How Bicycle Travel Transforms Lives: Paul Morocco – Four Brothers in Italy

Dr. Paul Morocco, of Plattsburgh New York, is an exemplary eternally young guest who returns annually to enjoy another Ciclismo Classico tour. Paul has been riding for 17 years, starting at the age of 58, and in the last several years has rallied his three brothers to join him on new and exciting bicycle adventures–beyond their collective dreams.

Paul shares: “Cycling has toned down my fierce competitive spirit in that it relaxes me enough to enjoy the terrain and the existential nature of propelling myself. So, what keeps me riding is trying to maintain an active life void of competition. Prior to cycling I never noticed most of my environment. On prior visits to Europe and especially to Italia, made the usual tourist rounds where I wasn’t integrated into the culture, the local vino/food or the roads less traveled, which I now prefer. I cycle regularly (weather permitting) and have adopted the slogan there are no bad cycling days only bad cycling clothes.”

Paul has generously shared how bicycle travel has transformed his life in a series of unexpected tours through Italy with three of his brothers–each one joining on, one after the other, to experience the joys of riding a bicycle – and sharing in on all the joy – of traveling together as a family.

Four Brothers in Italy

by Paul  Morocco

This is a story about our Italian-American brothers (100% I might add) from Worcester, Massachusetts and our love affair with Ciclismo Classico!

This journey started 21 years ago when Paolo, brother number three, decided to buy a bike at age 55 and three months later joined 23 other experienced riders on a 15-day tour toted as  intermediate/advanced (we all know what intermediate means to the guides). Struggling each day, not able to keep up and frustrated with leg cramps, I was miserable for half of the trip. Then I experienced the joy of riding in my native land, the camaraderie of other riders, the food, the wine, the guides, and the joy of viewing Italia from a bicycle!

Six years and six rides later, my brother Davide called requesting information on my next ride which was Sardinia. I said “Davide, you do not own a bicycle and haven’t ridden one in over 50 years. Are you crazy?”  “Maybe” he said, “ But sign me up”.

Davide loved the ride in Sardinia and all the experiences that described what I’d been talking about for years. Suddenly, brothers Giovanni and Stefano called and wanted to be included on my next ride, which was a custom tour across Sicily. Again, I said to these brothers “Neither of you own a bike and haven’t been on one for 50 years. Are you crazy?” And they replied “Sign us up!”

And we had so much fun!!! It was a magical experience riding with my three brothers from the West Coast to the East Coast of Sicily: eating wonderful local fare, drinking wine, exploring the ruins and savoring every magical moment of the land with our attentive and amazing Ciclismo Classico guides!

Next trip: All four brothers sign on for Bike Across Italy. This time we had Stefano’s wife Denise join the ride and, I might add, she kicked our respective butts on the hills!

We then decided to take two tours, back to back, and invite all our spouses to join in the fun. The non-riders rented an automobile and drove around while the four brothers and the “kick your butt” sister-in-law did the riding. The first leg of our journey started in Tuscany and the second leg began in Lake Orta in Piemonte. It was a magical time for all!

To say Ciclismo Classico is wonderful does not begin to capture the series of experiences the company offers including outstanding logistical support from the Boston office, first class guides and bikes in Europe, cultural immersion, excellent accommodations, wonderful local foods and wines, and most importantly–incredible attention to detail every step of the way.

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 The four brothers have been on 34 rides collectively and Paolo is still signing on for more. With a final note of positive hope for the future, Paul adds: “see you in Puglia in October, 2020!  Andiamo!”