it is to welcome new family members into the Ciclismo fold—and watch them fall in love with it just as we did.

What continues to stand out over the years are the passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring guides who bring each trip to life. They are the soul of every journey. The thoughtfully crafted itineraries blend challenging and scenic cycling with cultural immersion, world-class food and wine, stunning accommodations, and beautifully curated group dinners that foster true connection and camaraderie.

We’ve formed lasting friendships—some that have led to future trips planned just to reconnect with fellow travelers we met through Ciclismo. When Lauren speaks of the “Ciclismo Familia,” she captures something real and rare: the bonds formed between guests and guides that elevate every trip beyond a typical vacation.

One of the most special aspects for us has been including our children. Watching them become part of the familia in their own right, building their own connections with guides and fellow guests, has been heartwarming. Their continued relationships with families and guides we’ve met is a testament to the quality of the people that Ciclismo attracts—both as guests and as leaders.

Having Lauren join us in Maine and most recently at the Ceri Festival in Gubbio has added another personal and meaningful layer to our experience. Her love for cycling is deeply embedded in the company’s mission. She is the heart—and the guides and guests are the soul—of something truly extraordinary.

Wendy and I always marvel at how each trip unfolds: how a group of strangers slowly evolves into a close-knit community, concluding with emotional goodbyes and heartfelt farewells. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have found this beautiful way to explore the world—one pedal stroke, one shared moment, one unforgettable memory at a time.

We are proud to have introduced others to this journey and to help the familia grow. As we step into our post-retirement chapter, we eagerly look forward to many more adventures with Ciclismo Classico.