I'm looking ahead to my big rides for 2017, and there's no better place to aim for than Italy. I've always loved the Ligurian Coast, and its mix of hills flats, sea-salt air and palm trees, and have logged many a top ride here - including this hilly jaunt over the Passo del Termine from Levanto.

With some much great riding here on the Ligurian Coast, I grabbed the bike again today for a closer look at the Giro d'Italia stage 4 from Chiavari to La Spezia, heading out from Levanto to climb the Passo del Termine and check out the roads above the famous Cinque Terre.

The 2015 Giro d'Italia starts in Liguria - one of my favorite regions of la bell'Italia. I've spent some quality time here and can attest the area is filled with excellent rides along the coast and into the mountains that define it. This ride from Levanto to Sestri Levante is a classic.

In a land of amazing food, and even more amazing people, there’s always one meal that stands out when I chase the Giro. These moments materialize when least expected, but remain stuck in my mind as one of life's truly 'good times'. This one involved a smoking grill, homemade wine, and being held against my will...

Best of PEZ: Ever since we’d pulled the trigger on the big family adventure of 2010 – heading to Italy for 6+ weeks of living ‘la dolce vita’, I’d had it in my mind to take Mrs. Pez to ‘Barolino’ in the tiny town of Levanto on Italy’s Ligurian coast, to meet my new best bud Marco.

I had it in mind to take Mrs. Pez to ‘Barolino’ in the tiny town of Levanto on Italy’s Ligurian coast, to meet my new best bud Marco, ever since we’d pulled the trigger on the big family adventure of 2010 – heading to Italy for 6+ weeks of living ‘la dolce vita’.

After any adventure to cover the great races of our sport, there’s always one story I can’t wait to write – about an experience so amazing, that it must be shared – with as many people as possible. The telling and retelling takes me back to a moment that passed all too quickly, but left an impression that both surprised me by its intensity, and also restored some faith in human nature.