Interview with Customers Jane and Don Volta

Don and Jane Volta have participated in 14 ExperiencePlus! bicycle tours since 2001 so many of you have probably had the pleasure of their company. Both are also highly respected, longtime members of the Cascade Cycling Club based in Washington State. Pretty impressive credentials so when they recently signed up for the May 8 – 14, 2009 Giro d’Italia in the Dolomites – a trip that they had already done in 2005 we thought we’d find out why.

With so many places to go in the world why do this trip a second time?
The excitement of sharing a premier cycling event with other “average” cyclists from all over the world.

Are you avid cycle racing fans?
Not really, but enjoy the challenge of riding the race route and watching how hard the pro’s are working, faster and with more skill, but still working to their limit.
 
Do you think that Lance Armstrong stands a chance of winning?
He’s a great cyclist, why not!
 
Can you share a few stories from the 2005 Giro? Tell us about your favorite ride?

• Watching Salvodelli overtake Basso.

• Experiencing the excitement of the Giro entourage

• Working to the max over the Passo Duran route and being cheered on by other cyclists on the climb.

• Sella Ronda, 4 passes in a day with breathtaking views around every turn.

Did you get to talk to any famous racers?
We talked to Discovery team managers as they explained the ride start was being moved down the mountain because the weather made riding the first part of the course too dangerous for even the pros.

Other funny/exciting/unexpected things happen?

• Riding down to the top of the ski lifts.

• Unloading the bicycles off the top of the ExperiencePlus! van to pass through the tunnels.

• Discovering that the Giro mascot is a mole.

• Jane getting “friendly” pushes from male spectators

 
Many people seem intimidated by mountainous itineraries – do you have any advice or words of wisdom to help alleviate, or build on this fear?

• Climb at your own pace, there is plenty of time to reach the viewing point before the race arrives.

• Practice descending on switchback roads.

• It never hurts to take the time for a photo op (rest stop).

 
When and why did you first take up bicycling?
Started road biking after retirement in 2000.  It is great exercise and a way to see the world from a different perspective.  Plus, the social aspects are important.
 
Do you consider yourself competitive or recreational cyclists?
Recreational, but we ride a lot of very long and hard rides at home.
 
What do you like about traveling with ExperiencePlus!?
Everything!  The cycling, the bikes, the routes, the history, the culture, the people, the food, and the ARROWS!
 
Describe your perfect day riding?
40-50 miles in the sun with friends and views/landscapes to die for.
 
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
We put more miles on our bikes than on our cars.

If you would like to chat with Don and Jane about the Giro d'Italia, or other trips feel free to email them at don.jane@gte.net.