Italia

For all emergencies call: 113

For medical assistance: 118 (although if you call the 113 they will transfer you to the medical emergency line)

For all 'public service' numbers you might need, check out:

http://www.paginebianche.it/numeriutili.html

Have fun.

That's a powerful reply Pete! I really appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

When cycling I always keep a note with my name, adress, etc. in my shirt. Just in case... I also want to write down the ambulance number. If my Italian is well enough I understand that it's "servizio gratuito", just like here in The Netherlands. Handy if you're calling from a public phone.

Ciao bello, Frank.

No problemo Frank. For future reference, go on down to your local health office (or whatever its called) and get a form E111 filled out (again, or whatevere its called). With that you can go anywhere in the EU and be treated just as any old local citizen, no risk of being charged for what a local would get free.

And yes, any of the 'public utility' numbers are free, and will be handled as such by all phones (public coin ones, or whatever roaming you are on).

Happy riding! Let us have a report when you are back!

Oh, and thank you. Yes I am Bello. 😄

Hi,

Well I am more than willing to give all the information I possibly can, but I am not someone who is good at writing a report of my own holiday. It 'll become something like ".....day 3, good mood, Passo di Pennes, long climb, nice views, next mountain, etc, etc, day 4......". In other words I am known to write really dull telegram style holiday reports.

If you want to know something about cycling the dolomiti, don't hesitate to ask. Last year I did exactly the same Enduro. Last year I also did an Enduro from Potenza all through the Apenines towards Firenze (passing Roma). Especialy around Guilianova at the Adriatic it's nice and of course the Campo Imperatore (Musulini's jail). I can put a brief version of the route on the net, if you like it.

I have been cycling in the Swiss and French Alpes very often, but I might prefer the Dolomiti now. It's a bit more crowded. Italians and cars is a pretty dangerous combination, but I consider the Sella round the most beautiful cycle trip I ever made. I haven't done the Stelvio and the Gavia yet. I am very eager to do those as well. Also the Mortirolo is on my list.

Are you an American living in Roma? I am Dutch, used to work for an American shipping company building cruise ships at Fincantieri shipyard. I lived in Mestre, Lido di Jesolo (Venezia) and Trieste.

Regards, Frank.

No, no no no. I am an Italian living in Rome. Work for the United Nations.

As a wee young lad I rode the Alps (Mont Cenis, Izoard, Iseran), but since starting up again in the sport last summer (in between? marriage, the tomb of the bicycle 😉 ) I have not had the shape and form to climb.

I would love to see any and all information of the kinds of rides you have done here in the homeland! I am absolutely terrified of the Dolomites (Tre Cime!) but dream of riding them. And must do the Stelvio, as all Italian riders!

I am also becoming tempted by mountain biking, but of course, have neglected to mention that as an X-mas present to myself I would like to spend a few thousand euro on an MTB... 😄

Powerful Pete said:

No, no no no. I am an Italian living in Rome. Work for the United Nations.

Looks like we have a proud Italian here (haha). Yes, your English was so good... I have been in Civitta Vechia (the port of Rome), but just for job purposes. It looks like a nice place to go cycling there.

Yep! The Stelvio, the number one on my list too. (The Nothern side climb of course). Maybe this summer. I am planning to rent a car in Bolzano, drive towards Spondigna, do the Stelvio and the Gavia all the way down to Ponto di Legno and then return to Spondigna. My only chance is the restday of the Cyclo Sportive event I am doing. If I don't feel strong or if the weather isn't good I don't do it. If I do, I'll let you know. At the moment I am quite busy preparing my trip (printing mountain profiles etc.). When I return I'll put the route on this thread.

Ciao, Frank.

p.s. Nice bike De Rosa and campa Chorus.

Well, best of luck on your 'active' vacation and on the Stelvio! Do let us know how it goes!