But the romantic roads and mountains of Italy are not the exclusive domain of the pros. Italian-American cyclist Gianguido Jacoli returned to his roots last year, and gives us his personal recollection of a memorable week of riding in his homeland.

Written by Gianguido Jacoli

In the summer of 2007, a dream came true when I returned to my native Italy and rode in the Veneto area of the Dolomites with a group of Italian cyclists.

I reserved a room with the Italian Cycling Center (ICC) which has been running a cycling hotel in the Bassano area since 1985. The room was spartan but comfortable, and true to form in Italy, the meals were outstanding.

I chose not to bring my own bike and rent instead one from a nearby bike shop. The bike, a top-of-the-line Giant, was beyond my expectations, and the center provided the cyclists access to a fully equipped garage, where I kept the bike after my daily rides.

On the third day I decided to climb Monte Grappa, an arduous 16 mile climb just 15 minutes from the hotel. On the fourth day I was introduced to the owner of a nearby bike shop. That meeting changed my rides, and my appreciation for this sport, in a very big way.

My ride with the bike shop owner was a very fast 60 miles of rollers at an exhausting 22 miles an hour average. I found out later that he had ridden on an Italian pro team in the late '70's. I wish I'd known that before he took me out on the road!

The following day he invited me to join a group of his friends for their Sunday group ride. This ride turned out to be an 80 miler, with many steep hills and long, winding descents. Because I was born in Italy, I speak fluent Italian, so not only did I enjoy this fantastic ride, but I enjoyed being in the company of this group very much.

To top off this day, we bumped into a professional climber near the end of the ride. We all rode back to the house of one of the riders. Here I chatted with the pro while enjoying a glass of homemade grappa..

On the last day at the center, I was taken by their private shuttle to climb Passo Rolle, a fitting end to a memorable week of cycling in the Dolomites.

Editor's note: For more information on the Italian Cycling Center, click here.