Travel Health and Fitness - Biking in Rome

I am consistent cyclist when I am not traveling. Generally, except for Winter, I do about 15-20 miles/ day for most of each week.

As my travel has picked up, I am trying to work it to be able to rent a bike and get out on the road when I am away. I am used to a carbon road bike.

So, has anyone rented a road bike in Rome? I have one or two days free on my next trip in September and would like to try it.

I had heard the the Via Appia Antica would be a good ride from Rome to Lake Albano, but I have my doubts about using a road bike for this. With the cobblestones in Rome, I suspect that a road bike might be limiting.

Any advice would be welcome. Rental shops, routes, warnings, etc. Thanks!

I think some friends of mine biked in Italy; not sure if it was Rome. They're currently biking in Germany. I can ask them when they get back.

Cheers.

Check your PMs.

I just came back from Rome in March and took my bike along with me because I wanted to get some training rides in, and it doesn't take me too long to reassemble once it's there (for reference I have a Serotta Colorado GS).The Lago di Bracciano is a great lake route - pretty easy and around 22 miles total. It's easy to get there by train to the station in Viterbo, and I had no issues getting the bike on the train. I was not brave enough to road bike it on the roads in Rome - my helmet will only protect so much!

Thanks for the tip about Lago di Bracciano. I will check that out. I hope that I will be able to get one whole day to myslef, but the likelihood is probably a half day. I suppose if things look too hectic on the streets that I can always ride along the Tiber on the walkway where there are no cars.

Totally forgot about the Tiber - the trail that's down along the actual river is pretty nice. However, being female and riding solo, I didn't want to do too much distance down there. I ran a few times with a friend, and it was never really that crowded.

Yes, I know what you mean about the trail. There is ocassionally the odd person down there. Going solo might invite some unwanted attention.

I was not brave enough to road bike it on the roads in Rome - my helmet will only protect so much!

Same here....those drivers are crazy ;)

Munich on the other hand...we went EVERYWHERE on bikes for several days. Very nice.

Same here....those drivers are crazy ;)

Munich on the other hand...we went EVERYWHERE on bikes for several days. Very nice.

Last time I was in Munich it took me a couple of days to realize that all those nice broad pedestrian paths I was pushing the wheelchair on were BIKE PATHS! My cluelessness was harmless until rush hour...