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STEVE LEHMAN TOURS NOVE COLLI WEEK ! ! !

DAY TO DAY INTINERARY MAY18 - 27, 2012

This day-to-day itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what you can expect. Actual rides may vary in distance, venue or order, but will give each rider a great experience in this Cyclist's Paradise. Each daily ride will offer a variety of distances and difficulties to meet the goals of the riders. Non-cycling activities will accommodate the ride program and will give all guests a unique "non-cycling" taste of Romagna, as well.                                                               DAY ONE - ARRIVAL / SHAKEDOWN RIDE - 45KM                                Pickup at the airport in Bologna. Transfer by motorcoach to our beachfront Hotel Gran San Bernardo in Riccioni on the "Adriatic Riviera". Non-cyclists have the rest of the day at leisure to relax on the beach, explore the town or just kick back with a nice glass of wine.                                                                           Cyclists will organize their bikes and enjoy a relatively easy shakedown ride of approximately 45km(kilometers) to the hilltop medievel, walled town of Gradara. This incredible, first ride it is designed to activate and refresh your legs after the long flight and expose you to a sample of what you can expect over the coming days.

DAY TWO - PRINCIPALITY OF SAN MARINO - 56 to 100KM   - Today twe will head into the mountain kingdom of San Marino. This tax haven is situated on the top of what appears to be a gigantic rock. Its walled city with ancient cobblestone streets and alleyways congers up thoughts of years gone by.  You can bring your passport along and get a cool, commemorative stamp. .

DAY THREE - SEA LOVER'S PANORAMIC TOUR - 70 to 100KM           In preparation for tomorrow's Gran Fondo Nove Colli we will give our legs a break on the relatively easy ride along the coast to Fano.

This out and back circuit will take us through the 20km road between Gabicce Monte and Pesaro with its marvelous countryside abounding in flowers, plants and breath-taking views. There will be plenty of opportunity to grab the perfect espresso at some nice cafe'

DAY FOUR - THE GRAN FONDO NOVE COLLI -                                  Whether you are a recreational rider or world champion, the GRAND FONDO NOVE COLLI will be an experience to remember and a highlight of this trip. There are entire cycle clubs from all over Europe that are organized only to do Gran Fondos. Although fun, these rides are serious. The circuits, whether you select the 120km or 200km options, will provide you with a legendary ride of epic proportions. The circuits are difficult(120km) and very difficult(200km) with spectacular climbs, breathtaking descents and a throng (that would be thousands) of "enthusiastic" riders.                                                                   Again, a 39x28 low-gear configuration, triple or compact drivetrain would be recommended.

DAY FIVE - DAY OFF OR OPTIONAL 45 to 65KM RIDE                                                                                         Let's go shopping! Today we will provide transfers to the train station for a shopping/sight-seeing trip to Bologna. Known for its red rooftops, the oldest university in the world and as the cradle of Italian gastronomy, it's Bologna’s ochre-colored arcades (covered walkways) that give it a unique style. Under these arches and around sprawling plazas you will find abundant shopping, sightseeing and delicious dining opportunities. From Piazza Maggiore, the cobbled streets spread outwards towards the city gates. This is the heart of Bologna, a handsome square sealed on all sides by medieval palazzi and the half-finished bulk of San Petronio. Here, amid the pigeons, the Bolognese come to shop, to pray, to chat and to dine. In Bologna, a social conscience goes hand in hand with a hearty appetite. The Mercato dell’Erbe, just off Piazza Maggiore, is a riot of sounds, smells and colours. The climate is moderate in spring and autumn, with a general lack of tourists, this is the best time to visit. Those not interested in shopping and sight-seeing will have an 80km ride option into the hills. Unlike the Gran Fondo, however, you can leave the large, climbing cogs at home and enjoy a day of easy riding on the Sangiovese Wine Tour circuit.

DAY SIX - SAN LEO RIDE                                                                   Today we will head northwest on a ride through the hills west of Rimini. Here we will see the magical town of San Leo with its ountaintop fortification that literally is perched on the top of a gigantic rock that juts skyward at least 100 meters above the town. To make this even more unbelievable, we will ride the access road that spirals its way to the fort's gate.    We will also take a nice break at the Pascucci coffee roasting facility for a tour and a great snack with some really good espresso.       

DAY SEVEN - WINE TOUR

         Today  we will ride through the wine producing area west of Riccione.  It will be a relatively easy ride (65km) with little climbing, but many opportunities to take in the beautiful surroundings and stop at a roadside cafe’.  Enjoy, enjoy.

                                                                                                                     .

DAY EIGHT BOLETUS MUSHROOM TOUR(CIPPO) - 105/125km You have two options today on THE MUSHROOM TOUR, the hard 105km option or the really hard 125km option. The 105km ride features 1850m(6000') of climbing and the longer ride features 2600m(8400'). While both rides will follow the same circuit, the longer option will reach the summit of Cippo Carpegna (elevation 1,423m) by way of a seven kilometer climb with 18 -20% gradients. Make sure you have something to cover your chest (might I suggest the front page of "La Gazzetta")for the 20+km descent that you just earned. Each ride skirts San Marino one more time, so bring that camera and don't forget to get your passport stamped

DAY NINE - RIDERS' CHOICE - ? KILOMETERS

Well it will have been a great adventure to this point and we will have learned a lot about this unique and wonderful area of Italy, so this last ride will be the choice of our guests. What'll it be? Hills? Mountains? Coastal roads?

Heck, can we extend for another week?

DAY TEN - DEPART FOR AIRPORT

Leaving Italy. . .you'll hardly be able to bear the thought.

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