The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Le Marche 2019

May 10th to May 24th

Ride Director: Tom Leever
Ride Co-Director: Julie Leever
Report by: Roxan Kraft

What an amazing trip with leaders Julie and Tom Leever!  Le Marche was a 14 day tour which began and ended in the city of Riccione on the beach along the Adriatic Sea.  Our start hotel was the Sarti, which is a bike hotel that caters to cyclists with a full breakfast, bikers lunch from 2-4 and plentiful dinner with local specialties.  The Sarti includes daily laundering of your bike kit and a bike garage to store your bike.

The first ride day we were greeted with sunshine and light winds on our way to San Marino which culminated in a panoramic view from the hilltop castle.  Riccione was decked out in pink for the Giro d’Italia for the time trial between San Marino and Riccione.   Day two was a rain out, and we were bused to the charming hotel Casa Olivia in Bargni. Thanks to our ride leaders for securing safe bus transport.

Our route continued on lightly traveled ridge-line roads, through the hills of Le Marche, with spectacular expansive views in all directions. Jesi was a highlight with a visit to the Stuccoes Gallery in Pianetti Palace; one of the most important rococo style buildings in central Italy. 

After a stay in the 4 star San Paola hotel with delicious Italian cuisine it was off to Ascoli Piceno to relax and people watch in the white marble piazza. Ah, a rest day and opportunity to explore the rich local culture or take a spin to see the Sibylline mountains.  This was the southern most point of our journey.

The next few days were spent dodging the rain and at times getting dumped on. All part of a bike adventure!  In San Severino we had a lovely hot lunch of pasta, which was much needed to warm up. In San Severino we stayed at the local Convent with the sisters of Baby Jesus.  We were welcomed with open arms even though we were dripping wet! 

The weather cleared to give way to sparkling mountain views and lush green fields, some dotted with red poppies. The evening was spent at San Lorenzo in Campo at the lovely hotel Rist. Giardino owned and operated by Massimo and Patricia Sofia.  They treated us to a gourmet meal and wine tasting. Massimo’s love for wine and food was captured in his description of each course and pairing.

Our final city before returning to Riccione was Urbino, and what a beautiful city it is.  Vibrant with young people as it is the center for one of Le Marche’s largest Universities. The city has the famous Palace of the Duke of Montefeltro and also was the birth place of Raphael.  Two days were spent exploring the city and museums.

Our last ride was nearly all downhill, back to the wide sandy beaches and salt air of the Adriatic Coast.  It was nice to finish coupled with a warm welcome back to the bike friendly Hotel Sarti.

The Le Marche trip riding difficulty was consistent with the 3B rating. The only disappointment was the road surface.  In some areas it was quite rough with potholes and patches. Riders needed to use caution when descending. The accommodations were excellent, as was the food quality and quantity.

A Big thanks goes to Julie and Tom for their leadership and quick action when pitched a weather curve ball!  Thanks for an amazing trip.