Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1530649
P158 FEATURE I EDELWEISS BIKE TRAVEL We were particularly impressed by Edelweiss' effort to support local businesses and have a sus- tainable, respectful approach to tourism—being mindful of how it affects these communities. CARRYING ON As we followed the Apennine Mountain range, the 870-mile- long spine of Italy, it became apparent that the 60 million tourists who visit Italy each year were somewhere else. Hundreds of miles to the north, bottlenecked in the Alps with their selfie sticks? Ninety miles west of us—and a world away— in Rome? Sloshing through flooded piazzas in Venice? Who knows. We were riding in open country, unspoiled and remote. This is what we love, what we seek out when planning our rides, so it was perfect for us. The itinerary twisted through narrow village roads, across abandoned badlands, along be - jeweled coastlines, and through majestic national parks. When we started the tour, we had no idea how many varied landscapes we'd see—or how massive the mountains that make up the Apennines are. One of our favorite days was actually a "rest day," where we were free to relax at the hotel or do our own thing—but no one could resist the route Domenico had planned, of the hotels we stayed at held historical or cultural significance in their specific community, most of the restaurants featured locally produced specialties spe - cific to each region we were in. It was clear that it was important to both Edelweiss and our hosts to give us the opportunity to experience a unique and mean - ingful part of the local culture. (Above) Your typical cobblestone road in an Italian village. abandoned badlands, along be jeweled coastlines, and through majestic national parks. When we started the tour, we had no idea how how massive the mountains that make up the Apennines are. One of our favorite days was actually a "rest day," where we were free to relax at the hotel or do our own thing—but no one could resist the route Domenico had planned, (Above) Your typical cobblestone road in an Italian village.