The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Tuscany: From Sun to Sea

May 15th to May 27th

Ride Director: Bridgette DeShields
Ride Co-Director: Ramona Turner
Ride Driver: Jose Martinez
Report by: Tina Vessels

Let me tell you about Ramona Turner, Bridgette DeShields, and Jose Martinez—these folks are like tour guiding ninjas. I mean, Jose was always there with a smile and a van ride whenever we needed it. Bridgette had this insane level of map expertise that would make a cartographer jealous. And Ramona? She was like the group wrangler, corralling us and making sure we ended up where we were supposed to be. These leaders went above and beyond to ensure our enjoyment, and they deserve a standing ovation. They effortlessly (or at least it seemed that way to us) made on-the-spot changes whenever necessary. Every member of TEAMBAC felt like a rockstar. THANK YOU, a million times over.

Now let's talk about the rollercoaster ride that is Italy. From breathtaking landscapes to pristine beaches, historical artifacts, and monuments that make you go, "Holy cannoli!"—we saw it all! They even bussed us to Sienna, a UNESCO world heritage site, for a day of lovely strolling. It was like stepping into a history book with gelato in hand.

Most of us had taken multiple trips with these leaders, and let me tell you why. They prioritized rider safety, comfort, and the sheer joy of embarking on new adventures. The four locations we visited showcased the best of picturesque Italy. It was pure eye candy, even on the rain days. And hey, misadventures happen (not their fault, of course), but we rolled with the punches like true adventurers. As they say, life is like riding a bicycle—to keep your balance, you must keep moving!

The maps were spot-on... as long as we actually followed them. But hey, missed turns and dead ends are part of the charm of Italy. It's like a spontaneous detour that adds spice to the adventure. As long as we had Garmin and ride with GPS on our side, we managed to find our way back on track—just keep calm and pedal on.

The riding experience was as described in the overview—no surprises there. And let's talk about the restaurants in those charming little villages. They were up to Italian standards, which is no small feat. Gelato, my friends, flowed like a river. And the lodging and meals had their highlights, especially our stay at Valledelbuttero—it was simply AMAZING! The final group dinner had our taste buds doing the tango. And oh, the wine! Italy sure knows how to turn it into liquid gold. Although, after a long ride, some of us opted for the cyclist's elixir of choice: COKE!

Now, due to some slippery rail tracks and a bit of rain mischief, we sadly lost our fearless leader, Ramona, early on. We all send her our best wishes for a speedy recovery because her passion for adventure was sorely missed!