Brian's Bike Shop, a shop that loves and promotes the local area

11.05.2022
4 min
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A shop capable of being a driving force for what concerns the discovery of an area like that of Ascoli Piceno. We told you about it through the technical and commercial side, today we will delve into what is the philosophy of cycling and tourism according to Brian's Bike Shop

Passion and community, are two recurring words in the project and in the activities dedicated to tourism that are pronounced by the owner Giulio Fazzini, to explain his philosophy. The context is evolving, the bike is becoming increasingly friendly to the territory. institutions have started an investment process to make two-wheelers increasingly central of tourism promotion. 

Brian's Bike Shop through his future projects and his events, he has always been a protagonist and promoter of this sector. With the idea of ​​pampering tourists for a week from their arrival, leading them to discover the beauties of the area.

Ascoli Piceno, Piazza del Popolo. Exploring the area also includes exploring its historic centers and learning about local food and wine.
Ascoli Piceno, Piazza del Popolo. Exploring the area also includes its historic centers and food and wine.
What events do you organize for bicycle tourists?

We have a project between now and the end of the year regarding road bikes, focused on tourists from abroad. We pick up the client at the airport and tailor a week-long riding experience. We choose a very high level structure, we request the bike fitting measurements to tailor a bike to him medium/high level. We follow them on their guided excursions with the van, for any eventuality. We also conclude the evening with meetings to review the itinerary and decide on any changes or accommodate requests.

How did this idea come about?

It was born from a need that we perceived from the foreigners who came to visit us. Sending them unorganized onto our streets is not enough. To enhance the territory it is necessary to provide a serious and reliable service that allows you to visit and discover our excellences in peace.

What is the situation with bike-friendly facilities?

We're a little behind, I collaborate with the Marche Region for this discussion, but we are still in the embryonic stage. The area is slowly becoming bike-friendly. Significant investment is underway. We have a bike path that runs from Ascoli Piceno to San Benedetto del Tronto, and this could be a starting point for enhancing the area. We also collaborate with accommodation facilities. Although one of the fundamental problems remains the availability of bikes.

Besides the territory, do you have other excellences?

We are close to the border between Marche and Abruzzo, we also combine a Food and wine conversation. Creating tailor-made tasting tours at wineries. 

How do you choose the courses to offer?

We're spoiled for choice. Let's first select the level of the person riding. If it's We can't take a family to the most remote places. We try to choose a basic, simpler level. So we are close to the sea, or in hilly areas with little difference in altitude. If instead it comes a more technical customer, we are at the foot of the Monti della Laga or the Sibillini and it is easier to design a more challenging route, which satisfies him in terms of technical characteristics. 

Which are the most characteristic ones?

We have the mountain next door, which leads to San Giacomo, the finish line of the 2021 Giro d'Italia, is certainly one of the most distinctive routes. Another is the one that winds through the Acquasanta area, the old Salaria.It's a very quiet route, with little traffic, and is ideal for families. Upon arriving, there's also a private and public hot springs, where you can bathe freely. A wild side that's very appealing.

The excursions are adapted to the level of practice of the cyclist
The excursions are adapted to the level of practice of the cyclist
Are all the routes marked and recognizable?

I The routes are signposted, in fact we rely on an application that was developed here in Ascoli by local guys who have and are still tracing the routes, so they can download them to their own devices. Is called ATAEven if the foreign customer doesn't need the assistance we Italians like. All he needs is a map and he's all set., as far as our experience goes.

Do you have a team representing Brian's Bike Shop?

No, absolutely not. We're one of the few stores in Italy that doesn't have a representative team. The reason is very specific. Our intention has always been to create a community.Sometimes, enmities and rivalries arise within a team. And that's not what we're interested in.