A holiday with some heat
Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia offers an idyllic setting for a cycling holiday. Perfect for slow scenic travel, it has rolling olive groves, charming hill top villages and sparkling Adriatic coastal views. But add in a July heatwave, with temperature as high as 36 degrees, my first cycling holiday abroad was not just a scenic tour but a test of endurance at times!
The pleasure of riding in a mixed group
We joined a group of 11 cyclists with a range of experience, some on electric and some on manual bikes- a choice that became more significant with every rising degree of heat! The oldest among us, a 75 year old Dutch woman, tackled the week with remarkable grit and good humour, setting the tone of mutual support within our group. The group dynamic made all the difference with everyone bringing something different: experience, energy or quiet calm. I was usually the slowest rider but there was always a different group member riding alongside me and a cheer waiting at the top of the steepest hills. Our local guide Manni lead the way keeping the pace just right for everyone with plenty of pauses in the shade and a support van driven by the wonderful Leonardo was always close by providing regular snacks and water top ups (and turned out to also hold two world cycling records*!)
Challenges a plenty
Each day was varied with different challenges. The shortest days included winding climbs to hilltop towns, longer days were rewarded with stunning descents to the coast with the opportunity for a quick swim in the sparkling water – blissful! Roads were generally undulating quiet country roads and we found the Italian drivers to be very considerate, often waving through the whole group to allow us to stay together. There were narrow cobbled streets up to the hill towns so minimal motor vehicles and always a shady bar for lunch at the top!
A special celebration
We stayed overnight in a range of accommodation including a room in a hotel built into a rock cave, our own individual conical trulli house and a room in a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere which was an absolute highlight and included a shared meal under the stars and a birthday cake for our oldest group member!
The pride in completion
The physical challenge was real, especially for those of us on manual bikes and there were a couple of days in the peak heat after lunch when the guide advised me to take a lift in the support vehicle for the final stretch to avoid heat exhaustion. Although it wasn’t an easy week I’m proud of achieving 218 miles over the 6 days and loved being part of a group who made everything more fun by simply riding alongside, sharing a smile or just checking in. Next time? I might choose an e-bike but I wouldn’t change the people I shared it with!
Beth Cooke
July 2025
*Fastest 100 km on bike roller 1h 19
Greatest distance cycled in 1 hour 52.83km