 By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide Don’t tell my Infinito, but I’ve fallen in love with Bianchi’s 2024 Specialissima. Whenever I can, I guide on our Specialissima Pro 50cm (S50), and it’s an absolute dream. We’ve gotten to know each other well… well enough that I’ve given her a nickname. I call her my Babydoll. It’s because she is so super light that she can come with me wherever I go. She comes in at 7.2kg including the saddlebag. The Specialissima has been our most rented road bike this season, by far. And that’s no surprise given that she’s designed for hill climbing. Our renters are smart enough to evaluate the terrain around here and choose the Specialissima for their ascent to the Madonna del Ghisallo, and all the other hills they take on around Lake Como. As you transition from flat to uphill, there’s a certain lack of friction that I notice relative to my own bike. It feels like the Specialissima just wants to go up the hill and she responds to every watt of power I give her.  From a visual standpoint, there is something unpretentious about the Specialissima. The green shade pairs well with Celeste lettering and black accents. The simplicity of the frame is striking for a bike that’s so good on the climbs, and that’s also found aero benefits over the prior model. You’ll benefit from the CV (Countervail vibration cancelling) carbon fiber technology, full Ultegra di2 12spd, 52/36 with 11/34 cassette, Velomann Palladium carbon wheels, all contributing to this light weight and responsive machine. I’m not the only one who is in enamored. Luca upgraded his Oltre to the Specialissima this year, and Imad’s on the S53 as much as he can. Here is what they are saying: “I like it because it’s an aggressive bike that is perfect for all courses; big hills, flats and technical descents.” – Imad, Guide, Shop Assistant and Former-Pro "I have the Specialissima RC so it's more rigid than the Pro version but it's the perfect fit for me. I feel comfortable and collected on the frame. It's a quick and responsive machine. With it's lightweight accessories my bike weighs under 7kg. Even though I have a bit of a belly I feel strong on the Specialissima and that it gives me the performance I want. It's impressive how Bianchi has gotten the bike to be so light even with the disc brakes. I'm also really enjoying Bianchi's in-house made carbon wheels, they're reliable, smooth, and solid." -Luca, Guide & Shop Owner 
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By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide Nestled on the shores of Lake Como, Bellagio is a picturesque town known for its stunning views, charming streets, and exquisite culinary offerings. Most visitors wander the streets of the downtown ZTL (Zona traffico limitato), but if you are spending several days in the area, there’s so much more to see beyond the central Borgo. One of the best ways to explore the area's gastronomic delights is through the Bike It Bellagio Tasting Tour. This unique experience combines the thrill of cycling with the joy of discovering local cuisine, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Bellagio, Italy. Enjoy the battery assist on your powerful e-bike and you don’t have to worry about straining yourself, but can instead enjoy the adventure.  Where is Bellagio? Bellagio is a small town situated on the edge of a promontory that divides the southern part of Lake Como into two branches. Although Bellagio is relatively small, its charm and beauty have earned it the nickname "The Pearl of Lake Como." To get to our first food stop, we climb the famous switchbacks of the Ghisallo Pass, a historic cycling road. On the battery-assisted ascent, the tour takes you to several beautiful vista stops to see the beauty of Bellagio from above. Your guide will share history of the land, the region and the people. Culinary Delights: Three Tasting Stops Bellagio is famous for its delicious Italian cuisine. We have chosen three super local spots to give you a flavor for our local fare. Plan for breakfast at a local agriturismo in the magical forests above the lake. Then descend to a family-owned and constructed Baita that serves prosecco and super local meat and cheese. Finally we close with a pasta course at a restaurant with a view to brag about. Make sure to come hungry. And don’t worry, let us know of your allergies and food restrictions. We can accommodate gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and most allergies. This is Bellagio’s best fine-dining.
 A Family-Friendly Destination: Exploring Bellagio with Kids Bellagio is a safe and welcoming destination for families. The Bike It Bellagio Tasting Tour offers a family-friendly way to explore the town and its culinary offerings. The guided tours are suitable for all ages, with children under 25kg sitting in a child seat on an electric bike pedaled by mom or dad. We offer a shuttle up the mountain for kids who are able to manage the bike on roads, but don’t want to take on the initial steep ascent. This service is an extra and can be accommodated for on request.  What to Wear: Check the weather just the day before to understand what will really happen. We recommend www.3bmeteo.com. It’s never a bad idea to have a rain jacket just in case. Temperatures can change as you get higher, so the rain jacket can serve as a layer when you’re higher up and when you descend and feel the wind chill especially in the Spring and Fall months. Capturing the Beauty: Photo Spots and Views Bellagio is a photographer's paradise and has become an Instagram/TikTok phenomenon. We’ll show you some hidden viewing points that the average Bellagio visitor just doesn’t reach. See the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Bellagio ferries and the alp mountains from up high. Join us on this day trip adventure to experience a different and more local flavor of Lake Como and Bellagio. Meet local hosts, and experience the culture and tastes that make this the special place that we are proud of. Make your reservation today.  By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide Are you wondering what the weather is like on Lake Como? It’s a matter of safety to be prepared for the elements when you are out on the bike. Here is the quick and dirty on riding and the weather throughout the year in Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna, the heart of Lake Como. We recommend checking the weather only 2-3 days in advance and always looking at the hour-by-hour forecast. While it may rain on any given day, the rain can be consolidated to just a few hours of the day, leaving plenty of time for a beautiful ride. Our tool of choice is www.3bmeteo.com. In our experience it offers the most accurate weather predictions. The mountains have their own weather patterns, so it can be important to not only check the location where you are starting, but also some of the towns that you are going through; the highest point of your ride can be a good location to check as the temperature can differ substantially from a spot right at lake level to a town 1000 meters up. The shop is open March through November, the most visited months of the year, but the lake is bikeable year round if you plan to have the right gear. Our bike rental service is available upon request in the off-season. Here is an attempt at the month-by-month weather: March – By mid march there is a chill in the air in the morning, but afternoons are really starting to feel like spring. Layers are critical if you’re taking on local climbs – bring a long sleeve jersey, wind layer, a buff and gloves. Hopefully you don’t need them, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have them. Average High 15* (60*F) Average Low 5* (42*F) April – Spring has arrived, and with it, warning of showers. If it rains it usually won’t last all day, so you can be strategic in planning the timing of your ride. If there is any rain in the forecast make sure you have a rain layer with you. We recommend short and long sleeve jersey, rain layer, buff and gloves. Average High 18* (64*F) Average Low 8* (46*F)   May –It’s a great time of year to be on Lake Como. Sometimes there can still be rainy days, but again, it usually won’t last all day, so be strategic with timing and you’ll be able to ride almost every day. We recommend short sleeve jersey, rain layer, and gilet. Bring a long sleeve jersey just in case. Some mornings you may want it. By the end of the month you should be able to head for the highest local passes (San Marco, Stelvio, and Splugen) but keep in mind that they will still have snow up there, so generous layers are still necessary. Average High 23* (73*F) Average Low 12* (54*F) June - It’s heating up on Lake Como, but there can still be some swings in weather. Some mornings are fresh still. Having a wind layer for morning descents is a good idea. We have a great selection of Gilets and some Nalini long sleeve wind layers. Don’t forget your sunscreen – the sun is deceptively strong. Average High 27* (80*F) Average Low 16* (60*F) July – It’s hot on the lake in July. Make sure you have an extra water bottle. All Bike It! road bikes are fitted with two water bottle holders. You can find water in most town centers, near churches and cemeteries, but it’s good to be prepared. We also sell gels, and isotonic tablets to refuel those electrolytes and sugars as you go. Don’t forget sunscreen. Average High 29* (85*F) Average Low 18* (65*F) August – The heat continues and humidity comes in August. This means that you should plan to end every ride with a glorious swim in the lake! Don’t miss it. Be prepared with water bottles, electrolytes, and sunscreen, and you’ll have a great day. Average High 29* (85*F) Average Low 18* (64*F) September – The cool of fall is arriving but not too fast. September feels like summer with a little bit of relief from the heat. Enjoy one of the top months for riding on the lake. Bring a dry underlayer to change when you reach the peak, and a gilet is always smart to have in your back pocket. Average High 23* (73*F) Average Low 14* (59*F) October – It’s chestnut season and you can find gatherers on the switchbacks as you climb our remote hills. Most days you’ll be fine in short sleeve gear, but having your gilet and long sleeve handy will keep you safe and comfortable on bigger descents and in shady areas. Always carry gloves and buffs just in case Average High 17* (62*F) Average Low 10* (50*F) November – And welcome back to the chill. You can still get epic rides in November, but always be prepared; long sleeve, wind layer, gloves, buffs, etc. Be safe is our motto. Average High 12* (53*F) Average Low 5* (41*F) December, January, February Many locals ride year-round. The highest passes aren’t accessible, but much of our terrain still remains in reach. Like with ski-touring, you must be prepared with layers. Bring a fresh bottom layer so you can take off sweaty layers when you get to the top. Then you’ll be so much more comfortable for chilly descents. A winter jersey layer, gilet, gloves, and a buff (or two) will all put you in a great position for year round riding on Como. Be aware of the snow line and plan your routes accordingly. Average High 8* (47*F) Average Low 2* (36*F) Represent the Bike It! team – buy from our selection of summer and spring/fall gear. Explore both our team jerseys and Bianchi specific gear.  A beautiful, February riding day! By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide Looking for a way to spend the day with the family while you’re staying in Bellagio, Menaggio or Varenna? Why not bike between two of Northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes? The Pedalata a Porlezza route is perfect for families. Our ebikes will get you up the modest hills as you navigate bike paths and secondary roads, passing through small towns, beautiful farmlands, smaller lakes and campgrounds.
The entire route, enjoy beautiful views of the mountains, the lakes, and the valleys. Peak into the small neighborhoods above Menaggio and see locals living, and farming. The bike path offers shade and views of centuries old infrastructure. For the more adventurous, we offer a more ambitious route that climbs up switchbacks, to get high views of Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Look into Switzerland while standing in an old borgo (neighborhood). See the ferry passing below. Pass by super-local restaurants that are often visited by locals and Milanese. How do I Navigate? We offer custom guided tours of the Porlezza route. To make the best use of your day, we highly recommend a guided tour so that Bike It can take care of all of the details around navigating the ferry system and the tricky spots along the path. Our English-speaking guide can provide context for local history, the geography of the two lakes and interactions between the Italian and Swiss borders. They’ll even be able to recommend excellent restaurants if you want a lunch stop along the way. Email us to inquire about guide availability. Alternatively, you can self-navigate using one of our shop GPS units. For 15euro for the day it will provide great comfort that you are headed in the right direction on all of our local twists and turns. Can Kids Ride? We have several kids e-bikes available that can help your children make the ride. The 26" ebikes are best for kids 1.35m-1.55m while the 24" ebike is best for 1.25-1.45. For kids under 25kg, we can add a child seat to a T-type E-bike so that a parent can navigate the child while they sit comfortably. Kids helmets are available.
 Be Aware You’ll need to ride the ferry over to the west side of the lake to start this tour. The Cadenabbia ferry runs directly from Bellagio and takes just 10 minutes. When you arrive in Cadenabbia you will need to ride 2.5km on main road with moderate traffic to get to the start of the trail. If you prefer to minimize your time on the main road, then take the ferry to Menaggio and make it a part of your adventure. The ferry is scenic and comfortable since it gets great breeze. The Menaggio ferry stops in Varenna, so be sure to stay on until you get to Menaggio. The trail starts just 400 meters up the road from the ferry. Plan your ferry trips ahead of time to make sure you return to the shop before 6pm. Ferry Schedule. There is one spot early in the trail that is gravel. It can be challenging for some to navigate. It’s not far, just 300 meters, so it is totally okay to hop off your bike and walk your bike. Here is a quick lesson on the Walking Mode feature. We also recommend hopping off the bike on the descent. We’ve been warned that there are a few vines that can grow out into the path, some with prickers. They shouldn’t keep you from riding, but just keep an eye out. Book your bike rental and guide or gps today to ride between beautiful Lake Como and Lake Lugano.  By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide You’ve only got one day on the bike here at the center of Lake Como. From Bellagio you have access to the mountains above the town, and also to Menaggio and Varenna via the ferry system. You want to make the most of your day. What do you do? First, consider joining in on one of our Daily Tours. We have a top-notch staff that knows all of the local highlight spots. They’ll take you to the most beautiful vistas, share with you local history and lore, navigate without worry, and answer all of your questions. If you prefer a private experience, you can select your own course from our list of Custom Tours. Forbes Travel described our shop, “Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town.” See what else Forbes says about our guided tours. For those who want to self-navigate, there are a lot of ways to maximize the day. Find the group that describes you, and we have a recommendation (or 2) for you.  We want to have a good time on the e-bikes and see great vistas For families looking to stay off of the roads as much as possible, Pedalata a Porlezza is our top recommendation. Plan to get to the shop early because you’ll need to take the ferry across to Menaggio to start your ride. Our GPS will navigate you along the bike path and secondary roads past pastoral lands, small lakes, campgrounds, and all surrounded by the high Pre-Alp mountains. Finish your out trip at Lake Lugano with views of Switzerland for lunch and then return the same way or take a climb into the local high villages on secondary roads. Remember that you must be back at the shop by 6:00pm, so just keep an eye on the return ferry schedule. If you prefer to stay on our side of the lake (Bellagio), we have a short, medium and long option. No need to worry about ferries. Just take off from our shop and there are beautiful views the whole way, and many restaurants with views for excellent lunch stops:
 We are casual road cyclists Take advantage of our amazing fleet of road bikes and hit the open road on one of our Easy or Medium routes. Just pay attention to the elevation gain when you’re choosing. That, more than the distance, can be the determining factor in how your day goes. Some of our favorites;
 We are hard core road cyclists There is no shortage of hardcore rides. Come to the shop and tell our staff what you’re hoping for and we can guide you. But…
The trails are calling me If you prefer to get on the backroads and hit the trails, we can offer you track to navigate our local trails through our GPS rentals. All of our track is ranked easy, medium and hard.
  By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide You’re coming to Lake Como and staying in Varenna. If you’re looking for what to do while you’re there, consider spending a day with Bike It! Bellagio. Sign up for a custom tour, or equip yourself with one of our bikes to explore the area more broadly. Varenna is a colorful town tucked into the Pre-Alpine mountains around Lake Como. It is a main hub of the Lake Como ferry system with access to Menaggio and Bellagio directly on the car ferries that allow you to carry bikes. Our shop is just 25 minutes away – first a 15 minute ferry ride to Bellagio and then a 15-20 minute walk. For the ferry schedule visit: https://www.comoanditslake.com/timetableferryboats.htm Biking out of Varenna: Many of our favorite routes either start or finish in Varenna. Some highlight rides that can be done on the e-bike or road bike:
 Where to Eat:
The riding is epic just above Varenna and it allows you to reach the subtler side of Varenna, enjoying food stops off the beaten path. The area is known for rich mountain food. Here are places to eat that are in the hills above Varenna that are reachable by bike. Most of them are gluten free friendly:
How’s the Weather in Varenna: Varenna is bikeable almost year round, though climbing can be quite chilly from November to March. We even recommend bringing layers when you climb high year-round, given the mountainous climate. Check the forecast no more than 2 or 3 days in advance at www.3bmeteo.com. Getting to your Airbnb Perledo is a town that spans up the mountainside above Varenna. It has become a popular place to stay. But be careful, because you can find yourself walking up and down the hill. With a Bike It! Bellagio e-bike, your trips up and down are e-assisted and much faster. Use the bikes to navigate between town center and your stay easily and in style. We will happily deliver the bikes to your accommodations. Email us to inquire about the cost. How to get to Varenna:
by Casey Thompson © 2022 Bike It! BellagioThis year, Luca and I took our annual trip to the U.S. — October to late November—before we even closed our shop for the season. Grazie mille to Luca T. for working solo to keep the shop open and running for 2 weeks! Our first destination was St. George, UT, where I competed in the IM 70.3 Championships. From there we took a circuitous route back to Virginia (my home state) where my family lives, stopping in several places along the way. Luca has always wanted a cross-country experience, and it definitely lived up to his expectations. Our experience cemented the opinion that the U.S. is not only beautiful but truly huge, and we need to take additional routes to see even more in future trips. Here’s a summary of our trip and the cool places we rode and that we recommend!
We flew into Salt Lake City and made our way down to St. George over 2 days. We stopped in Cedar City for a warm-up ride and bike check, all was good! I definitely suffered from the altitude change for the first week or so of the trip, I wish we would have arrived a bit earlier to get adjusted. I also did a practice swim at the Sand Hollow Reservoir pre-race (my second favorite body of water for swimming, after Lake Como, of course.) and we did another small ride around Hurricane, UT. We loved the riding out here! Luca tried out the race course while I rested the day before the race. The 70.3 championship was the coolest race I’ve ever been a part of—impeccable organization and volunteers and a beautiful course. I also loved that the women’s and men’s races were separate days, so it was just women on the course on race day, what a feeling to be racing all together! The run is my weak point, and as usual I suffered through it, but I couldn’t have expected better, and I’m happy with how my day went. I was proud to be the only racer using a road bike without aerobars … thank you, Brivido, my amazing Bianchi Oltre XR4 for giving me a competitive edge, despite not having the aerobar advantage!  Biking along the South Rim
After the race we moved on to the Grand Canyon. Luca biked all the way from Jacob Lake Inn (a great place to stay with cabins and delicious cookies!) to the North Rim. The next day we drove to the South Rim and rode through the park. Although we enjoyed the wildness and serenity of the North Rim, the views along the South Rim were incredible, we had to keep stopping to take it all in! The next stop was Sedona, AZ. We were hosted by an awesome couple that we met this past summer. They kindly invited us to visit and experience some of the best mountainbiking there is—and indeed it was fantastic! We biked a few extremely fun, fast, and flowy rides in this desert heaven! We loved the Slim Shady Trail (also for the name) and Mescal Trail. We definitely want to return to Arizona and explore more. The opportunities seem endless, and this is the kind of riding that you cannot experience in Lake Como, where most of the trails are steep, arduous, and unmarked.
While in Sedona, we were told that we must bike Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. It was not part of our plan, but we weren’t too far, so we adjusted our plan. First, we drove to Tempe to visit one of my best friends. We changed it up for a day and hiked Flat Iron—now this was tough, but I’m sure it’s the best view you can get in the whole area. the next day we cycled Adero Canyon, enjoying more great AZ scenery and cacti. In Tucson we stayed with friends who were also up to doing Lemmon with us! We started this route early in the morning. I’m not a “long climber,” preferring rolling routes or short climbs, but thanks to the CLIMBR feature on the Hammerhead Karoo GPS (which both Luca and I use now), I was able to make it through and be encouraged to keep going. Of course we could not pass up a stop at the cookie shack at the top for a quick refuel! I’ll remember the descent as one of the most fun I’ve ever done—it seemed endless (even more than the Stelvio), and the views going down were so cool, I can’t rave enough about this descent!
After Mt. Lemmon, we started driving East. We wanted to see White Sands National Park in New Mexico. We found a hostel in the small mountain town near Cloudcroft about 20 minutes from the park. Luca fell in love with this town. We were both exhausted, but the next morning we couldn’t resist a small ride to see what the area had to offer in terms of biking. We rode up to Cloudcroft (partly on a gravel road, which was killer after Lemmon) and looped back down for a 25km loop. We talked to some locals who confirmed the area is perfect for cyclists of all types of bikes: road, gravel, mtb. This area also offered the added bonus of altitude training—we were above 2000m the entire time! Luca absolutely wants to return to that area. We visited White Sands that afternoon, and it was one of the most unique parks we had been to, definitely worth a visit if you’re ever traveling nearby! Now it was time to get some driving done. We really wanted to ride in Texas or Oklahoma, but there just wasn’t time (next trip!). After stopping at the Heart of the Desert Pistachio Farm on the way out (great farm and store!), we essentially drove the entire evening and next day until we reached Little Rock, AR. We went for a ride, of course. We found a nice loop on the wine roads outside of the city to shake out our legs before heading to Memphis to visit a college friend and her husband! Our favorite non-biking part of the trip: visiting Graceland, home of the King! We were already huge Elvis fans, but after visiting the Mansion and the several exhibits on Elvis and his life, we are even more appreciative and inspired by his talent. We were quite impressed by how much everyone (locals, family, other celebrities) really loved Elvis and how much he was able to accomplish in his career before his unfortunate death (or is he still out there?)
Memphis as a city also exceeded our expectations. My friend’s husband is a cyclist so he took us on one of the classic rides outside the city. The next stop was Alabama. We hadn’t had enough of the Elvis experience, so while en route, we stopped at his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, another great, small museum that exhibited the impact Elvis had and his legendary status. In Alabama we stayed with another great friend and her family. We enjoyed the “Friendsgiving” she was hosting and also a small ride in the area. Many people are surprised when I tell them that riding around Birmingham is tough! Lots of punchy, steep, small hills, nothing flat whatsoever! On our way out of AL to NC, we stopped in the Talladega Forest to climb to the highest point in the state. This was another really cool (and tough ride), it would be neat to bike through the entire park one day.
We wanted to finish our trip with Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak and paved road east of the Mississippi. It seemed we were a day late, as the cold front came in, and it poured rain the entire day, with dropping temperatures from what we were used to and prepared for. Luckily we had planned a two-night stay in Marion, N,C anticipating our exhaustion after the ride. We decided to give the following day a chance and our Airbnb hosts kindly let us check out late so we could do what we came to do—conquer the climb! Climbing Mt. Mitchell was also a must for us as we had some “unfinished business” on the mountain. (About 8.5 years ago, on Luca’s first trip to the U.S., I wanted to take him on this epic mountain hike. It rained almost the entire time, we didn’t have the right attire, and there was no view at the top.. When we returned to our car, we found a note stating that we couldn’t be there because the park was closed--oops. While trying to leave the park, we found the gate closed. Luckily, a nice sheriff found us and opened the gate for us to leave the parkway, without giving us any fine (thank you, sheriff!). This fall gave us an opportunity to bike the mountain in better weather conditions, though it was still very cold, given the previous day’s rain, in the 20s the entire ride, but we made it! Mission accomplished. Mt. Lemmon proved to be a great training ride for Mt. Mitchell, we definitely think that Mitchell is more challenging!
We enjoyed our last BBQ sandwiches of the trip and made our way to Richmond for the night, staying with, yes, another college friend and training buddy at the time. We finally arrived in Williamsburg, VA, where we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. We got in a few rides in Williamsburg too. Although tiring, we enjoyed the cross-country driving experience and biking in many new places. There’s always more time in the day needed and so much to see, we will probably do it again someday! Thank you so much to our friends and family who hosted us and to those who gave us suggestions on where to ride and stay along the way. This trip wouldn’t have possible without you all, and we really appreciate it! You may already be familiar with some our road biking routes from Varenna, like the famous Into the Wild and Valsassina: Valley of Cheese routes. However, nearly all of our new routes are partially or for the most part off-road! The famous climb to Passo Agueglio at 1,173m a.s.l. begins just across the street from the Varenna ferry, and the entire climb can be done on the road or mostly trail. The view from the top (and on the way) is one of the best on Lake Como, definitely worth the climb!  The view from Passo Agueglio, a 16km climb that starts right across from the Varenna ferry station. Our new biking routes range from easy to epic in terms of technical difficulty. All of the routes are difficult in terms of elevation gain given the mountainous terrain, so for this reason we recommend renting an Electric MTB unless you are used to riding frequently in the mountains! Check out our new routes from our E-MTB/MTB routes page.
Hike It!
Did you know that some of the best hiking itineraries can also be found on the Lake Como's Eastern branch? There is even the famous Sentiero del Viandante or "Wayfarer's trail" that runs from Lecco all the way to Colico at the top of Lake Como, with consistent views of the lake from above. We recommend taking a day to hike part of this trail, we have divided it into 5 sections, each part is equally as beautiful and easy to reach to start/finish where you like given the Train line that also runs from Lecco to Colico. Gabriele is also a certified hiking guide. Contact us to reserve a guided hiking tour on this famous trail!  The Bike It! Team at the highest viewpoint of our Scenic Route 65 Tour: Luca, Julia, Gabriele, Casey by Casey Thompson © 2021 Bike It! Bellagio, photos by Federica Roselli Photography
With the frame updates and disc brake addition from the classic Specialissima, we're happy to say that the new Specialissima's soul remains unchanged: it's just as quick, reactive, and comfortable, thanks to Bianchi's CV (Countervail) vibration-eliminating technology and the minor frame changes to become more aero (overall the bike still maintains its "classic" look). When descending, the disc brakes of course offer more confidence and security, but the bike itself has proved to be even more fluid and easier to control downhill that it comes naturally when riding. The classic Specialissima could sometimes feel even too light beneath your body (especially with a pair of ultralight wheels), but now the new disc version gives you a safer, more grounded feeling on the descents.
If you're a climber by nature, the Specialissima Disc is the bike that will allow you to enjoy the climb and feel quick (just like the classic Specialissima, it's predecessor). It accelerates with you and your climbing rhythm, helping you reach the top and perform as you desire and with less effort. The perfect ride to try out the Specialissima Disc this summer is the Ghisallo & Muro di Sormano route from Bellagio or our Into the Wild route from Varenna. Get ready to ride Bianchi's top steed at top speed! Reserve your Specialissima! 
 The beginning of the Maloja pass by Casey Thompson © 2020 Bike It! Bellagio Luca told me that many years ago he and his brother, Fabio, rode from their home to Livigno, and ever since this has been one of my dream rides, to go from Lake Como to the heart of the Alps over three major passes. It was a last-minute decision the other day, and it was a great last-minute decision! Luca's mother, aunt, and life-long family friend were going to Livigno to do some duty-free shopping, so we took advantage of their trip to Livigno for a ride back home, grazie mille to them! Bormio, which we talked about in a previous blog as another popular cycling destination, especially known for being a starting point for the Stelvio and Gavia passes. Livigno is just about an hour drive from Bormio, and we've taken our cyclists there on a few of our trips, either as part of a ride or as a rest day excursion to explore this interesting, picturesque, rather big town, nestled in the middle of the alps at nearly 2000m a.s.l. Many pro teams and pro athletes go to Livigno and its vicinity for altitude training and for the many long and arduous passes. We actually dropped off some material to the Bahrein McLaren team for Fabio on the way out, we didn't see the team though because they were still out on their long ride for the week. It was already 16:30, so I imagine it must have been a long ride! Our ride was 140km. We started in Varenna and had nearly a 50km, rather flat warm-up, before starting the Maloja pass which is 30km long! The first half wasn't especially challenging in terms of elevation, easy gradients and such, with beautiful vistas and a border crossing into Switzerland. I've never seen so many water fountains along a climb so we stopped at a few for some ice could mountain water--very refreshing. The second half was pretty cool, consisting of some tight switchbacks, and with each turn we got a higher view of the valley and the many cows grazing on the steep slopes. Those cows have some impressive balance!
After the Maloja pass, we had another flat 20km or so in the valley to St. Moritz (a very famous and elite outdoor destination!), and then the climb to the Bernina Pass began. I had done this climb before on one of our trips, but this time it was much harder due to an intense headwind the whole way ... but we made it! Then we had just a nearly 3km climb left to the Forcola Pass and a long, rewarding descent to Livigno. After climbing nearly all day, it was well deserved to finally descend.
Time for immediate celebration! We quickly got to one of our favorite restaurants, La Piöda, before it closed for lunch. We enjoyed a big plate of pizzocheri and sciatt--2 local specialties. Then of course, knowing me, a trip to the Latteria di Livigno is a MUST for a huge bowl (or two) of gelato.
Next time, we will attempt the ride back home, but from Bormio to make a nice loop, although that would include two more passes from Livigno to Bormio, after Bormio it's nearly all downhill along the Valtellina cycle path to Lake Como!
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AddressVia Valassina 103 Bellagio, Italy 22021
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Phone+39 334 975 1604
SHOP HOURS9:00-18:00
Cancellation policyTax ID/P..Iva 03707810135
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Shop shuttleDaily from Bellagio's town center, in front of Banca Intesa at 9:05 a.m., 9:20 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. *on reservation*.
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