Almond Milk: the New Protein Drink of Champions
Anytime we take on a new adventure, the mental stress can be overwhelming. In some cases, the idea of traveling to a foreign country for a week-long bicycle vacation can create more concern than the sense of relief it’s supposed to engage. If all of the unknowns were factored into the equation, and we were let loose to worry about them – the late planes, the lost luggage, the language barrier, the long hills, the physical effort – it’s surprising we’d ever get off the ground.
The beginning of Suzann’s holiday began in a similar fashion. She had never been on a bike vacation before traveling with Pomegranate Journeys to Sicily. In fact, she hadn’t been on a bike much prior to her time in Southern Italy, however she got off the ground and arrived ready for the adventure. She had all the right tools with her: an open-mind, a good spirit and a huge smile. In the following video you’ll hear her testimony about how the beginning of her adventure in Sicily was a bit of a challenge, but thanks to her perseverance, she had a wonderful time. In fact, the objective was no longer making it to the next hill, but looking for the next glass of latte di mandorla – or “almond milk.” As the trip unfolded, her cycling skills progressed and the fun rolled along with her wheels. At the beginning she considered herself the “least experienced” rider, but by the end of the trip she was clocking 100km days and 10% grades. For someone who had begun cycling just a few years ago, she quickly found herself at ease on the bike and rode like a seasoned cyclist.
And the trick is: don’t think about the bike as a challenge, but as a means to experience a “guilt-free” vacation.
But I’ll let the video explain that.
I’d like to thank Suzann for her patience with my filming and my constant questioning. I’d especially like to thank her for her open and sincere responses and her continuous laughter and good humor. Finally I’d like to thank her for her willingness to be broadcast to over 1,000 people (maybe more?) over the web.
Thanks Suzann, keep biking and we’ll see you again very soon. And the next round of latte di mandorla is on me. – Gabe
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What a great story! Gabe, you’ve captured in Suzann’s experience many of the reasons why I love cycling vacations, and keep coming back year after year.
Thanks for your comments Tiz. I believe that there are many people out there that would follow Suzann’s lead if they only pushed themselves out of their comfort zone a bit. Her testimony is proof to why these cycling vacations are easier than most people believe.
Thanks for the encouraging video – Suzann gives the rest of us less experienced cyclists hope that we too can go on a bike trip and not only survive, but also thrive! And eat well – guilt free to boot – along the way. I can’t wait to go on my first trip.
Your comments are much appreciated Stephani. Suzann’s experience is a very common occurrence: people are often intimidated before the get on the bike, but then they get to realize that it is all so very easy. I have another video coming out from my recent trip to Nice where the conversation is just about that: how easy and beautiful everything is. I think you’d love Umbria or Tuscany, great food and nice hills.
Wow, I’m overwhelmed with emotion as I read this. You captured my experience perfectly Gabe! Couldn’t have done it without such a great support group and guides!
I’m glad you enjoyed the film, Suzann. And I can’t thank you enough for your openness and willingness to let me film and interview you. I heard you guys all had quite the experience in Pescara. I really hope to see you again next year. Keep watching the blog – there will be more video soon enough.