2010-05-19/25 - Italy, including some of the Giro

Hills, mountains, etc etc

Last year, I went to North Italy in prime Giro territory to do some long distance and hill training and I'm thinking of heading back there for some more punishment.
So does anyone fancy this? What's the deal:

THE FACTS
I'm looking to find 6 people to go. Me and one other (cheevil) are already confirmed, so that 8 in total.
Staying a big beautiful Italian villa in Feletto very close to Zoncolan (we stayed there last year), you get bed and breakfast plus return airport transfer in Italy.
I thinking of going 19 May to 25 May - so that's 6 nights / 7 days.
The plan is to hopefully catch 2 days of watching the Giro at Zoncolan and Asolo with at least 3 days of good long rides.

PROVISIONAL PLAN

Arrive on the 19th, put bikes together and go for a pootle
20th, 21st and 22nd go on rides in the vicinity
These are examples of what we did last year
http://connect.garmin.com/player/6127756
http://connect.garmin.com/player/6052363
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6104155
Stage 14 - Saturday, May 22, Ferrara - Asolo (Monte Grappa), 201km, we could possibly cycle down to see the finish
Stage 15 - Sunday, May 23, Mestre - Zoncolan, 218km, the plan is to drive up and watch the finish on the truly punishing Zoncolan and have a rest day
on the 24th the plan is to do the Mestre Zoncolan route
25th pack up and return to the uk

Transport to/from Mt Zoncolan is included. The villa owner Paul will also be on call if a pickup is required.
How much you ask? All this for the princely sum of £260 B&B - BUT ONLY IF I GET A FULL GROUP GOING.
Costs will vary if the group is smaller, but worst case scenario is about £300.
If we want half board, that's another £60 approx on top for evening meals(food is great and prepared by authentic Italian mafia matriarch).

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
You will need to buy your own flights to/from London Stansted and Trieste.
At the moment it's about £40 via Ryanair but this will increase!
Then you also need to bring your bike (in a box) - Ryanair rip you off here: £40 each way.
And then you need to sort out your own local airport transfers to Stanstead

INTERESTING STUFF
If you don't fancy all that riding but only some, then there's lots to do in the region.
You can trade a day to see Venice, the Italian coast is also close, plus some really amazing weird spa stuff and food and wine festivals.
In Feletto there is the largest purpose built bike shop in Europe, so plenty of obscene Italian bling on show. There are also a number of other bike shops and mechanics and we also have contacts with a local cycling club for more information if required.

YOU
Will need to bring a bike in good condition, if you have a Garmin or similar it would be very useful (for both you and the group).
You should be in reasonable shape and comfortable riding in a group.

THAT'S AWESOME, I WANT TO COME!
Chi (Cheevil on here) and I are jointly arranging this group ride / holiday, so if you are interested, PM me ASAP.
Chi managed the collection for Fiddy's funeral fund and also organised a yoga holiday I went on last year, she is v v organised!
Once we have a list Chi will be in touch with the finer details and guide you through the rest of the process.

If you have questions, then post in this thread.

Please note: your place is not confirmed until we are in full receipt of full funds - you will be required to provide a deposit (£130) if you want your place reserved.
The remainder of the payment will need to be paid when final numbers have been confirmed, which will be in advance of the break.
And to be super clear, you are responsible for buying your own flights! The sooner you buy the cheaper it is! So act fast!

If we can get 6 others to come along it will cost roughly £400 for flight, accommodation, breakfast and our motorised transport. Additional costs will be lunch, dinner and incidentals, though as noted we do have the choice to eat at the villa to further reduce costs if this is an issue.