Owen and Ty hopped a flight to Europe and seven days and 3,100 kilometers later they’ve covered the bases for TCH’s July camp in France and checked out the Tuscan villa for Spring of 2012.

To keep it light, fast, and flexible no travel reservations were made. No extras were carted.

A week of sleeping under the stars.

Rallying the roads, checking the routes and enjoying the beautiful views.

and eating the local fare.

Their French and Italian is to the point where they can politely order a chocolate croissant and coffee with ease.

The last day in Tuscany was capped with a swim in a Tuscan lake east of Montepulciano; and a losing game of fooseball with two eight year old Italian boys before heading back to France. The last day was spent catching up on emails in Chamonix and dinner in Annecy.

All in all it was a great trip. The Cycling House crew is looking forward to basing out of the French Alps in July to watch the tour, cycle some epic rides, eating great food and enjoying every minute of it.