Ride Coordinator Comments

Looking for a single Female rider to share room. Also looking for a single male to share a room. The first night's hotel is the Phi Hotel Astoria (https://www.phihotelastoria.com/it/hotel). The nearest train station is Susegana, Italy, which is 6 minutes from the hotel. The Susegana train station is 18 minutes by train from Trevisio.

Ride Description

The Sunny Side of the Alps

This ride takes us through three different European countries.  Two provinces in Italy, (Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia) , the Primorska region of Slovenia, and Croatia with its deep blue Adriatic Sea .

The ride starts in Treviso Italy in the Veneto province, also known as the land of Venice. Venice alone would be excuse enough to visit this province, yet the other wonderful attractions in this north-eastern region of Italy are dream-like mountains, valleys, lakes and beaches. The Dolomites overlook a sequence of natural oases and fortified citadels, noble villas set in fairy-tale gardens and places of immense tourist importance.  The Friuli Venezia Giulia province borders are sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples.

The Primorska Slovenian area is  a historic region in western Slovenia.  The Posočje area stretches from the shores of the Adriatic to the western borders of the Triglav National Park, all the way to the source of the River Soča. We will cycle in two famous areas of Slovenia, the wine producing Goriska hills and the Karst, which is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone.

Croatian Istria is indeed a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants. Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks, recalling some old paintings. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards, olive groves on hillsides, and finally the sea.  The second part are the islands consisting of the four largest Adriatic islands – Krk, Cres, Losinj and Rab. The third part is the mountain area known as "Gorski Kotar", a.k.a. “Croatian Switzerland”. The center of the region is the former main port of the Austrian monarchy – Rijeka, which is today the economic and administrative center of the region, richly decorated with architectural inheritances from past times, with its lively city center, many coffee bars and several different shopping centres.

Negative Day 1 – September 9, Treviso, Italy, 

We will meet at 5:30pm for Happy Hour.  This day allows everyone to meet each other and recuperate from jet lag.  The hotel we will be staying at for two nights does not allow booking reservations more than a year in advance.  Once the hotel is booked, the ride description will be updated with the name of the hotel.

1 – September 10. ( Treviso  )

1st day of the commercial tour. We get together somewhere to the North of Treviso, sort out the bikes, and have a briefing and welcome dinner.

Included : B , D

Day 2 – September 11.  ( Budoia )

Route : Treviso – Budoia  approx. 50 miles   + 2,133' ( elevation gain )

Budoia , Veneto , Italy  , The municipality is located in the hilly area at the foot of the Monte Cavallo massif.  It is crossed by the Ortugna stream which is tributary of the Livenza river .

 Included : B , L , D

Day 3 –  September 12.  ( Trasaghis )

Route : Budoia – Trasaghis  49 miles  + 2,526' (elevation gain) 

Cycling between the Alps and the Sea through the valleys to the North of Venice, staying at the edge of the Alps. Trasaghis is one of the three municipalities which surround the lake, already of Cavazzo, and renamed "Lago dei Tre Comuni - The lake of the Three Municipalities".  Bordering with Slovenia and Austria, between the Adriatic Sea and high mountains, Friuli Venezia Giulia boasts a rich and varied heritage - the outcome of centuries of history and the merging of different peoples and cultures.

Included : B   – hotel has a restaurant  with a terrace overlooking the lake

 Day 4 – September 13.  ( Goriska Brda Slo )

Route : Trasaghis – Kozana ( Goriska hills )  45 miles  + 2,021' 

Passing all of the Friuli region. Small villages with inspiring authenticity. Founded by Giulio Cesare under the name of Forum Lulii – where the name Friuli comes from – in 568 BC, Cividale became seat of the first Lombard duchy in Italy and subsequently the residence of the patriarchs of Aquileia for several centuries. Then entering Slovenia to stay in the hilly Brda landscape which is speckled with villages, some clustered like birds’ nests, some elongated and dispersed, with houses spread along the ridges, but all of them surrounded by the greenery of vineyards and orchards with roads, track and paths winding among them.

Included : B , D

Day 5 – September 14.  ( Vipava valley Slo )

Route : Kozana – Slap near Vipava  approx. 34 miles  + 2,789'

Over the Karst – a landscape giving its name to the Karst phenomena all around the world. This region represents the cradle of Karstology and therefore it is called the Karst or the Classical Karst .

Included : B , D 

Day 6 – September 15. ( Parenzana hotel )

Route : Komen – Italy – Slovenia – Croatian Istria  53 miles  + 2.661'  ∆7.6%  unpaved 2.5 miles

Step into a landscape of endless forests and extraordinary fauna such as the human fish. These places are all characterized by the smell of Karst Pršut ham. Local food is offered up paired with the notable local Karst Teran wine. Entering Italy soon with amazing views of Trieste. Following the old railway line along the Slovenian coastline to Croatia and ending up iat the hotel.

Included : B , D

 Day 7 – September 16 .  ( Parenzana hotel )

Free day in this Northwestern part of the peninsula Istria . Optional :

Hiking, wine tasting, olive oil tasting. Happy hour at the home of Sitnica's owner or in the vineyard included. Included : B   

 Day 8 – September 17.

Route: Buje – Motovun  27 miles  + 2,726'  

We will ride through good wine country, but also a few areas where the locals search for truffles.  We then cross rolling green landscapes that touch the Slovenian border before the days’ last ascent to the imposing hilltop medieval town of Motovun. There is a lot of history in and around the old Motovun fortress. We will be staying in a former Venetian palace. 

Included : B , L , D

Day 9 – September 18. ( Buzet )

Route : Motovun – Buzet approx. 37 miles  ~3,281'

Through the heart of Istria towards the old Istrian capital Pazin. Afterwards up and down towards the artificial Butoniga lake and then climbing to a plateau. Riding on the ridge of some hills towards the city of truffles: Buzet.

Included : B , L

Day 10 – September 19.  ( Kvarner region / bay )

Route : Buzet – Opatija  approx. 55 miles ~ 3,937'

Leaving the Istrian peninsula by conquering the rough Cicarija mountain range. Leaving the Venetian influence and welcoming the Eastern coastline of the peninsula to find ourselves in a completely different cultural surrounding, influenced by the  Austro Hungarian monarchy times .

Included : B , L , D

Day 11 – September 20.  ( Fuzine in Gorski Kotar region )

Route : Opatija – Fuzine    29 miles 2,923'

We keep on climbing today as we have to reach Gorski Kotar, located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the inland Pannonian Basin and the gorgeous mountainous area, has been known throughout history for its stimulating and mild stimulating climate. Gorski Kotaris the mountainous region in Croatia between Karlovac and Rijeka. Because 63% of its surface is forested it is popularly called the green lungs of Croatia .

Included : B , L , D

Day 12 – September 21 . ( Cres island )

Route :  Fuzine – Krk island -  Cres on Cres island   40 miles 2,381'

Today is our first breakout to the islands, over the famous Tito's bridge and across the historical Krka island to the unspoiled scenery of Cres island, the 2nd largest island in Croatia. Everywhere there are wild herbs that give the local food its distinctive taste, wildflowers and thousands of very old olive trees. There is a good chance we will see one or more of the white-headed griffon vultures, which nest on rocks above the sea.

Included : B , L , D 

Day 13 – September 22.  ( Cres )

Cres free day .

Included : B

Day 14 – September  23.  ( Labin )

Route : Cres – Labin   34 miles 2,625'

Back to Istrian mainland after a short ferry crossover. Quite a tough day while getting to know the Eastern coastline of the Istrian peninsula. Where the green hills meet the sea, where nature and heritage become one, you will find Labin – paradise for artists . The old medieval town of Labin is filled with art ateliers. The views on islands we just did is amazing from up there.

Included : B , L 

 

Day 15 – September 24.  ( Parenzana hotel )

Route : Labin – winery Nothhwestern Istria – transfer Parenzana hotel  43 miles 3,117'

The best of the peninsula of Istria , exploring the Croatian Tuscany, the green “Terra Magica“. The region that was caught among the maritime empire of Venice and the landlocked Austro – Hungarian empire . We’ll be exploring the central part of Istria with some famous medieval castles and abandoned towns , astonishing backcountry with  a lot of olive orchards and vineyards . Finishing in a familiar place where we have already been but first we sample and enjoy some local wines and try some delicacies from this area . 

Included : B , winetasting ,  farewell dinner ( D )

 Day 16 – September 25

After breakfast departures - See the section for Logistics

RIDE RATING: The trip is rated a 3B! with an average of 40 miles/day and 2,837’ feet of climbing.  However, the rides range from 2B to 4B ride rating: the longest day #6 is 53 miles and Day #10 has 3,937’ of climbing. 

ROUTING EXPECTATIONS:  Due to the complexity of riding in foreign countries, all participants should have Ride with GPS, know how to download the routes to use their smart phones and/or Garmins. The participants should have better than average map reading and directional skills.  Also, riders are expected to be comfortable riding on a multitude of surfaces (including cobblestones and compact dirt on bike paths) and riding in some city traffic.  

WEATHER: Riders should plan on cool to cold mornings and evening temperatures turning warm mid-day along with possible days of rain.  Average temperature for September is from a low of 57F to a high of 85F.

SAG SUPPORT:  The support vehicle is not a SAG vehicle.  Riders are expected to ride on all ride days.  Riders must carry basic bike repair equipment such as spare tubes, tube repair kit, and pump.  All riders should be able to handle their own bike repairs, at a minimum how to change a tire.  If you have a major equipment failure, we will try to get you to the nearest bike shop. Only two carry-on size pieces luggage are allowed (see your airline carry-on measurements) - (30 lbs maximum).

BICYCLES:  Your bicycle should have tires 28mm or larger.  Bike boxes will be transported to the last hotel in Buje.  E-bikes and tandems are welcome.  Sitnica has hybrid trekking bikes for rent - €250, and E-bikes for €500.

LODGING & MEALS: Lodging will be in everything from 3 and 4-star hotels. All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 10 group dinners are included in the cost of the tour. This tour will include HH drinks each night at the hotel's bar.

LOGISTICS: Fly into Venice (VCE) and take the train to Treviso. Arrival day is Tuesday September 9, 2025, which will require you to leave the USA on Monday September 8, 2025. We will meet at 5:30pm for Happy Hour, the hotel we will be staying at for two nights does not allow booking reservations more than a year in advance.  Once the hotel is booked, the ride description will be updated with the name of the hotel.   The official ride starts on Wednesday September 10, 2025.  We will have our pre – tour briefing, as well as the opportunity to set up and check the bikes and equipment before dinner.  The last day of the ride is the morning of September 25, 2025.  A taxi/shuttle service can be hired to transport you to Trieste or the Trieste airport (TRS).  A second option is to shuttle to Trieste, an take the train back to Venice airport.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Vaccinations for Covid are highly recommended, but not required.  I will invite participants to a Zoom meeting about 3-4 weeks prior to the tour start date to discuss health and safety rules. Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. In short, if you are ill on the tour, be it a cold or test positive for COVID but you can ride your bike, then you can stay on the tour with precautions in place. In this case, protocols for isolation, masking, and social distancing are required. If you test positive and cannot ride your bike, then you must isolate in place. That may mean departing the tour or arranging your own transport to subsequent hotels on the tour. Protocols for isolation will be required. We will all need to be flexible as safety comes first. (NOTE-this text may change if the CDC changes their COVID recommendations. But so far it hasn't happened yet so I'm leaving this as is.)

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The cost is $4,675.  Included in the price are 16 nights' lodging, 16 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 group dinners, and Ride with GPS routes.  The estimated cost is based on an exchange rate of 1 Euro = $1.20. The initial deposit of $1,800 does not include the BAC registration fee of $100 and both will be due upon acceptance to the ride.  The second payment of $1800 is due on February 28, 2025.  The 3rd payment of $1,075 is due April 30, 2025.  However, the third payment might be adjusted up or down due to finalized travel and hotel expenses.

SINGLES & SOLOS:  Single and solo riders will be accepted. While we encourage singles to try to find their own roommate, we will assist singles who are looking for a roommate. If a roommate cannot be found by February 15, 2025, participants can cancel without penalty (except the BAC registration fee and credit card fees or singles can pay the solo supplement of $1,200, which will be due February 28, 2025. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by check or Zelle. Make checks payable to “BAC” and mail to Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. Send Zelle payments to treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org. Indicate the ride name when using either method.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled due to participation below stated minimum requirements. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Sitnica's cancellation policy is Cancellations must be in writing.  Including email to info@sitnica.tcloud.hr

The following charges will apply for unfilled spots:

·      90 – 76 days before departure 10% - 6/12/25 – 6/26-25

·      75 - 59 days before departure 30% - 6/27/25 – 7/13/25

·      58 – 45 days before departure 40% - 7/14/25 – 7/27/25

·      44 – 15 days before departure 80% 7/28/25 – 8/26/25

·      Less than 15 days before departure – 8/27/25 - arrival

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE: Before participating on any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. (e.g., annual influenza, tetanus, etc.). Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. If traveling outside your home country you may wish to consult with a travel physician or nurse to ensure that the appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  The ride leader recommends personal travel insurance which runs ~$600 for a year.

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit ($1,800) by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description or call Warner at 775-843-3960.