Packing Lists

• Dolomites
• Tuscany

Packing List for Northern Italy
(Dolomites)

Lederhosen optional

Details: Mornings in the mountains can be quite cool, bring layers. Italians are fashionable, and tend to dress 'sharply' even for casual wear, especially for dinner. Expect temps in the 60's to 70's during the day (be prepared for warmer – and cooler). Check the weather on the internet before the start of your trip to confirm what is expected and be prepared.

On-the-bike apparel & equipment:

• 3-4 pairs of your best bike shorts
• 3 shortsleeve jerseys
• arm warmers, leg or knee warmers
• lightweight rain jacket & vest
• microfiber under layers
• lightweight long-fingered gloves and headband, recommended
• bike gloves
• helmet
• bike shoes
• 4 pair of bike socks

Expect the unexpected - May in the Dolomites

• small daypack for the follow vehicle
• gearing – we recommend a 39-24 or 25 as the very minimum for any client but most of you will want more gear. Connie and Davis both use compact crank systems (34-50 chain-rings with a good spread of 12-27 for the Dolomites, 12-25 is adequate for Tuscany). No one ever complains about a triple chainring in the Dolomites, not necessary for most clients in Tuscany. Gearing is a matter of personal choice, better to have too much than too little.
• Please be prepared to change a flat (ie, tubes & pump) as you would at home. We do have some extra CO2 cartridges if you rely on them.
• Do yourself a favor and put new TIRES & TUBES on prior to departure, bring your bike in top working condition (brakes and gears fine-tuned!).
• Bring water bottles and powdered energy drink mix that you are used to (in a double ziplock bag to prevent spillage).

Packing your bike can seem like a daunting task but it is really quite simple. Beg, borrow, or buy a good case. Alternatively, call your local shop and ask them to hold a bike box. Before you disassemble your bike, please take a tape measure and make some notes on your position. Mark the seat height on the seat post with an indelible marker or piece of tape. We use the Pika bike cases – lightweight padded cases which fold easily out of the way. Most clients however prefer hard cases, which you can purchase or rent. Do not bring the coffin style of hard case – they are very difficult for us to transport.

Off the bike - casual; somewhat dressy for dinner but a mountain environment.

Smile! the Maratona is part of the Dolomites experience

• jeans
• khakis (one skirt or dress for the ladies, optional)
• shorts
• sweats (light fleece sweater)
• medium to lightweight jacket
• tees/polos
• sandals & casual shoes, walking or hiking shoes
• baseball cap or sun visor
• swimsuit & towel
• comfortable shoes for around the hotel

Don't forget: lotions (it's very dry), sunscreens (SPF 15+) lip balm w/sunscreen, prescriptions, and whatever supplements or energy bars that you cannot live without.

Hair dryers are provided. Laundry services are expensive but usually available.

Dolomites: we hike on the last day – if you want to join us, please bring good walking shoes (suitable for an all-day hike).

Packing List for Tuscany

Details: Mornings near the sea can be cool, bring layers. Days can be very warm especially inland. Siena camp daily temps might be very warm, in the 90's. Fall temps in Tuscany are cooler, highs rarely exceed 80.

Italians are always stylish and tend to dress 'sharply' even for casual wear and especially for dinner.

Pack light, think layers, comfort and micro-fiber.

On-the-bike apparel & equipment:

Don't forget your swim suit

• 3-4 pairs of your best bike shorts
• 3 short/sleeve jerseys
• arm warmers, knee warmers
• lightweight rain jacket & vest
• microfiber under layers
• (optional)lightweight long-fingered gloves and headband
• bike gloves
• helmet
• bike shoes
• 4 pair of bike socks
• small daypack for the follow vehicle
• gearing - we recommend a 39-24 or 25 as the very minimum for any client but most of you will want more gear. Connie and Davis both use compact crank systems (34-50 chain-rings with a good spread of 12-27 for the Dolomites, 12-25 is adequate for Tuscany). No one ever complains about a triple chainring in the Dolomites, not necessary for most clients in Tuscany. Gearing is a matter of personal choice, better to have too much than too little.
• Please be prepared to change a flat (ie, tubes & pump).
• Do yourself a favor and put new TIRES & TUBES on prior to departure, bring your bike in top working condition (brakes and gears fine-tuned!).
• Bring water bottles and powdered energy drink mix that you are used to (in a double ziplock bag to prevent spillage in your bag – very messy!).

Packing your bike can seem like a daunting task but it is really quite simple. Beg, borrow, or buy a good case. Alternatively, call your local shop and ask them to hold a bike box. Before you disassemble your bike, please take a tape measure and make some notes on your position. Mark the seat height on the seat post with an indelible marker or piece of tape. We recommend Pika cases if you want to travel further – they are lightweight, inexpensive and reasonably safe (pros use this style of case). However hard cases are a good option and the most popular with our clients. Please do not bring the 'casket' style of hard case – they are too big for transport.

Italians like to dress sharp

Off the bike - casual; somewhat dressy for dinner

• jeans
• khakis (one skirt or dress for the ladies – optional of course)
• shorts (Italians wear longer style shorts or capris)
• sweats (light fleece sweater)
• lightweight jacket
• tees/polos
• sandals & casual shoes, walking or hiking shoes
• baseball cap or sun visor
• swimsuit & towel

Don't forget: lotions, sunscreens (SPF 15+) lip balm w/sunscreen, prescriptions, and whatever supplements or energy bars that you cannot live without. You won't find powerbars or clif bars at the local markets, bring what you need.

Hair dryers are provided. Laundry services are expensive but usually available.

We recommend you do a small quantity of laundry in your sink (your bike clothes) and hang out to dry.