Dolomites 2019

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The Dolomites provide spectacular cycling with numerous climbs for the true enthusiast but also more leisurely cycling for the less extreme cyclist with spectacular views around every corner. For non cycling partners there is also a plethora of other activities to enjoy ( walking, hiking, paragliding, climbing, spa, sun) and superb food and wine!. The area is a cycling mecca so well serviced by excellent and well stocked bike shops for those who would prefer to rent on location and hotels that specialise in biking with well equipped bike storage and mechanical stations. The standard of accommodation is high and the hotel we have chosen has a full range of facilities including gyms/pools/saunas and spas for relaxation and muscle recuperation after the climbs. And the hotel provides excellent storage and maintenance rooms and also have guides on hand for route advice etc.

 

The best position for a base to access as many of the classic rides & climbs as possible is Alta Badia in the South Tyrol (though still in Italy). The official language here is Ladin although everyone speaks Italian and German. You get the best of all worlds Italian food and drink and joie de vivre and Austrian efficiency!. The mountains, part of the Southern limestone Alps, are spread across three Italian provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. We have chosen San Cassiano as a base which provides easy access from Venice Airport and an ideal location to access all the main routes including the famous Maratona dles Dolomites. The Dolomites cycling area encompasses a Unesco World Heritage site.
The best cycling weather in the Dolomites is from May to September. The rain fall is lower in the Southern Dolomites than the Alps with the wettest of the summer months being May, so the end of June is ideal. Temperatures will be temperate around 24-27’ in the valleys obviously cooling the higher the ride. Global warming has made the weather unpredictable though so this is based on average temperatures over the last few years.

The HOTEL

HOTEL Stores Nature  3 star ( but more like a 4 star)  San Cassiano    https://www.hotelstores.it/en/
Surrounded by forests and mountains but conveniently on the outskirts of the village of San Cassiano a quick walk from the centre (300m) but with easy access to all the cycling routes this is a great hotel for cyclist and non cyclists with excellent reviews on Trip Advisor. It was recently completely renovated and is a wonderful mix of traditional wood and contemporary design. They are members of Road cycling holidays and therefore are well used to catering for road and mountain bikers. The hotel is designed to blend into its natural surrounds and offers the following facilities:

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• A combined indoor and outdoor pool

• New fitness room with climbing wall and brand new wellness area with different saunas/relaxation and beauty areas

• Newly refurbished spa, with reasonable priced massages and treatments/sports treatments

• ¾ board with rich buffet breakfast, 4 course dinner with salad counter and small afternoon tea with snacks. Food has great reviews on trip advisor.

• Bike experts on hand for advice, bike corner, mechanical servicing point. Fully secure bike storage with security cameras.

• Free Wifi

 

Costs are based on deluxe rooms with twin beds which are 33 metre square ( very large) equipped with, balcony, satellite TV , safe, internet, ensuite bathroom with shower and hairdryer, separate toilet. SAN CASSIANO is a charming village rather than a town but is a great base to explore the region and boasts fabulous restaurants within a 10 km range..

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COSTS INCLUDE:

Coach transfers and bike trailer from Venice Airport to San Cassiano in both directions.
Accommodation on a shared basis in a twin room ¾ board every day.

Cost per person:
Return coach transfer Venice-San Cassiano           €136.00*
Hotel Stores San Cassiano pp                                  €776.30
Total                                                                             €912.30
*This is an estimate and will be recalculated once the final numbers booked on this trip are known.
 
NOT included: Flights to Venice Airport, any additional meals/tips/taxis etc. and bike hire if required.
Recommended flight for the group transfer:

 Saturday 22/06 08:55 Heathrow arrive 12:05 Venice
 Saturday 29/06 20:40 Venice arrive 22:00 Heathrow

Individuals are responsible for booking flights directly.

PAYMENT
A  non refundable deposit to secure the rooms etc is required on registration of £280.00 pp with the full amount due by the end of April 2019.

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All payments to Alan North - see email 
 
Anna Baccanello                                           
Alan North
Dennis van Dijk