GBI Liguria 2023

On this tour we will discover the fantastic Ligurian coast and other regions in the heart of Italy. In addition to incredible landscapes and the omnipresent Mediterranean Sea, we will make detours to the Ligurian mountains and cross the mountains of the Apennin, we will enjoy the delicacies of the regional Italian cuisine and just have a great time.

Ciao in Liguria!

28. September - 3. October 2023

Online registration open until 28 August, 2023!

Tour registration

General information

The GBI Liguria tour focusses at all cyclists who, in addition to the sporting challenge, also love the beauty of the landscape and the community of a the group of like minded people. We start in Milan and cycle to Genoa where we meet and follow the Ligurian coast. The route continues through northern Tuscany and climbs the Apennines to finally end up in Bologna in the heart of Italy.

Tour highlights

- Experience Milan and its attractions
- Pedal on coastal roads along the Ligurian coast
- Jump into the Mediterranean Sea to cool off
- Enjoy Italian way of life
- Cycle with us through beautiful northern Tuscany
- Cross the mountains of the Appenin

Although this tour follows the coast for quite long distances, there are various challenging climbs and descents to overcome, when detouring into the hilly back country. And finally the Appennin is a huge mountain range to conquer. If possible, the routes follow minor roads or paved bike paths. But it may happen even for some longer distances, that we have to cycle along busy main roads.

All types of bikes are welcome, regardless of whether you are on a racing bike, trekking bike, mountain bike or even a pedelec. Depending on the number of participants, we have several teams (at least 2) with different speeds and distances.

The Global Biking Initiative wants to show you the most interesting places in Europe the sportive way. We are proud of our international participants, that makes it easy for everybody to make new friends from other countries. Our main goal is the continuous support of charity projects worldwide. We achieve this by engaging the participants to raise funds, that support charity projects in their home countries.

Here you'll find a summary of this tour.

Tour summary (PDF)

More information needed?

There might some things missing on our event page or you have some specific questions?

Feel free to contact us.

Oliver Harzen

Send a mail

Charity

As the GBI is a charity ride, you have to register for a GBI country (typically your home country) and raise funds in addition to the participation fee for the local supported charity in this country. The minimum donation for this event is 50 €. Each participant is kindly requested to raise more than the minimum donations to support our charity projects.

No clue how to raise funds?
Uncertain how and who to ask for donations?
Check out our tipps for your fund raising activities!

More information

Services & prices

Participation

The tour departure is guaranteed now, as we reached the minimum number of participants

Participation

from 849 €

Participation at the GBI Liguria 2023

This is the fee for all services of the tour, described under 'What is included'.

Early Bird registration (from 1.1.2023)
- Double bedroom: 849 €/person
- Single bedroom: 1039 €/person

Regular registration (from 1.3.2023)
- Double bedroom: 899 €/person
- Single bedroom: 1089 €/person

Optional night prior to the tour start (27.9.) can be booked separately.

Extra night

from 99 €

Pre-Night in Milan

Accommodation in a hotel in Milan the night prior to the tour start (27.9.2023).

Early Bird registration (from 1.1.2023)
- Double bedroom: 99 €/person
- Single bedroom: 159 €/person

Regular registration (from 1.3.2023)
- Double bedroom: 109 €/person
- single bedroom: 169 €/person

Transport

50 €

Bike transport

Bike transportation service from Duesseldorf to the start location prior to the tour start and bike transportation back to Duesseldorf after the end of the tour.

Bicycle

129 €

GBI rental roadbike

We offer our Cannondale roadbikes for rent during the tour.

The rental fee covers the complete duration of the GBI tour, incl. transport to the start location and from the finish location and technical maintenance by the technical bike service.
The hirer must bear the risk of damage and burglary. We recommend to sign a private insurance.

For more details and tipps to find the right bike size see also our rental bike flyer.

What's included

5 x hotel accommodation (28.9.-3.10.2023) in single or double bedrooms with breakfast and private bathrooms. Some hotels even have a pool. In some locations not all double bedrooms are equipped with twinbeds.
5 x dinner (halfboard or in a separate restaurant)
Quick and easy event registration
Detailed and up-to-date event information on the website
GPX tracks of all days and tracks for download
GBI mobile app with useful tour information
Route information and daily news
Invitation letter for visa application (on request)
Different cycling teams to suit different abilities and aspiration levels (number of teams depending on number of participants, min. 2 teams)
Teamleaders equipped with GPS routing devices
Service car along the route for pick-up service and with bike repair box
Daily luggage transport to each stage venue
Nutrition points with drinks and energy bars each day
GBI drink bottle
Online photo service
Participation certificate
Convenient pre-check-in service
Support of charity organisations in your home country
A lot of fun, unforgettable moments, great international and cross-cultural companionship, challenging moments and radiant eyes

Excluded Services

Everything not explicitely listed above incl. entrance fees, public transportation (bus, train, ferry), transfer to individually booked hotels, lunch, drinks at dinner, accident and health insurance, etc.

Tour description

Currently we are working hard to design the most suitable route for you. The given routes, locations and distances show the current planning and are subject to change in the coming months. The final tracks will be available approx. 6 weeks prior to the tour start

Route overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Milan to Alice Bel Colle
After a short tour briefing, the teams start from the tour hotel in Milan. First we have to leave the urban area of South Milan before follow a canal for quite a while. Since we are cycling in the Po Valley for almost the entire day, the route (apart from the final ascent) does not have any noteworthy elevations for us. We cross several rivers like the river Ticino and later the Po. Behind the city of Allesandria with its imposing citadel we enter the Asti wine area, where our first stage destination is located. The final ascent of 250 meters to the rustic mountain village of Alice Bel Colle is a first impression of the mountains that await us in the next days.
There is no track 2 today.
Route character: wavy

Day 2: Alice Bel Colle to Genoa
Today we reach the Ligurian coast later the day. First we continue cycling through wineyards, before we start climbing the mountains of the Ligurian Apennines with some sweaty climbs, but also very scenic and small roads. The Ligurian coast comes into sight at Varazze and offers a great opportunity to cool off in the sea with its wide sandy beaches. We are cycling on the flat coast road, where rocky coast sections with small bays alternate with long beaches and can even enjoy cycling on an ancient railroad track. The port city of Genoa, which we (unfortunately) have to cross completely, is the last 'challenge' before we arrive our stage finish.
Track 2 enjoys the mountains a little longer with great panoramas before it meets track 1 near Genoa.
Route character: hilly (Track 1), mountainous (Track 2)

Day 3: Genoa - Pignone
We continue to cycle eastwards along the coast, which now and then has a few small climbs, but always fantastic panoramas for us. The coastal journey ends at Sestri Levante and we turn into the hilly back country. We now have to climb almost 600 meters in altitude, but then going down again to our hotel in the green hills.
After the ascent, track 2 turns down to the sea again and rides a very nice coastal bike path, which was a former railroad track, to Levanto before returning to the hilly hinterland.
Route character: mountainous

Day 4: Pignone to Pistoia
After our detour to the hills we meet the river Vara and follow him to the coast. Here we enter the Tuscany region and we pedal on the coastal road along kilometers of sandy beaches and a last chance to take a bath in the sea. At Pietrasanta we turn away from the coast and at Camaiore we cycle through the green hills to Lucca, which is a good opportunity for a stop. Mostly flat we continue always with the mountains of northern Tuscany in reach, to Pistoia, today's stage destination.
After Camaiore, Track 2 turns even more into the beautiful hills and rejoins the regular route at Lucca.
Route character: hilly (Track 1), very hilly (Track 2)

Day 5: Pistoia - Bologna
The last day again offers a lot of hard work in the saddle. Immediately after leaving the urban area of Pistoia there is a climb of around 700 meters with some very steep sections. We are now in the middle of the Apennines. At Pontepetri we cycle for quite a while in a river valley downstream, before we have to overcome one last mountain at Sasso Marconi and finally reach our tour destination near Bologna.
Track 2 starts with a different route out of Pistoia and has to climb 900 m without warming up. We cycle along the Lago di Suviana reservoir and later both tracks unite and the tour destination is not far.
Route character: mountainous

Date	Route	Track	Distanc	Climb
28.9.2023	Milan - Alice Bel Colle	1 & 2	133 km	680 m
29.9.2023	Alice Bel Colle - Genoa	1 2	110 km 118 km	1410 m 2090 m
30.9.2023	Genoa - Pignone	1 2	84 km 112 km	1850 m 2580 m
1.10.2023	Pignone - Pistoia	1 2	141 km 157 km	890 m 1640 m
2.10.2023	Pistoia - Bologna	1 2	99 km 99 km	1410 m 1610 m
28.9. - 2.10.2023	Milan - Bologna	1 2	567 km 619 km	6240 m 8600 m

The tracks of the different stages differ in general regarding their length and the climb as well as the surface.

Track 1

Recommended for all kinds of bikes including road bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
Shorter and less challenging than track 2.

Track 2

Recommended in particular for road bikes, but possible for all kinds of bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
The distance is longer and more climb than on track 1.

Venues

Day 1 (Tour start)

Milan

Starhotel Business Palace****, Milan

Our tour hotel is located in the south of Milan and well connected to both airports of Milan.

The tour start will be at the hotel.

Day 1

Alice Bel Colle

Hotel Belvedere***, Alice Bel Colle

Our hotel is located on a small hilltop village surrounded by wine yards and with a stunning view. In the evening we will enjoy regional dishes.

Day 2

Genoa

Hotel Esperia***, Genua

We will be accommodated just 100 m from the beach in a nice hotel. A tasty Italian menu will help us to get new power for the next day.

Day 3

Pignone

Antiche Terre Hotel & Relax***, Faggiona di Pignone

Within green hils we will be hosted by a great rural hotel. The pool is ideal to relax our muscels after a hard day in the saddle and in the evening we will enjoy a typical regional dish.

Day 4

Pistoia

Hotel Patria****, Pistoia

Our hotel is located in the city center, just some steps away from the must-sees of Pistoia. In a neighboured restaurant we will enjoy a tuscan menu.

Day 4

Bologna

Hotel Admiral Park****, Bolgona - Zona Predosa

We will be welcomed for the last night of the tour in a very good hotel close to Bologna. A large pool offers some leisure time after the last stage and we will celebrate the end of the tour with a 3-course menu.

Teamleader

We are looking for engaged team leaders for this tour.

If you are interested in being a team leader, please send us a mail and we will contact you for more information.

Your responsibilities

You define the team details (e.g. average speed, which track your team will follow, etc.), to help participant to identify, whether your team is the right one for them.

You will lead a cycling team of up to 10 cyclists during the tour.

Your are the communication channel between the tour office and your team. Don't worry, this is less work than expected!

Your benefits

You will receive an exclusive teamleader jersey with your name (only applicable for GBI Europe)

Teamleaders will be mentioned on our homepage with name and picture

A tourbook with many memories will be sent to you after the tour (only applicable for GBI Europe)

You can get a free-of-cost rental GPS device with preconfigured tracks (if you do not have an own one) for the tour.

You support one of the world leading charity cycling events with your engagement and generate unforgettable memories for you and your team mates.

Apply as a team leader

Teams

Each GBI participant cycles in a team, guided by an experienced teamleader. Teamsize is limited to ten riders maximum because of legal requirements.

You can choose a team, which fits best to your experience, your objectives and your preferred track.

Find your team

TEAM Cycle & Chill

Heiko Schulze

Track 1 (20 km/h)

Languages: German, English

The team will cycle track 1 and the main goal - beside collecting money for children - enjoying cycling together and having fun. We will have small stops if needed and one big break during the day.

OPEN TEAM

TEAM Dolce Vita

Kay Richrath

Track 1 (22 km/h)

Languages: German, English

The main focus is to have fun, see a lot of the lovely nature and cycle with an appropriate speed on each stage.
This team is open to any kind of bicycle, although road bike are preferred.

OPEN TEAM

TEAM Greece Riders

Vassilis Anagnopoulos

Track 2 (23 km/h)

Languages: Greek, English

The team is open to anyone who wants to join.
Average speed will be 23-24 km/h and we preference for Track 2

OPEN TEAM

TEAM Happy Helpers (GBI Orga)

Anja Richter

Just for organisational purposes. No cycling team.

TEAM LTE

Thomas Busalla

Track 2 (22 km/h)

Languages: German, English

We want to have 3 considerable breaks during the day, breaktime as long as we need. We start together, have breaks and arrive together!

Teamleader not yet assigned. If no team leader will apply for this team, the team will cycle without a dedicated teamleader. Average speed will be defined, once a teamleader is appointed.

OPEN TEAM

TEAM Masar Group

Meshal Alsuwaidan

Track 1 (25 km/h)

Languages: Arabic, English, Spanish

The major goal is to enjoy cycling and have a pleasant time biking through the charming nature of Italy with an appropriate speed. As well as creating memorable memories as one team.

OPEN TEAM

There is no appropriate team for you?

You can set up your own team and define, which track you want to cycle, the average speed as well as an appropriate team name.

Write an e-mail to support@gbi-event.org.

Downloads

The GPX files are now available per day and track.

After uploading them to your GPS device the name convention is as follows: GBI LI 23 Dx Tx [day (D), e.g. D1] [track (T), e.g. T1]
There is also a separate gpx file with important waypoints (e.g. tunnel, steep ascent/descent, hotels, etc.). Please import this file as well to your device and check afterwards, if the waypoints are shown on the map.

Important hints on the route (waypoints) are all contained in a separate file (Waypoints complete final.gpx). Make sure that you download this file, too!

If you are not experienced in uploading GPX tracks on your device, please check your user manual. Please avoid to ask the support team for technical issues regarding your device or app, as you might know, close to the tour we have very limited time and a lot to do.

You should check prior to the tourstart whether the download has worked properly and the tracks as well as the waypoints are displayed correctly on your GPS device! And make sure that you have the right maps of the Alps region installed on your device.

GPX Tracks

Schedule

Date	Location	Time	Activity
25.9.2023	GBI warehouse, Düsseldorf	18:00-19:00	Handover of bicycles & luggage for transport
27.9.2023	Starthotel Business Palace, Milan Restaurant La Plancia, Milan	during the day 19:00	Individual arrival to the GBI hotel (if you have booked the pre-night) pre-night dinner (optional)
Day 1 28.9.2023	Starthotel Business Palace, Milan Hotel Belvedere, Alice Bel Colle	10:00 19:30	Official tour start Included dinner (half board)
Day 2 29.9.2023	Hotel Belvedere, Alice Bel Colle Hotel Esperia, Genua-Nervi	8:00-9:00 19:30	Individual start of the teams Included dinner (half board)
Day 3 30.9.2023	Hotel Esperia, Genua-Nervi Antiche Terre Hotel, Faggiona di Pignone	8:00-9:00 19:30	Individual start of the teams Included dinner (half board)
Day 4 1.10.2023	Antiche Terre Hotel, Faggiona di Pignone Restaurant La Cantinetta, Pistoia	8:00-9:00 20:00	Individual start of the teams Included dinner (half board)
Day 5 2.10.2023	Hotel Patria, Pistoia Hotel Admiral Park, Bologna-Zona Pedrosa	8:00-9:00 evening	Individual start of the teams Included dinner
Day 6 3.10.2023	Hotel Admiral Park, Bologna-Zona Pedrosa	approx. 9:00	Official tour end & individual departure
4.10.2023	GBI warehouse, Düsseldorf	18:00-19:00	Return of transported bicylces & luggage