Latest Twaddle

Giro della Toscana - Road Cycling with the Professionals June 2009

July 02nd 2009
Skedaddle
Ozzie expat and frequent Skedaddler Karen Beltrame recently enjoyed a week or riding in Tuscany with Saxo Bank IT Factory Directeur Sportif Lars Michaelsen and former Italian National Champion Andrea Tafi.

She survived to tell the tale, and here, with a selection of great photos, is what she had to say:

 

I’ve just returned from an amazing week of road cycling in Tuscany with Saddle Skedaddle.

The Tour Leader on the Giro della Toscana was none other than Lars Michaelsen, former rider with Team CSC and currently Sports Director with Saxo Bank IT Factory. Lars turned out to be much more than a guide; he played the role of very attentive host throughout the entire week.  As the perfect host, Lars had carefully hand-picked every part of our tour from the cycling routes, the restaurants, the meals and wine at each restaurant, and the accomodation.  

We ate at restaurants overlooking beaches in the setting sun and we drank quality wines as we looked out over the vineyards which had produced the wine. We dined in a variety of fantastic places ranging from the back room of a delicatessen with some local people to a gourmet dinner at the foot of a castle high in the Tuscan hills. When we weren’t either out on the bikes or eating in wonderful locations we relaxed by a swimming pool set in the olive groves at Andrea Tafi’s agriturismo or lazed on sunbeds under the umbrellas at our own private beach. There was obviously an enormous amount of planning put into this trip and every detail had been carefully chosen to maximise our exposure to the Tuscan countryside and to ensure that we had the best possible cultural and cycling experience.           

Saddle Skedaddle and Lars have created a superb holiday. The thing that made it truly special was having our very own pro-cyclist who never tired of the million silly questions we asked from from sunrise to sunset every day. It was a real thrill to hear inside stories from the big tours and races and also hearing personal stories about other professional cyclists.  

I arrived feeling a little apprehensive and wondered how I would manage in the presence of a cycling legend. What would it be like riding for a week with a pro? My fears and apprehensions were completely unfounded and I soon realised that Lars was very down to earth, humble, and not in the slightest bit intimidating. He loved sharing his stories, answering our questions and riding with us to guide us through each day. I’m very happy to have experienced the Giro della Toscana.  

Karen B. - Australia

 

“…a great cycling holiday that we would certainly like to do again.”  

Linda & Andrew R. - South Africa

        

 

 

 

 

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Previous Twaddle

Andrew goes mountain biking in Montenegro

June 24th 2009
Skedaddle

Always on the look-out for new mountain bike destinations and an escape from the office, Andrew’s been busy researching trips in the Balkans and here’s a few photos of his time in Montenegro just last week. We’ll even be adding a road cycling and self guided cycling holiday here soon too!!

Montenegro is a small country and the locals say that “if you ironed it out then it would be as big as Russia!”. Well…they aren’t wrong!! The mountains are stunning throughout the country, but then there are the lakes, super, super friendly locals, the finest cheeses and meats around (though cheese fresh from the goat is an acquired taste!!) and some great accommodation in places that are simply stunning…and there is the coast too !!

Check out the below photos and lots more on Skedaddle Facebook and if you are interested in receiving more information this and other Balkans destinations then drop Andrew an email to andrew@skedaddle.co.uk or call him on 0191 265 11 10 for a chat.

Here’s a few pictures to get you tempted and if you want to see loads more check out the full array on Skedaddle Facebook too.

Watch out for the giant Yellow man / woman eating flower….

 

Why did the chicken cross the trail?

Kinda pretty eh?!?!

 

 

Christina speeds off to get the best bed at our accommdation below in the valley

 

 

Anyone got a snow plough?

 

No path, no worries…..Isn’t that what 4×4’s are for and not school runs??

End of a great trip and here’s to 2010 !!!

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Featured Holiday

Morocco - Atlas To Desert

March 07th 2007

Morocco - Atlas To Desert PictureThis superb desert biking adventure focuses on the deep south of Morocco, a land of big skies and stark mountain ranges where mud-brick kasbahs appear to rise up out of the desert, sitting in tranquil palm oases and framed by dramatic backdrops of snowcapped mountains. We ride along Morocco’s dirt roads, taking us from Marrakech to the Tichka Pass, the highest in the High Atlas, and then southward, descending along the Draa Valley to the fringes of the Sahara Desert.

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Favourite Links
  • Sustrans  UK’s leading sustainable transport charity providing loads of support and initiatives for new and experienced cyclists.
  • Cyclexpress  Skedaddle's favourite on-line supplier of biking kit
  • Gorrick Mountain Bike Events  Skedaddle are proud to be sponsoring the Gorrick Spring Series for 2009 - Fun day rides in the South and suitable for all
  • Cyclone 2009  Great weekend of road cycling in and around Newcastle that once again we are proud to support....we are even sponsoring the King Of The Mountains...so get training now!!
  • Great North Bike Ride  Skedaddle are once again supporting the cycle from Seahouses to Tynemouth (29th August 2009). Cycle 54 miles of beautiful Northumberland coastline and raise some money towards childhood cancer research.
  • Clic24  Fun charity ride in the Mendips on 17th May, in support of children and their families who are affected by cancer and leukaemia. Come and meet Skedaddle during this fun event and raise a few quid too!
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