Cycling In Italy - The Surprise Trip

If you have read these blogs, you know I purchased a new Pinarello bike in Italy. Some have called her my Italian mistress. Only kidding, Rosey.

Even before this adventure began, I was thinking it would be fun to visit the Pinarello bike factory and store. After making an inquiry and even trying some whining earlier in the week, I was told it was too far to go by taxi. Even yesterday, I made a last minute plea to go, but no deal says the “camp” director, it would cost too much.

After our ride and during lunch, Mike offers to drive his rental car to Treviso where the Pinarello store is located. The only hitch is that I would have to navigate. It’s a deal. After lunch and getting our bikes packed, we head out. Dan loans us his GPS which probably saved us hours of driving around in circles. We make it to Treviso and drive right to the front door of the Pinarello store. We park illegally and I almost run in. I'm acting so much like an American tourist it even scares me. 

In the store we not only meet Mr. Pinarello, the founder of the company, but also Carla, his daughter. Both are charming and I discovered, good sales people. After calling VISA to have my credit limit raised, I walk out with a new Pinarello kit and a few other things, including pictures and an autograph from the man himself. Carla even throws in Pinarello hats for Mike and me. I catch Mike eying a new bike.

Mike not only made my day, but gave me a memory that will last a life time.