Come along on the tour of the LeoVince factory. See the video >
Join us as we tour the Spidi factory. See the video >
December 3, 2011
Joanne Donn
Giving my last thanks and goodbyes to the CWIA.
*sigh* It went by way too fast!
November 30, 2011
Matt Stewart
Cycle World Italian Adventure Wrap Up
November 22, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
Thanks to Cycle World, Leo Vince, and Spidi for an awesome Italian Adventure. See the video >
November 14, 2011
Matt Stewart
SPIDI: Masters of Rider Safety & Comfort
I’m a data lover – borderline geek. The numbers intrigue me, give me direction, and help me make decisions with sound backing. It’s not the only part of my decision making, but it is a significant factor. SPIDI, located in Vicenza, Italy, uses data – lots of it – analyzing every nuance of testing results, both lab and real world, to assure they provide motorcyclists with the highest level of protection and comfort when wearing their products. They’re also fabulous hosts.
After leaving the EICMA show on Sunday afternoon, Alessandro, part of SPIDI’s marketing department, arrived at our hotel in Milan in a gargantuan Mercedes-Benz passenger van to take us to Vicenza for a tour of their facility the following morning. Little did we know how lucky it was that he brought the M-B. Read more >
November 14, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
I am a big fan of SPIDI gear and I’m not just saying that because they treated us to an amazing day at their factory in Italy and hooked us up with a custom jacket. I actually used a SPIDI jacket on a ride around the world and returned home very impressed with how it held up so I have first hand experience with brand beyond our tour of their headquarters. After getting an inside look at the how they build their clothing it’s no wonder I was so happy. Everything at SPIDI is first class. Read more >
November 14, 2011
Joanne Donn
Day 5, Spidi
Spidi is the #2 gear manufacturer in Italy, right behind Dainese.
I had no idea what to expect when the CW team told us that we would be meeting Spidi and taking a tour of their operations. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. I feel like the day flew by so quickly, I had no time to ask the list of questions I had prepared in my head.
For me, this was a dream come true. To visit an apparel manufacturer that made motorcycle gear with the specific purpose to protect me and my fellow riders. Read more and view photos >
November 13, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
I used to make fun of the women in my life for excessive window shopping. With no intent on making a purchase they can occupy their minds for hours just wandering around and dreaming. I’ll have to stop that now or risk being a hypocrite because I just spent the last week in Italy doing just that. It turns out so did 500,000 other motorcycle enthusiasts who attended the EICMA show in Milan this year. Aside from waffles with Nuttela you can’t really buy anything at the show, purchasing is not the point. The point is to dream. Really that’s it. Read more >
November 13, 2011
Joanne Donn
Day 3-4 of 6, EICMA
People. Bikes. People. Bikes.
Today was the first day at EICMA. It’s impossible to describe how large and exciting it is. It’s obvious that the Italians LOVE motorcycles. It’s ingrained into their lifestyles and relationships.
You can tell that ALL men in Italy grow up with an instinctual lust for all things moto. It’s definitely one thing I envy about Italy. I wish Americans were this enthusiastic about two wheels. Hopefully someday, we’ll get there too. Read more, view photos and see the videos>
November 12-13, 2011
Matt Stewart
EICMA Motorcycle Show – Milan, Italy
What a revelation the past two days have been attending the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. I knew that there were people like me in the States who loved motorcycling. I never realized how much people in Italy (and certainly others from Europe) love it. EICMA has had over 500,000 attendees attend show in prior years. They expected at least the same from this year’s show. I’m thinking that they may have reached that number easily from what I experienced. Read more and view photos >
November 12, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
ECIMA Day One
Looking for a shiny new bike but don’t have the coin for a new MV Agusta? Start with a “Londa”, not a Honda but it looks darn close. Add some “Frembos” yes they are real titanium. Slap on some “Funlops” and your ready for the road. Your neighbors will never know the difference. Will it work? Probably, but you’ll know for sure the first time you grab a handle full of breaks. Let me know how it goes, I’ll be sticking to the real stuff. Beringer, Brembo, and anything from Rizoma will suit me fine. All of that and more is here at the ECIMA show in Milan. In fact, the sheer volume of booths and people is daunting. 500,000 gawking motociclistas will pass through here during the course of week. It’s hard to move around, let alone get a photo with out an arm or leg in the shot. The fight for brand attention seems to be won by those with the biggest booth, hottest supermodel, or loudest fashion show. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Read more >
November 11, 2011
Matt Stewart
Day 2 – Learning Why Leo Vince One of the Industry’s Best Companies
I could never have anticipated how much I would learn about Leo Vince company, and the family behind the Sito Group of which they are a part. Today was one I won’t forget because I feel I made friends with some of Italy’s most considerate, hard-working, and endearing people.
We checked out of our king’s quarters in the Santa Vittoria di Alba castle this morning, hoping to return someday to its most welcoming grounds, restaurants, and rooms. After a short drive down the hill, we were soon at Leo Vince’s facility in Monticello d’Alba. We were welcomed warmly, and after meeting several of the staff and engineers, as well as enjoying coffee, cappuccino, and chocolate, we began a tour of the facility. Read more and view photos >
November 11, 2011
Joanne Donn
This day was definitely not what I expected; in a great, amazing and wonderful way.
I thought we’d just be strolling through the Leo Vince factory and then shuttled off for a quick lunch and then drive into downtown Milan.
That was definitely not the case. Our hosts at Leo Vince not only took us through the entire factory, step by step in terms of what it takes to produce an exhaust system, but they hosted the most amazing lunch I’ve ever had. Can you say truffles? Read more, see the
video blog and photos >
November 11, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
It’s 1pm and there is not a soul in the factory. The presses have stopped punching, the welders have dialed back the torches and the cad machines lay motionless. There are endless rows of exhaust cans hanging from the rafters, bins full of brackets and half assembled bikes waiting on lifts. This is not an abandoned facility succumbed to a struggling motorcycle industry. This is the Leo Vince factory in Monticello Italy, at lunch. Read more and see the videos >
November 10, 2011
Matt Stewart
ITALY, WE’RE THERE
It’s been nearly 9-1/2 hours since I arrived in Italy, and already my expectations have been exceeded. Firstly, the flight was not bad at all. I even got a few minutes of sleep. My bag wasn’t lost or destroyed, and I don’t feel completely like I’ve been run through a “Fargo” shredder. The ride to the hotel in Santa Vittoria di Alba was famously picturesque, even though it was quite smoggy. Read more, see video and photos >
November 10, 2011
Joanne Donn
Day 1 of 6. Check!
My day started at 630am on Nov. 9, with a flight from SFO to Atlanta, GA. Luckily, I was able to make my flight even though I woke up an hour late and went to the international instead of domestic terminal. Whoops.
After getting to Atlanta, I met up with my two co-contributors, Justin and Matt. We then flew all night to Milan, landing on Thursday morning at 9am, local time. Read more, see video and photos >
November 11, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
Video Blog >
November 10, 2011
Matt Stewart
What an amazing day so far. Even with a pretty good case of jet lag, I'm on an Italian high (the motorcycling part begins tomorrow). We arrived in Milan at 9:00 a.m., luggage made it undamaged, and we were off to the Alba valley. The drive on the autostrada and through the towns on the smaller roads (some intentional, others not so much) brought back so many great memories of this beautiful part of the world. Tomorrow we will be touring Leo Vince's facility and then traveling to Milan to get ready to report on the EICMA show. The view from the castle/hotel is unbelievable, and the rooms are very quaint - a fantastic start of the "Cycle World" Italian Adventure. Read More >
November 8, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
There is a lot to be said for old world charm and the inspiration it conjures in those of us who don’t live with it daily. As I write, the sun is setting over the Alps to my back while hillsides of vineyards soak in the last few minutes of day light.
It would take a much better storyteller then me to artfully describe how our first day in Italy has gone but I’ll give it a shot. For starters, I don’t think I have had such an easy flight oversees. I changed my seat number four times at the automated kiosk in Denver and I’m glad I did. Empty seats on either side made my humble coach class tickets better then any $80.00 dollar upgrade Delta could offer. There’s no shame in curling up across an entire isle on another wise full flight is there? Read More >
November 9, 2011
Matt Stewart
Well, I made it to the airport and through the long security line without any delays. Italy is on the news for all the wrong reasons. Rather than report on their bond rate, CNN should be talking about the EICMA show, or at least the fact that Joanne Donn, Justin Bradshaw, and I will be arriving their soon, anxious to bathe in the glow of an Italian celebration of motorcycling! My top 3 "can't wait to's" are: 1) Meet my co-guest contributors and the staff of "Cycle World"; 2) Drive and walk through the beauty of Italy's countryside; and 3) Do my best to make sure everyone following us on FB, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and the "CW" blog feels as much a part of the adventure as possible. Join us here on our FB page and at www.cycleworlditalianadventure.com. While the flights are long, the reward is going to be HUGE. Read More >
November 8, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
Bring on the cappuccinos, castles, vineyards, pasta, gelato, exotic moto hardware and whatever else you crazy Italians can throw at me. I am armed and ready to shamelessly broadcast my exploits to whoever will listen. If I can’t figure it out with an I-Phone, I-Pad, MacBook, Contour camera and digital point and shoot then you’ll just have to wait for me to return with my disposable cameras. Don’t worry I’m tight with the photo guy at Costco. Read More >
November 2, 2011
Team Cycle World
Team Cycle World is getting excited for our trip to Italy next week…..what to pack, what to wear, what are we gonna eat, etc…….Can't wait to get on that plane and see everything in Milan!!
Follow everything that happens on www.cycleworlditalianadventure.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cycle-World-Italian-Adventure/110281479080339
November 1, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
I spent 25 straight hours driving back to Colorado from Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama last weekend. 1500 miles listening to XM radio and thinking partially about how awesome Barber is and partially about going to Italy next week with Cycle World. The more I thought about the trip the more excited I got which is weird because it occurred to me that this adventure involves no riding whatsoever. So what’s there to be so excited about? Read More >
October 31, 2011
Matt Stewart
Never Go to Italy Without Them
I've mentioned before that being part of the Cycle World Italian Adventure won't be my first time visiting Italy. Twice before I've lived La Vita Bella, and both times I realized that what I'd packed to use while in Italy didn't matter much. Nothing I brought made my time there any more exhilarating - Italy needs no such help. What does make a difference is what I pack to use on my way there. Read More >
October 29, 2011
Matt Stewart
Can I Stay an Extra Week to See it All?
If you haven't taken a look at the EICMA 2011 website yet, you need to check it out - http://www.eicma.it/en. Apparently my perception of how big this show is was nowhere near reality. I'm going to have to be very selective at which booths I spend any amount of time at, or I'll never come close to seeing it all. Read More >
October 26, 2011
Joanne Donn
What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Italy?
In one word, Everything.
I’ve never been to Italy and have always wanted to go. I’ve only been to Spain and France and those were one of the most amazing travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Italy has such a rich history and culture, including love, war and everything in between. I’m a secret archaeology junky and love absorbing everything I can about ancient cultures, relics and the like. Whenever a show on the History channel pops up about anything related to ancient civilizations or archaeological expeditions, I always pause to watch for a quick history lesson. I’m fascinated by the way ancient cultures lived and how different their lives must have been. Read More >
October 25, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
I’m not a wino but I could be convinced. I helped sponsor a good buddy of mine in his Dakar race effort this year and one of his main sponsors sent me some wine as a gift. It was a nice gesture and it got me thinking about sipping a few glasses on the Cycle World Italian Adventure. One of my fondest memories on any trip seems to be eating and drinking. Not sure what it is about food and wine that ties those memories together but flavors, scents and camaraderie of a meal do wonders for my retrospection. In fact just thinking about it now is doing wonders toward my anticipation of this trip. Good food, fine wine and few conversations about motorcycles, yeah I’m getting pretty psyched.
This Italian Adventure, courtesy of Cycle World, is taking over my world! It’s been a long time since anything has monopolized my attention like preparing for this has. Unlike some commitments I’ve had in the past, I like being monopolized by the chance to be a contributor to a magazine I love – something I’ve wanted to do for many years - in a place I’ve already learned to love.
The first time I traveled to Italy, it took only a few days before I grew to love the country and its people, and I can’t imagine that love ever being uprooted. Even when faced with the impossible task of getting someone in a caffé to help in contacting our car rental company to come collect what was left of their new, but decidedly used-up, Alfa Romeo, the Italian people showed me their best – a woman sheepishly acknowledged that she spoke some French, which was the best Italian I could muster. Not once did anyone seem put out but my attempts to communicate and beg their help. They were cordial to a fault. Read More >
October 24, 2011
Justin Bradshaw
I got the preliminary itinerary for the Italian Adventure trip yesterday. The CW crew sure knows how to treat us right. Staying in a castle night one, sweet. Getting pretty jazzed for Milan. Never been but my wife tells my I can get good shoes. Ha, not sure shoes shopping is at the top of my list but I’ll probably shoot her some photos of riding boots so she knows I’m open minded. Speaking of lists, it seems like you need one of those just to wrap your head around the EICMA show. I checked out the official EICMA website today http://www.eicma.it/en - impressive. Going to be a whirl wind no doubt but I can only think of one or two other things I’d rather be doing. Not sure Ben would let me ride his GP bike so that’s off the list. Milan it is.
October 25, 2011
Team Cycle World
You can follow every step of our Cycle World Italian Adventure participants as they travel to the EICMA show in Milan and two very special tours in Italy!!
October 20, 2011
Joanne Donn
Hello EICMA. See you in Milan!
I recently submitted my application to Cycle World's Italian Adventure program to go to Milan (attend the EICMA 2011 Show -69th International Motorcycle Exhibition)……
I believe I'll be leaving on November 9th, returning on the 15th. Just in time to celebrate my birthday on the 16th.
Presumably, on my last day in Italy, I'll be taken on two factory tours of a couple major motorcycle manufacturers. I haven't been told who these mysterious manufacturers are, but I'm going to place my bets that it's Ducati and MV Agusta. Unfortunately I won't be doing any riding, just attending the EICMA show and the tours. How will I ever survive? Read more >
October 18, 2011
Team Cycle World
Here are our three Cycle World Italian Adventure participants:
#1 Matt Stewart from Springville, Utah – Read more >
#2 Joanne Donn from San Francisco, California – Read more >
#3 Justin Bradshaw from Eagle, Colorado – Read more >
October 17, 2011
Team Cycle World
October 15, 2011
Team Cycle World
Wow we can’t believe how many great applications we got for our Cycle World Italian Adventure Program. It was super-tough but we have chosen our three participants for this amazing adventure. Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit an application.