One of the best reasons for choosing a good bike hotel is their skill to show me the best their region has to offer - like routes, rides, food & drink that I simply could not find on my own. This ride (and subsequent wine tasting) never would have have happened without my guide from Garda Bike Hotel leading me on a relaxed ride through the hills of valpolicella and an even more relaxed stop at the Santa Maria Valverde winery.

As the 2019 Tour de France works its way into the Pyrenees and then the Alps next week; the 'Pez' himself, Richard Pestes has taken a look back at the impromptu BBQs he's happened upon while roadside. The Pez Grand Tour appreciation of the sausage... and bike racing.

Travel: Stage 18 of the 2019 Tour de France will climb the mighty Col du Galibier at 2645 meters altitude. I "rode" it back in 2017 - maybe better to say I hauled my carcass up it. Here's a glimpse of the climb as I get inside 3km to the summit. It really is epic and awe inspiring - a must do.

Travel: Italy, land of vino, pasta, Fausto Coppi and home of the ultimate retro-ride. L’Eroica, “the Heroic,” runs every October and of course PEZman Leslie Reissner had to join the lucky participants enjoying some fine weather, great food and some truly terrible roads on heavy bicycles with inappropriate gearing and lousy brakes. What could be better?

What have we learned from this year's Giro? Well, Italy has it all and should be on everyones ride bucket list, but maybe riding with Italians has different rules than other cultures. Corey Sar Fox takes us on one of his old winter routes that becomes something memorable when a stranger comes along. Usually you go looking for Top Rides, but sometimes they can find you.

Life with the Giro d'Italia: Peter Easton could guide you on a trip just about anywhere in the world. But Italy... well it's in his blood. As the 2019 Giro d'Italia is about to kick-off in Bologna with a tough 8.2 kilometer time trial, Peter gives us his take on the Italian spirit.

TRAVEL: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to cycle the famous cols in the Pyrenees? For 12 years Allan Reeves has led a leg-crushing and ego-boosting trip across the Pyrenees most famous peaks that spans 1000 miles and climbs 100,000 feet in 12 stages. Here's what riders can expect on this the trip of a lifetime with France From Inside cycling tours.

Most PEZ Readers know a bit about the 'bike hotel' concept, and many of you have enjoyed staying in one location, hospitality by gracious hosts who know the best rides, food and wine, all in a cycling dreamland like Italy. The Garda Bike Hotel was one of the first to cater to road cyclists, with over ten years experience, it's no wonder they've become THE place to stay at Lake Garda.

Any ride is generally a good ride but what separates a good ride from a Top Ride? Well usually it's the location but it could be your riding partner, your equipment or even the rest stops. This past summer our own Chris Selden discovered a truly top ride cycling in Piedmont in Italy where he had the perfect combination of everything.