A'qto Cycling in Middle Park, Victoria | Travel company

A'qto Cycling

Locality: Middle Park, Victoria

Phone: +61 410 651 573

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24.01.2022 Then the Giro arrived in Piemonte. Starting in the town of Alba, the home of white truffle, and traversing the stunning nebbiolo laden hills of the Langhe wine region in all its Autumn glory, today’s stage brings back very special memories; of our Giro Tour of 2018 where we watched the race through this spectacular region, to our own Tours of Piemonte in June and October 2019, taking us from the heat of summer to the golden colours of Autumn and harvest. Piemonte is a cycling paradise and we love hosting tours here each year. Cin cin to riding, eating and drinking Piemontese style as tonight we enjoy our final Giro wine, our Barbera d’Asti, in honour of the race finish town on Stage 19, along with delicious Ravioli del Plin. https://www.aqtocycling.com/tours/coppi-gran-fondo/

24.01.2022 The colours of the Fiat 500. Since 1936, this tiny classic car of iconic status has bobbed up and around Italy’s roads and rolling hills. Often seen these days as wedding cars and in vintage shows and events, when you do encounter them, they seem to always bring a smile to your face. We first hired one on our honeymoon in Tuscany as we explored the Chianti region. After getting past the fact that it felt like we were driving from the back seat and could only drive at around 40km/hour, we realised we wouldn’t be venturing too far but had a fun and romantic day out...we laughed a lot!

23.01.2022 Simplicity once again elevated to art. This beautifully preserved and pantographed Colnago paired with the iconic Campy C record. Italian perfection. #colnago #vintagesteel #steelisreal #campagnolo #eroica #oldschoolcool #aqtocycling

22.01.2022 When rolling past an intersection like this outside Daylesford, there's only one decision to be made: take it and follow the little yellow brick road to see where it leads us....or not. For us, it's an easy decision every time.... Too often we stick to the tried and tested path but when we throw the safety net aside and take a new road, a new hill and the unexpected, that's when we really get to enjoy the adventure. #adventure #gravel #roadlesstravelled #daylesford #cyclingandgourmetescape #asliceofitalyathome #cycling #aqtocycling

22.01.2022 Tuscany memory #7. The amazing people who join us on tour. We spend so much time in the lead up to our tours talking to guests that by the time we get to the tour, we feel like we already know each other. Then after 9 days on tour, these relationships develop further and often continue on for years to come. We are so incredibly fortunate to share the tour with so many great, likeminded people. In Tuscany, this experience is taken to another level as we share our home town in Chianti and our beautiful family and friends who welcome our guests with open arms.

22.01.2022 Tuscany memory #6. Sharing the experience with our non-riding partners. Hosting non-riding partners on tour and seeing the joy it brings for couples to share the experience of our tours, is definitely a highlight that creates many wonderful memories. From cooking classes and immersion experiences that involve learning the art of pecorino cheese making or olive oil production, to hikes in nature and sightseeing, our non riding partners enjoy a diverse cultural experience....so much so that often riders will enjoy a rest day off the bike to join in the fun of our special non-rider experiences. Being able to offer this flexibility on tour for riders makes for a great tour experience.

22.01.2022 Tuscany memory #4. The amazing cuisine. Whether we're picking fresh produce from the garden to enjoy as part of dinner in with our hosts, cooking the iconic Bistecca Fiorentina on charcoal for our guests, or enjoying dining out on an array of antipasti, pasta's and other favourites in the family run osteria's and restaurants personally selected by us, the food and wine experience on our Tuscany tour always comes back to seasonal, fresh, organic and locally grown. There is something very special about the freshness of produce and the intensity of flavours that makes up Tuscany's simple and rustic cuisine, and you get to enjoy it all on tour.

22.01.2022 Delicious, home made food and drinks are all part of the experience with us on tour. From salami and capocollo to marinated vegetables sott’olio, and to pasta’s featuring our home made tomato passata, it’s all just part of the authentic Italian experience.

21.01.2022 Whether in Italy or Australia, rolling with a group on roads you’ve never ridden before or have only ridden in certain seasons, can be filled with new challenges, different experiences but always adventure.

21.01.2022 Ride, Drink and Eat the Giro with us in October 2020 With the usual spring time slot for the Giro being delayed this year, the pro’s will now hit the streets of Palermo for an ITT to get Italy’s Grand Tour under way this Saturday, the 3rd of October 2020. In honour of the race, we have a program of activity through October that will feature a riding challenge for a range of levels, as well as highlighting 6 stages of the race and sharing some very local tastes and a vino from... the regions where each of our 6 stages pass. We have partnered with the good people of the Prince Wine Store, who have stores in both Sydney and Melbourne, to produce a 6-pack of wine that match our six feature Giro stages and regions. The pack is valued at $190, our special price for the 6-pack is $150.00. To see the full detail of the wine pack go to: http://www.princewinestore.com.au//giro-d-italy-6-pack-202 And to see the details of the riding challenge, regions we are highlighting and our overall program, visit our blog at: https://www.aqtocycling.com//ride-drink-and-eat-the-giro-/ We hope you can join in the challenge and fun of our Ride, Drink and Eat the Giro ‘virtual’ Tour in October and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message. Saluti

19.01.2022 The perfect mid ride snack. A little capocollo panino, followed by a slice of plum tart and a glass of vin santo to finish.

18.01.2022 The colours of L’Eroica. Each year, 20,000 people from all over the world descend on the Tuscan town of Gaiole in Chianti to partake in the iconic rides and festivities of this special four day event. The overwhelming emotion around the town is pure joy. Full of colour, personality, cultural expression and anticipation, all festivities lead towards the piazza on Sunday. As riders in their colourful woollen jerseys and riding vintage steel roll through to the start line, the atmosphere is a buzz, and as they arrive back after their heroic day out on the Strade Bianche, there is an incredible sense of camaraderie and total contentment.

18.01.2022 Tuscany memory #5. The unique landscape of the Val d'Orcia. Gentle rolling hills, ancient medieval villages and the inspiration behind many Renaissance paintings, this area of southern Tuscany is home for 4 days on tour and is deeply explored, both on and off the bike. When you picture a string of cypress trees lining a hilltop or road, or a single cypress standing alone, it is this corner of the region you're dreaming of. The colours of the vineyards, cultivated fields and open landscapes change so distinctively with every season, making this a land of rare beauty in which to immerse any time of year.

17.01.2022 The colours and flavours of Italian gelato. Is there anything that says 'Summer in Italy' more than gelato once a day? Whether you're into pistachio, cioccolato, fragola, menta, nocciola or other favourites, there are tips on how to find the best gelato. While seeing the mounds of colour is a pleasure for the eyes, the best gelato is actually found in stores where all you can see are silver lids. Lids means the gelato is being carefully kept in metal tins at the right temperatures. Then when it comes to flavour, a quality gelato will never have very vibrant colours, but more natural tones. For example, a good lemon is white rather than yellow, and for raspberry, you want a deeper, muted tone rather than a bright pink-red. Whatever your favourite colour or flavour, one scoop is never enough.

16.01.2022 The truly iconic Passo dello Stelvio is on the menu today with Stage 18. The highest point of the Giro and always a momentous occasion, we were lucky to experience seeing the race ride over Stelvio in 2017. Today the race will ultimately finish at the beautiful Laghi di Cancano which sits above Bormio. These are a couple of superb climbs that definitely should be added to the bike bucket list and form part of our Como, Stelvio and Dolomites tour each year. For more details click the link below. https://www.aqtocycling.com/tours/como-stelvio-dolomites/ #giro #stelvio #bormio #cancano #cycling #italianstyle #italiancyclingholiday #challenge #reward #aqtocycling

16.01.2022 It's been good to finally be back on quiet country roads the past few days. The 20k ascent of Buffalo is one of the nicest climbs in Australia and when you add the simplest of sensations of hearing Kookaburras, or seeing the flash of red and blue from a pair of Eastern Rosellas that you have taken for granted in the past but missed during lockdown, it has been a feast for the senses.

15.01.2022 We're excited to announce that we'll be running our Cycling & Gourmet Escapes in Daylesford and Bright, Victoria from late November 2020. We've also released four new tours for February and March 2021. Hosted in exclusive accommodation with plenty of outdoor space just for our small groups of 12, and including private rides, non riding activities, and amazing food and wine experiences, you will be back in no time enjoying that cycling travel inspiration you've longed for in 2020, while feeling safe, comfortable and at ease on tour with our covid-safe approach.

15.01.2022 Have you been feeling the lockdown blues in Melbourne and would love a last minute getaway this weekend? Join us in beautiful, picturesque Bright for 4 days of amazing riding, weather, mountains, fresh air and Italian food & wine. Click the link below for more details. https://www.aqtocycling.com/tours/bright/

15.01.2022 Tuscany memory #2. Tuscan sunsets. Vibrant, layered and mesmerising, taking time out to sit and watch a Tuscan sunset unfold with a glass of wine in hand and a delicious antipasto plate, is one of our great joys, and an experience we love sharing on tour. As cypress lined rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards fade into darkness beneath a changing orange, pink and red sky, it is as though a natural mosaic is being created before you. In fact so often we hear the phrase ‘it’s just like a painting’ as our nights on tour are shared under Tuscan skies, and conversation and laughter blend with moments of reflection and stillness.

15.01.2022 Festive Gaiole. Over the coming days, we'll share the story of how a small village in Chianti of some 800 people transforms itself in the lead up to the first Sunday in October, for the magical event born right here - L'Eroica. With a big, welcoming heart, over 20,000 enjoy its warm embrace and festivities each year, and while the event will be greatly missed this year, we'll reflect on the place, culture, people and riding event that captivated our hearts years ago and makes this not only our favourite tour of the year, but also the place we now call home.

13.01.2022 You can’t complete a perfect day without good food, good wine and conversation with good people.. yes, there is definitely a bike ride in there first. Cheers to being able to get back on the road and sharing our slice of Italy with you. Click the link below for dates and details on our upcoming tours.... https://www.aqtocycling.com/australian-cycling-tours/ #cycling #gourmetescape #asliceofitalyathome #daylesford #bright #challenge #reward #aqtocycling

13.01.2022 The bright orange hues of an Aperol Spritz. Originally created in Padua in 1919, it wasn't until the 50's that Aperol Spritz became the aperitivo of choice for Venetians and well into the 2000's when the famous 3-2-1 recipe of prosecco, Aperol and soda water over ice, took the world by storm. Our favourite part of the day in Italy is aperitivo time and when it comes to choosing a bar, we choose it by the colour of their Aperol Spritz, which needs to be a deep, bright orange. A view is a bonus. Cin Cin

13.01.2022 Via Santa Caterina. The short, sharp ascent into the medieval Piazza del Campo of Siena is as intense as it is exhilirating and is a highlight on our Tour of Tuscany. It also happens to be the very fitting and final climb of this weekend's Tuscan epic, The Strade Bianche.

12.01.2022 Mount Buffalo not only delivers a beautiful 5% gradient on its 20k climb, but in Spring it delivers a diverse abundance of colour. From the vivid greens of subtropical ferns, to the muted tones of the Australian alpine landscape, the absolutely vibrant colours of the chalet gardens and the multi coloured patchwork on the valley floor, it is a visual feast at every turn. With one room remaining available on our upcoming tour from 27th-30th November 2020, click the link below to join us for four days of magic in the high country. https://www.aqtocycling.com/tours/bright/

11.01.2022 Sunrise lighting up the clouds over Mt Buffalo. When you wake up to these views on our Bright Cycling and Gourmet Escapes, you could be excused for feeling you’re in Tuscany.

10.01.2022 L'Eroica. The first Sunday in October arrives and with huge anticipation, we roll out from the piazza for what is quite simply the best day on a bike you will ever experience. The riding challenge, the camaraderie, the spectacular scenery, the amazing food stops, the spirit. This is pure riding joy.

09.01.2022 Idyllic weather created the scene for an amazing 4 days at our recent Bright Cycling & Gourmet Escape, February Edition. As home made antipasti and an Italian sausage sizzle fuelled the menu, riders took to the alpine climbs and valleys full of energy, before relaxing by the pool to enjoy aperitivo, slow dinners and great conversation post ride.

08.01.2022 Tuscany memory #9 is the stunning town of San Gimignano. Perched high on a hill and uniquely identifiable by its medieval towers, this walled village is the perfect finish town for our tour. The final day's ride takes us through beautiful country and the climb to the top makes the arrival into the piazza oh so sweet, after 565km and 10,000m of climbing over 8 days. Smiles and tears of jubilation are quickly followed by an afternoon of free time, sightseeing and for many, beers and spritz's in the piazza. This is one town where sitting, people watching and soaking up the ambience created by the architecture as it glows in the late afternoon sun, is the perfect reward for celebrating riding achievements, travel dreams and new friendships.

07.01.2022 The spirit, colour and camaraderie of L'Eroica is truly unique. From riding pre '87 steel vintage bikes to wearing woollen jerseys, leather shoes, goggles and other vintage attire from yesteryear, paying homage to the golden years of cycling and honouring the teams, riders and artisans of that era, is a huge part of the experience.

06.01.2022 Tuscany memory #3. The riding. There isn't an area we love riding in more than in Tuscany. When you combine quiet backroads lined with olive groves and vineyards, undulating hills and climbs with the most sensational, free flowing descents, cypress tree lined avenues, breathtaking open landscapes that unfold around every turn and picturesque medieval towns to stop in for coffee and lunch, this is riding made in heaven. We talk about 'the perfect day' unfolding day after day on our Tuscany tour as when amazing riding meets equally amazing food, wine and ambience post ride, this makes for a cycling holiday like no other.

06.01.2022 Pots of colour in Tuscany. There is something beautiful about the pride taken by residents in the small hamlets and villages of Tuscany as they grow and nurture their flower pots on window sills, and by doors and stairwells. With most people only having small private outdoor spaces or balconies, the common ground or piazza becomes a shared garden for all to enjoy.

06.01.2022 Our Italian villa in Bright is so beautiful, you won't want to leave. It's our little slice of Italy right here in Australia and the perfect place to come home to post ride. We'll enjoy morning and sunset views of Mount Buffalo, afternoons by the pool, aperitivo in the gardens and our very own Italian cucina....and that's all before you retreat to your luxurious rooms for a peaceful sleep, waking only to the kookaburras each morning.

05.01.2022 Today marks the day we would have started our final Tour of Tuscany for the season. So over the next 9 days we’ll share memories from our Tuscany tours and celebrate the beautiful challenges and rewards that go with riding through one of our favourite (if not the favourite) riding regions of Italy. Tuscany memory #1. Welcome to Chianti. Located between Florence and Siena, this stunning area of green rolling hills filled with vineyards, olive groves, ancient castles and small ...villages, is characterised by its stone. When you think stone hamlets and country farmhouses, it is Chianti you are imagining. In Damian’s view, the Chianti landscapes make for some of the best riding in Italy and its the region that captured our hearts, and which we call home. Our warm welcome in Chianti sets the tone for a tour filled with the Italian hospitality, food, wine and style that is so characteristic of Tuscany. See more

05.01.2022 Tuscany memory#8. Our Tuscan Long Lunch. Picture the setting. A centuries old stone building overlooking rolling hills, the sun shining, picturesque views and a 5 course lunch with accompanying wines of the region slowly rolling out over 4 to 5 hours. Our long lunch is definitely regarded as one of the highlights of our tour and the perfect way to relax and while away an afternoon of conversation and laughter while enjoying that blissful feeling of being on holiday and being taken care of by Marina and her wonderful family, whose hospitality is just superb. Salute.

04.01.2022 The village of Gaiole in Chianti starts to swell early in the week as the L'eroica traders pop up their stalls, selling all manner of bikes, frames, jerseys and related paraphernalia. In Damian's world, this is his image of heaven, where you can whittle away the hours with ease.

04.01.2022 The Italian Tricolore. The national colours of Italy. Legend says the meaning of the colours of the Italian flag are green for the colour of the hills and plains, white for the snow capped Alps and red for the blood shed in war for Independence and Unification. Another interpretation is that the colours represent faith, hope and charity. However, as we reflect on life in Italy, we see the colours as representing Pride; pride in the history and culture, the incredible architecture, the amazing food and wine, the 'Made in Italy' brand and the appreciation for enjoying the important, and often simple things in life.

03.01.2022 The deep blue of the Mediterranean. Whether its rolling around the Southern Italian coastline in Puglia or riding along the Amalfi or Ligurian coast, the views, colours and spectacle of the Mediterranean make for some very special days on the bike. On this ride on our Puglia tour, the rock strewn landscape cascades into the electric blue of the sea, and with the islands of Greece in the distance, this is a very unique riding experience.

02.01.2022 With this weekend's positive news of more interstate borders opening up and the virus under control across Australia, a glimmer of hope also emerged for international travel.... albeit it very early days and the road ahead still long, we look towards 2021 with open minds and spirits. #tuscany #cycling #2021 #hope #spiritsalive #italianimmersion #italiancyclingholidays #aqtocycling

01.01.2022 A short ride on a beautiful warm day in Melbourne this week took us on a little search for some Italian goodness. With no bars or gels on board, it was not a problem as we did find some Cannoli. Next was the very hard decision of ricotta or crema. so we had one of each. T. Cavallaro & Sons, in Footscray is a little slice of Italy, with the shop not having changed much from the 60's. Hand made cannoli every day from a 160 year old family recipe, this is a very good place to drop in for a coffee and a little mid ride kick. We’ll be back for sure.

01.01.2022 Our L'Eroica tour starts 6 days before the main event, giving our riders the perfect opportunity to roll into some form and get their legs acquainted with the rolling Chianti hills and sensational Strade Bianche.