Negroni Week on PEZ wouldn't be complete without homage to a true maestro of mixology. I speak only of Marco - proprietor of the legendary Barolino in Levanto Italy.  I vowed after first discovering his bar at the 2009 Giro to return one day with Mrs. Pez - and order two of his finest Negronis.

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.

This Spring I spent 6 weeks in Italy – travelling with family, soaking up the culture, and even doing some bike riding. While staying on the Ligurian Coast, I entered a bike race in our town of Cavi di Lavagna… and saw with my own eyes, legs, and lungs, that even at 47 years old, my career is just starting.