04 – 10 OCTOBER 2020
Black Roads Giro d’Italia Cycling Camp celebrates sections of the Giro d’Italia and the most beautiful routes in Sicily. From the top of Etna to the peaks of the mountains and into the blue sea. Sicily is one of the most alluring destinations for you as a cyclist. We guide you to the roads of Etna and into the unknown interior of Sicily. After riding mile after mile in this setting you have deserved dinner of the local Sicilian cuisine, celebrated with a glass of a local Etna Rosso. Welcome to Black Roads Giro d’Italia Cycling Camp 2020.
ETNA – THE NEW SUPERSTAR CLIMB OF THE GIRO D’ITALIA
This magical race has been visited Sicily 17 times. The first time in 1930. The Giro d’Italia has raced five times on Etna. The first time was back in 1967. In recent years, this amazing volcanic giant has been an extremely popular stage finish. With six different roads to two summits. Contador soloed to victory in 2011 to the top of Etna riding from the south side. In 2017 the Giro tackled a new road – Salto del Cane – and in 2018 the Giro again used a new road from the south through the forest where Chavez won. An average ascent to the summit of Etna is 18 kilometers in length with 7,2%. But the volcano is only a fraction of Sicily’s beauty. At Black Road Cycling we know all the climbs and roads of the Giro d’Italia, the secret roads, the small villages and the ‘Trattoria’ and coffee stops and not least where to find the water fountains with crystal clean water. We show you all that at the Cycling Camp.
€ 769
TESTIMONIALS
*****
As a woman in the group, I was a little nervous if I could actually succeed with this bike camp. But Thomas exceeded my expectations. When I was emtied of energy He were always there for me with support. It helped me to reach a higher level. An Experience for life and Sicily will always be in my heart.
Kirstie Speciale
Proprietor, Glitter Arty
*****
The Ascents, the descents, the scenery – the Giro d’Italia, the gear nerding and the camaraderie… what a fun, cool and uttely trancending experience it is to ride with Thomas on the slopes of Etna. With the underlying powerful feel of that immense vulcano and the very relaxed Sicilian way of doing things – you get a unique contrast that is energizing in a way that I have not experienced anywhere else. I’ll be back for more of that!
Christian Johnsen
Communication & Graphic designer
*****
Black Road Cycling was great at planning our cycling camp and guiding us to beautiful places we would never have found on our own. They arranged a beautiful hotel for us so when we were not riding bikes we could really relax and the restaurant served us well (too well) every night.
Thomas Hoi-Hansen
Chief Physician
WHO IS THIS CYCLING CAMP FOR?
For all people of all ages passionate about cycling. Who has a good basic condition and is riding the bike a couple of times a week. Who loves to discover new challenging mountain roads. Who likes to meet new people and share the same passion for cycling and ride together on the roads less traveled through stunning landscape scenery. Who are interested in local Sicilian culture and cuisine. The Black Road Cycling team is experienced riders with local knowledge and is always there to boost your morale so you can succeed.
INCLUDED
—6 nights at Borgo Etnea or similar, incl. Breakfast.
—6 dinners at a local Sicilian restaurant.
—Expert planning and guiding every day.
—1 guide for every 6 riders.
—Airport T/R transfers – incl. the bike you bring.
—Photos from the rides.
NOT INCLUDED
—Flight tickets or other means of transport to Sicily.
—Travel insurance
—Extra in the hotel – Alcohol, drinks, foods, etc.
—Bike rental
EXTRA SERVICE POSSIBLE ON REQUEST
—Massage
—Single occupancy on request
ANTICO BORGO ETNEO
The hotel is situated in the heart of the Alcantara River Park, surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden, just 15 km. from Taormina. The house is the result of the careful renovation of an 1800s farm perfectly preserved the lava stone millstone which houses the breakfast room and the restaurant. Outside displays the most impressive staircase in lava stone.
THE GIRO D’ITALIA CYCLING CAMP PROGRAM
4. OCTOBER – ARRIVING
Pick up from the airport and transport to the hotel. If you arrive the day before (3. of October) we will also arrange your transport to the hotel. We unpack the bikes and Black Road will present the program of the Cycling Camp. After the presentation we will take off to ride at 15:00 sharp. It will be an easy ride 2-3 hours where we catch a chance to know each other. Dinner will be served at around 20:00.
5. OCTOBER – ETNA PIANO PROVENZANA
DISTANCE 72 km.
CLIMBING 2100 m
This is the day where we are riding to the finish line on Etna to see the Giro d’Italia! The first 10 km. Is almost flat, but after that the roads go up until you reach the summit of Etna. After 10 km. We climb the east flank of Etna all the way up to Piano Provenzana where the finish line of the Giro will be. The last 4 km. Is around 10% average, hence we will witness some good pro racing that day.
6. OCTOBER – THE GHOST TOWN OF BORGO MORFIA
DISTANCE 95 km.
CLIMBING 1800 m.
Today we go up from Fiumefreddo and then we ride up the climb to Venna – 15 km. with 5,5% average. From there we descend a few kilometers into Linguaglossa. A few kilometers outside the town we start a short climb. At the top, we get the most beautiful panorama of the historic village of Castiglione di Sicilia. We ride through the historic center and out on the other side. After 5 km. We start the climb into the Nebrodi Mountain range. We climb 9 kilometers with a 7% average all the way to the Mysteries Ghost Town of Borgo Morfia which was abandoned in the 60s. On our way back we descend into the most beautiful valley and grab some deserved ‘Tavola caldo’ in the nearby village. After lunch we continue along the Alcantara river valley back to the hotel.
7. OCTOBER – SAVOCA HINTERLAND
DISTANCE 61 km.
CLIMBING 1400 m.
We ride along the beautiful coastline with breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean all the way to mainland Italy. We then begin the climb to Savoca. 4 kilometers of beautiful hairpin road with 8% on average. In Savoca, we make a stop at the square to witness the famous Bar Vitelli from Coppola’s Godfather Trilogy and the church where Michael Corleone was married to Apolonia. Even if you are not a Godfather fan, Savoca is an idyllic spot. From Savoca, we ride into the Peloritani mountains where we first climb 7 km. – 6% average to the small mountain village of Limina. From Limina we climb 2 km. to Roccafiorita where we will eat a deserved lunch. From here we descend along the beautiful hairpin roads to Letojanni and back to the hotel.
8. OCTOBER – MONTE KALFA
DISTANCE 58,5 km.
CLIMBING 1500 M
This is one of our favorite rides along the “Secret Roads” between Etna and Pelritani Mountains. After the small town of Graniti, there is a 6 km. climb of 7% to the water fountain under the large tree. It starts brutally with a short 18% section. We have made km. Markings along the road so if you like you can test yourself in a 6 km. Mountain time trial. After the climb, it is time to find your breath and refill your bottles with crystal clear mountain water. We proceed along one of Nibali’s favorite training routes; the secret roads, build by the allied soldiers under the Second World War from where they attacked the German Army. This historic road offers the most astonishing view of Etna and the Church on the top of Monte Kalfa where we will take a short break to hear the fantastic story about the church and enjoy the scenic views before we descend for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, we descend to the coast and ride back to Taormina. A historical ride.
9. OCTOBER – ETNA SOUTH PEAK
DISTANCE 105 km.
CLIMBING 2500 m
The toughest day on the bike! The first 20 km. Is almost flat, but after that, the roads go up until you reach the top of Etna at kilometer 70. You will reach the foot of the climb to Etna in the town of Nicolosi. Here we drink a coffee and refill our bottles at the water fountain. At the beginning of the climb, there is a little sanctuary to honor the Saint of Catania – Sant’Agata. For us, it is time to perform the sign of the cross because 18 km. 7,3% average gradient climb is in front of us. The road leads us up through the spectacular volcanic landscape. It is the same road the Giro d’Italia rode on stage 4 in 2017. All the way up you will read the Tifosi’s greetings on the pave to the best riders in the world, but most significantly to the local hero – Lo Squalo – Vincenzo Nibali.
10. OCTOBER – CIAO E ARRiVEDERCI
Today we bring you back to the Airport. Tell us what time is your flight or if you require to stay some extra days. We will arrange everything for you all and hope to see you in another cycling camp in the future.
PRACTICAL – HOW DO I BOOK THE CYCLING CAMP?
- Pay the deposit.
- Book your flights.
- Pay the balance 4 weeks before the trip.
- Pack your bags and go to the airport.
IN DETAIL
Hit the “book now” button on this page. Then fill out the form and send it to us by hitting the “send now button”. Then you will receive a mail with payment instructions; to confirm the trip first you have to pay a deposit of € 200,00. Secondly, you must pay the balance at the latest 4 weeks before the trip starts.
If you at the time of booking did not know your flights to Catania, Fontanarossa please let us know your arrival and departure by email or phone asap. We will then welcome you at the airport and transport you and optionally also your bike to the hotel. If you have selected to rent bikes through us, we will arrange the delivery to the hotel.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. You will find our contact information further down on this page.
FAQ
Am I strong enough for this cycling camp?
This trip is suited for all people who ride the bike 2 times a week or more. Black Road Cycling is the guarantor that clients of all level will succeed this cycling journey. If necessary, we will divide people into groups by fitness level.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes we have a fleet of carbon racing bikes with parts from Shimano for rent – reserve your rental bike online here
How does payment works?
We ask all clients to pay a deposit of € 200,00 a person when they book, which confirms the reservation. The balance must be payed latest 4 weeks before the camp start. We’ll get in touch to remind you when it’s time. If you book less than 4 weeks before departure, we will ask you to pay the full payment upfront.
Can Black Road Cycling help out with travel arrangements?
Yes, we can recommend the best flight from many different destinations.
Which airport should I fly to?
We recommend that you fly to Catania Airport from there we arrange transfer to/from. Alternatively, you can fly to Palermo but you will have a longer transfer on your own account.
To and from Catania airport there are several connections from airlines like Norwegian, Alitalia, SAS, Easyjet etc. We are always ready to help you with the booking of tickets just ask.
There are many direct connections from many different locations in Europe. If you fly with a stopover it is important to have minimum 1.5-2 hours between connections if you are bringing your own bike so the handling people have time to put your bike on the plane. In the unlikely event that your bike is not delivered to the airport on the same flight as you and first arrive the day after. We will do our uttermost to supplie you with one of our bikes so you can ride as planned with the rest of the group. We suggest you bring your pedals, shoes, helmet and one cycling kit in your handbag.
How many guides are there?
We will be responsible for the daily rides. There will be 1 guide for every 6 clients. The guides will give you insight into the special location and the history of the different towns and places we pass through.
Do I need a travel insurance?
It is highly recommended to have travel insurrance. Also if you bring your own bike you need to check how it is insured. Black Road Cycling has no insurance cover for clients.