Technological accessories

• GPS cycle computer, Lights front and rear, Power banks, Smartphones, Action cameras, USB cable and power socket, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.

•   Bike Repair Kit & Tools Outdoor Cycling Maintenance Tool Kit. Tools will depend on the trip what type of mobile Bike Repair Kit & Tools workshop you need. On this trip I brought the minimum necessary, since I would have found bicycle shops nearby.

•  Spare inner tube, patch kit, pump, cycling multi-tool (with allen and screwdrivers wrenches), pressure gauge,tire pump, mix of spare components, oil and rag.

Camping equipment

Tent (The NEMO Hornet OSMO™), sleeping bag ultralight (Sea to Summit), sleeping pad ultralight (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite ), Pillow ultralight (Nemo), stove (MSR's PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit), Pot (TOAKS in titanium 700ml), cutlery and cup (Sea to Summit of titanium) while the plate was a multifunctional camp bowl that packs flat (Sea to Summit) and a Basic first aid kit.

4. What question you got asked most often is regarding solo bicycle touring, aren’t you afraid to bike alone, as a woman?

II probably get asked this question, in some way, often during the journey, always answering: I'm not afraid, I'm careful. Yes, it happened when men asked inappropriate questions that they shouldn't have asked where I simply ended the questions without answering and wandered off with another answer and ended the conversation 'as quickly as possible.' When I finally removed myself from the conversation I smiled, a sort of vaccine against that moment of discouragement and riding a bicycle or walking away.

The safety and important thing I did before leaving for my trip was I told my brother who lives in Italy my location using Air Tag and another one by sharing my location on my phone. In addition I regularly send text or pictures to the family and friends who know where I am or where I want to be the day after.

5. What else can you say about the regions you've cycled in and what fascinated you?

I really enjoyed every single moment of this journey a unique experience that is well worth discovering, breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain a pleasures of discovering new things and the joy that comes with meeting new local people and warm Italian hospitality combine to create a unique cycling experience.

The thing that fascinated me was crossing the regions and I felt like I was at a concert of various singer-songwriters. Every region seems to be singing a unique song with the variety' of dialects, accents, voice intonation and rhythm changed and all - a Great Italian the Language of Music!

6. Do you have an exciting tale to tell of your two wheeled journey?  

The most exciting and enriching encounter was meeting a German man I met by chance while I was eating a sandwich from a local shop who stopped, exchanged a few more words and asked me where I was headed? I'm going to Reggio Calabria and incredibly but true he was also headed there and would have taken the ferry to Sicily at Villa San Giovanni (before Reggio Calabria).

7. What else can you say about the regions you've cycled in and what fascinated you?

I really enjoyed every single moment of this journey a unique experience that is well worth discovering, breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain a pleasures of discovering new things and the joy that comes with meeting new local people and warm Italian hospitality combine to create a unique cycling experience.

The thing that fascinated me was crossing the regions and I felt like I was at a concert of various singer-songwriters. Every region seems to be singing a unique song with the variety' of dialects, accents, voice intonation and rhythm changed and all - a Great Italian the Language of Music!

8. Do you have an  interesting event happen on your trip?

Yes I did have an  incredible event on my birthday I had some problems with the brakes and I took the opportunity to stop at the shop called TUTTTI CAMPIONI (in the locality of Porto Sant'Elpidio in the Marche region) recommended by a local person while I was in a coffee shop having a cappuccino. When I set foot in the shop with my loaded travel bicycle, two smiles greeted me asking what I needed: one was the owner of Vincenzo Santoni's shop (he is an Italian road cyclist, active between 1980 and 1980). With his enthusiasm di lui he showed me the t-shirts he had won and exhibited photographs of his races di lui and while Gabriel, his collaborator di lui and also a cyclist, checked my brakes with such professionalism.

In the end Vicenzo gave me a cycling shirt "we are all champions/all champions" because it was my birthday, what unexpected kindness, I immediately put it on and before I left his shop he surprisingly interviewed me on his cell phone asking me questions on my trip and then I continued to cycle with joy wearing that beautiful cycling jersey!

The surprising interview of Vincenzo Santoni - Look the interview

1. What drove me to have such an adventure around the perimeter of Italy?

The idea of this epic solo bike tour around the perimeter of Italy is a journey to discover myself, my homeland, the rediscovery of the passion for exploring the regions of my country.

I undertook this journey with the bicycle, a means of transport, a fulfilling physical activity forces you to travel slowly but fast enough so as not to miss anything in every place you visit and to be able to truly appreciate what is around and it allowed me to traveling in close contact with the authentic aspects of each region, each region with its own diversity of traditions, culture, culinary traditions, artistic wonders and each with its own individual history.

The trip to my homeland gave me the opportunity, in my own way, to spin my wheels and never have to compromise with others, giving me more flexibility and opportunity to meet the locals, interact with them and with their daily activities to seek a better understanding of the way others live and learn more about local culture and traditions without underestimating them the incredible beauty and variety of landscapes I saw, every day was a new experience in the beautiful country of Italy.

Even though it was not my first trip to this beautiful land, given that I had already cycled several kilometres (with a travel companion) almost everywhere in Italy including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily and also the mountain passes, the highest of which is the spectacular Stelvio Pass with its 2,757 meters high. But this time I enjoyed the trip in my own way and in greater depth with the territory and the local people.

What is Self-Contained Bicycle Touring for you?

Cycle tourism is slow tourism of those who travel by bicycle is a lifestyle based on the adventure of independent bicycle travel; you have the freedom to do what you want according to your plans. This practice offers the opportunity to explore places, immersion in the landscapes and cultures of the country that hosts you. This way to travel combines passion, the pleasure of cycling rather than sport, commuting or physical exercise and is environmentally friendly. It is a fascinating way of traveling that changes the way we see the world. In practice, you visit the places that interest you in the world and the world connects to you and you reach the perfect balance between travel, feeling and movement.

I believe that traveling by bicycle is the best way to explore a new country and that nothing has been as good as the feeling I get every time on two wheels, appreciating my surroundings and not having caused any harm, being peaceful, discreet and without pollution and it is the desire to explore the unknown, not to fear the unexplored. It is a sustainable and responsible way of traveling; it is my way of interacting respectfully with the area I visit and its culture.

2. Was this the first time you traveled by bicycle?

I have already done several other long cycling trips and I have always done them independently and autonomously with a buddy companion. I have traveled extensively in Europe. And here are my four trips: I did four of them, my first trip was 4,684 km, the longest was 8,927 km for a total of 18,851 km. Then, the penultimate long trip was The Pacific Coast Cycle Route (3,000 km in 30 days) which stretches from Vancouver in Canada to San Diego, USA, near the Mexican border. I have also done cycling trips in Canada, three in British Columbia of 1,974 km and the other in Nova Scotia, Halifax of about 500 km. The most recent tour being is this one of 3,581 with a grand total of 22,666 km.

3. What is it like to do a trip like this alone?

In my previous trips I have always had only one travel companion by my side. It is nice to have someone to share the experience with but finding the right travel companion that you are compatible with is often a challenge. So on my long distance bike rides I often find myself pedaling alone and I find my motivation and personally I have never had big problems being alone, but I always went home. So the transition to this type of travel has never been such a big challenge for me. In fact, since I often cycle alone without ever getting bored or lonely, I never experienced loneliness on this trip either. During the day there is always so much to discover, see and learn!

Travelling alone was a fun, carefree, incredible and satisfying experience to enjoy every moment with nature. It allows you to explore the area and It also opens up a world of opportunities to build a deeper relationship with the locals and their culture and to meet other tourists. It is also true that we do not always willingly choose this way of traveling, having its advantages and disadvantages, but then after having tried we are always happy to have done it and I highly recommend trying it even if only once.

The disadvantage of traveling alone is that you have to face new challenges, unknown and unexpected experiences, you may encounter risks and have to deal with them, there is no one to motivate you, and you need to know some basics about bicycle repair in case of problems.

It comes managed the logistics, the itinerary and all responsibilities and especially when it comes to finding accommodation that you don't always know you will find. In my case I make no reservations, I love the spirit of adventure and adapting to the moment! So all this requires independence and self-confidence.

In my experience of traveling alone I can say that I have never been completely alone and it is also impossible to get bored even after finishing the day on the bike. You are always busy even when you are camping or using other accommodation and there are routines to manage and tasks to perform.

My evening routine before falling asleep was as follows: writing or voice recording my travel diary, texting my friends and family and finally looking at the Google map and getting an idea of where my next trip would be.

12. How much does your setup weight including the equipment and the bicycle?

Taking a trip on two wheels can be very varied depending on the trip you intend to take, the length and the climate you will find will influence the quality of equipment you will have to bring and, therefore, the way you would pack your bags and therefore the load of the bicycle will change. This means that a fully loaded touring bike weighs on average 25 to 45 kg.

Every trip I undertake I think about what to bring and not to bring and therefore I think carefully about what my needs and desires are even if this means sacrificing some comforts. On every trip you learn to optimize the list of things to bring, there is always more to learn!

Traveling with a light bicycle, not too loaded, means more freedom, the easier it will be to ride it, the easier it will be to move, you will be able to go faster and if you only travel on asphalt even faster and is the most difficult thing, however, is to reduce the weight if you travel in winter (which requires heavier clothing) or like me who travel with telectronic equipment.

A significant part of the weight that I carry with me is made up of electronic equipment: iPad, iPhone, action cam (GoPro or Insta360 X3) without forgetting the equipment for repairing the bike and the lock, which is certainly another burden that I carry. So I have a greater weight, but it is my choice and I pay the consequences of being heavier!  My weight range during the ride 38 - 40 Kg

If I had just chosen a much lighter solidarity cycling tour ("credit card tour") the weight would have been much lighter, but it wasn't. I love challenging, off-the-grid adventures, wandering around on an autonomous bike gives me the most control and independence!

For my trip I was light enough and not too heavy ( for the type of trip chosen, and I managed to clock up the kilometers I wanted, travelling on mixed terrain, in complete freedom and as I wanted and I achieved my goals.

13. Have you ever wondered where to stay overnight when you are traveling by bike?

Personally, every day I experience the cycling adventure in a flexible way and leave room for the unexpected; it's a feeling of freedom and I don't ask myself the problem of where to stay overnight. I don't like to endlessly plan and I prefer to decide on the moment from time to time and I love the options between to choose from depending on where I end up at the end of my trip to the daily stages.

Being an enthusiast of outdoor activities, and a true lover of camping, there is nothing more beautiful than ending a day spent on your bicycle saddle with nature and continuing to live the experience by staying in a campsite, sleeping in the open air in your own tent and have an experience closer to nature and what surrounds you instead of staying in a room in a B&B or hotel.

Of course it could be the cheapest solution but for me it's not about reducing costs but about being in contact with nature! It is not a light trip, but the feeling of being self-sufficient and of bringing your "home" and all your camping equipment with you gives a sense of freedom and is a unique and always different emotion! I really believe that cycling and camping go together in a naturalistic eco-journey and in one of the most rewarding parts of cycle tourism.

I also did the night bivouac, where I was able to stay independently with nature. It is a short-term free campsite to be set up after sunset until before sunrise. Wild camping is different, it is not bivouac and is often used inappropriately and therefore confused. There are regulations throughout Europe and Italy and in some regions it is not allowed. As on other occasions in North America with backpacking or cycling trips, it is a good practice to keep in mind and to be discreet: find an isolated place and follow the "Leave No Trace" ethic - that is, do not leave waste or traces of where the tent was pitched and use organic soaps, etc. so as not to ruin the vegetation.

However, I have also slept in B&Bs, hotels and once in a Hostel, on the Amalfi Coast in Sorrento (very clean and organized but not my type of accommodation), which were recommended by locals.

14. What goals do I have when I'm on the bike saddle?

My goals in the saddle are to explore and reach my goal while challenging myself over longer distances, with steep climbs which are nice and to feel the wind because it comes towards you and you challenges you while pedalling more and more without giving up; it is a wonderful emotion to push through the wind which is obviously stronger than me.

15. How do you create your cycling adventure?

One of the most challenging aspects of cycle touring concerns a bit of planning, including determining the type of journey to undertake so that it is stimulating, fun and safe and without underestimating the type of roads to be covered and choosing the most suitable tires for the adventure is as important as the bicycle setup.

On this trip it was very simple: I set up my bicycle with hybrid tires (35 mm), suitable for any type of terrain, and thus I was able to turn the two wheels wherever I wanted and I created my adventure with the discovery of new places, found by coincidence, making them spontaneous, I create my own adventures: I don't follow paths laid out by others, obviously building knowledge of the destination online and I trust my instincts. I organize a minimum travel program (the daily stages depend on the trip), I simply get on my bike and set off on an adventure with the spirit of discovery of my unknown and preferably remote places, remote places guarantee us more authentic experiences, found by chance, making them fascinating and unique!

My cycling trips are timeless and often aimless and I never know for sure where I will end the days, and each day I experienced wonderful moments in the unknown and unexpected and I had fun! My track and route are only defined at the end of the day. Why? It's fun, more spontaneous unique!!

My cycling trips are timeless and often aimless and I never know for sure where I will end the days, and each day I experienced wonderful moments in the unknown and unexpected and I had fun! My track and route are only defined at the end of the day. Why? It's fun, more spontaneous unique!!

16. Have you followed any cycling routes of the Ciclovia Tirrenica/Ciclabile Tirrenica ((BI190) and the Ciclovia Adriatica/Ciclabile dell'Adriatico or what can you tell us about the route?

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I followed sections of two major cycle paths: The Ciclovia Tirrenica/The Tirrenica Cycle Route ((BI190) and the Ciclovia Adriatica/Adriatic Cycle Route, which run along the coasts of the four seas and that were spectacular routes with scenic and varied landscapes through historic places.

The sections I cycled on both cycle routes have particular and different natural characteristics, but each shows its own postcard-like scenery with stunning, unspoiled coastlines, beautiful and often wild beaches, stunning waters, incredible views of low mountains, culture and lovely people.

17. What can you tell us about the La Tirrenica cycle routes ?

The primary future cycle path which will overlook the sea is a 1200 km long network which will cross three regions: Liguria, Tuscany and Lazio, starting from Ventimiglia in Liguria on the border with France, to arrive in Rome in Lazio. The Cycle Network Plan is under construction and is not yet complete but has some great practical features.

18. Have you followed any cycle paths of the Ciclovia Adriatica/the Adriatic “BI6” Cycle Route?

The Adriatic Cycle Route, also known as the Adriatic Green Corridor, the 1300 km cycling route that follows the Adriatic coast through extraordinary and diverse landscapes with history and traditions and connects: Santa Maria nel Salento (south) in the Puglia region to Trieste in the Friuli region Venezia Giulia (north), near the Slovenian border. The route can be done from either direction, it depends on where you want to start.

You cycle through seven Italian regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia.

The project is part of the network of cycling itineraries created by FIAB (Italian Federation of the Environment and Bicycle), as well as partly in the planning stage and partly already built and the existing one is very beautiful.

19. What can you tell us about the Ciclovia Adriatica/Ciclabile dell'Adriatic routes and which is the most beautiful one you have ridden or what can you tell us about the route?

The Adriatic cycle path network crosses many wonderful landscapes with a variety of cycle paths, even if not complete, they were wonderful rides and exploring it in person I cannot say that it is a real Adriatic cycle path. I expected to find more signs for the cycle paths but it was not so I often found myself looking at the sea which acted as a map hoping to find a cycle path!

I hope in the short term in the future that other cycle tourists will be able to say in person that it is a real cycle route, complete and with fewer accesses on provincial or state roads, with much more signage and a truly extensive network of cycle paths for safety, comfort and convenience at take a sustainable trip!

20. What was the most evocative stretch of road along the route and the most beautiful bike paths where I have cycled?

During my journey I traveled along several breathtaking stretches of road or cycle/pedestrian path, or through fairy-tale coastal villages and some that caught my attention and here is the selection:

La pista ciclopedonale  della Riviera dei fiori /The cycle/pedestrian path of the Riviera dei Fiori, Trabocchi Coast Bike Path, Rimini Seafront Bike Path, Versilia Cycle Path... coming soon

This bicycle touring adventure is Cycling along Italy's most stunning coastal roads of the Italian peninsula. The Italian peninsula is nicknamed the boot due to its shape. Three smaller peninsulas contribute to this distinctive shape, namely Calabria (the "toe"), Salento (the "heel") and Gargano (the “spur”).

About the adventure

A solo trip with tent and bicycle in full autonomy with a minimalist setup along the four seas: the Ligurian sea, the Tyrrhenian sea, the Ionian sea and the Adriatic sea skirting the entire Italian peninsula along stunning coastal roads and crossing fourteen coastal regions: Liguria, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia, Molise, Abruzzo, Marche, Emilia, Romagna, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

On 13 September 2023 I set off on my solo cycling trip which I completed in 30 days for a total of 3,582 km. I traveled a daily average of 123 Km/Day and kept each day turning two wheels of my bicycle named Girasole (“Sunflower”) with an average of 8.5 Hrs/Day in the saddle.

I loaded my bicycle with the help of my brother Claudio and his wife Elena onto the train from Milan Central Station towards Ventimiglia in Liguria where I started the journey.

Trip details

Start of the journey: Ventimiglia is a coastal town on the edge of the Liguria region of Italy and is located on the Riviera dei Fiori, right on the coastal border between France and Italy, in the far western part of Liguria.

The end of the journey: Trieste, which is in the country's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and lies in the northernmost part of the high Adriatic in northeastern Italy, near the border with Slovenia. Then I took the train back to Milan.

Kilometers traveled: Cycling counterclockwise 3,582 km

Daily average: 123 Km

Duration and period: 30 days without a single day of rest.

9. How was the reception of the local inhabitants and what kind of encounters do you have during the trip?

Traveling by bicycle is a truly unique experience you constantly throw yourself into new, unusual and simply impressive situations. Personally, I enjoy learning about local people and their cultures im my favorite part about traveling with my bicycle is meeting those amazing people who happen to be in the same place at the right time as me.

They are wonderful encounters and you learn from them, who are local people where you are. They will be able to tell you stories, facts and the daily routine of life in that particular area. It's certainly a great way to open doors, make contacts and make friendships that you meet with locals and even other travellers.

The people I met in general regardless of age, and gender were very friendly and warm, generous, they went out of their way to help me and I was surprised by the affection and hospitality they showed me. It was incredible how many new things I discovered and how many local roads they advised me to take and I received so many compliments and enthusiasm from them.

I didn't just meet local people but you meet many other people who travel by bicycle with whom you exchange curiosities and travel experiences and then you also meet people who make long journeys on foot. The best way to find a new route is to ask local cyclists, recommending alternative routes that only they know, letting me know about hidden streets, different landscapes and places to visit. The journey was thanks to them more enriching and a great source of advice, thank you very much!

But above all I believe that a bicycle trip leads you to pedal for many hours a day with your own objectives and goals to achieve during the day but beyond there is nothing better than experiences to interact with other travelers or advice from locals.

And to all those who have crossed my path and shared with me a piece, or even just an instant, of your life with me, and each of you who every day wanted to know the progress of the journey via text message, and who congratulated me on the solo cycling trip. And you also have my attentive friends and relatives who were waiting to see the photos of the new location who feel like they are traveling with me too!

And today, now that I have returned home and beyond the joys I experienced pedaling and discovering corners of the beautiful Italian regions, what differentiates a beautiful journey from an unforgettable journey are the extraordinary and unforgettable people I meet during the journey, with who share emotions, personal experiences, beautiful moments.

You all made my trip full of memorable moments and I hope I have been a source of inspiration for all of you who have asked me about the trip and I hope that one day you too can experience the joy of a bicycle trip. Many thanks to all of you!

10. What else can you say about the regions you've cycled in and what fascinated you?

I really enjoyed every single moment of this journey a unique experience that is well worth discovering, breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain a pleasures of discovering new things and the joy that comes with meeting new local people and warm Italian hospitality combine to create a unique cycling experience.

The thing that fascinated me was crossing the regions and I felt like I was at a concert of various singer-songwriters. Every region seems to be singing a unique song with the variety' of dialects, accents, voice intonation and rhythm changed and all - a Great Italian the Language of Music!

11. What type of bicycle did you use and what was your cycle touring equipment?

On this cycle touring trip of mine my bicycle was more of a gravel touring bike because I had used wider tires which allowed me to explore scenic trails & conquer rugged terrain to combine a mix of paved and gravel roads. I ride on a Marinoni touring bicycle, custom built by Montreal based manufacturer Giuseppe Marinoni (ItaloCanadase team member and family heirloom) who is the founder and is one of the best-known bicycle frame builders in North America.

This type of bike allows me to put Tubus luggage racks both in front and behind and on the handlebars where I load Ortlieb travel bags also known as "panniers". An important part of any journey is where to put things and how to distribute the weight for a more stable ride.

My bike was also equipped with front and rear fenders, rear-view mirror, bell, three water bottles, lock and of course I used a helmet. On each of my trips I used different set ups on the bicycle depending on the trip.

Clothing to bring on this trip was easy as the weather was pretty much the same everywhere; I wore the clothing based on layers that can easily be removed/added if the weather changes during a ride and of course a GoreTex rain jacket. I always use dedicated cycling shoes, all mountain MTB shoes with pedals having a flat side on one side and SPD on the other. I love cycle shoes that allowed you to walk everywhere and I also had walking sandals that I used when camping as a second shoe.