Challenge Ride VI - Prosecco Pursuit
Welcome to Ride no. VI in our Challenge Series
This is more than just a ride; it's an immersion into the heart of Italy's cycling culture and a celebration of its world-renowned wine.
Each year, our not-to-be-missed Challenge Series takes you to a new destination, offering the perfect balance of a few challenging days of riding, followed by days to explore and relax at a more leisurely pace.
This year's thrilling cycling challenge takes us through Italy's magical Prosecco region.
Prepare yourself for a challenging day conquering the iconic Monte Grappa, where sweeping vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. We then continue the fun with the addition of a lively organised Sportive, featuring feed stations that offer the region's finest Prosecco and shrimp, adding a unique twist to your trip.
"There are many cycling operations around, but Njinga Cycling truly want their clients to have a great time. Their attention to detail is second to none, this is why they are so different!"
Daily Highlights
Asolo Loop
DAY ONE
Warm up Ride
25km and 250 m climbing
Arrive in Treviso for the transfer to Asolo.
Mid afternoon warm up ride to stretch the legs and test the bikes on arrival as we explore the surrounding rolling hills.
Monte Grappa
CHALLENGE DAY
Conquer the mighty Monte Grappa
125 km and 2650 m climbing
Enjoy the panoramic views of Italy on this legendary climb nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. With 11 unique options to summit it, this spectacular ascent boasts an average gradient of 8.1%, pushing you over 19 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 1,542 meters. At the summit, a giant memorial to fallen soldiers from the two great wars.
Dolomite Valley
DAY THREE
Savour the true beauty of Italy
56 km and 780 m climbing
A slightly easier day in the saddle, we will explore quiet country roads winding through picturesque landscapes and two towns: Possagno and Bassano, surrounded by limitless amounts of culture and nature.
Prosecco Sportive
PROSECCO SPORTIVE
Gear up for a ride with a difference
100 km and 1500 m climbing
Join 4,000 riders on a 100km sportive that winds through the breathtaking Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This closed-road event is unlike any other! Conquer rolling vineyards and lush countryside as you enjoy the only Gran Fondo where you refuel at the feed stations with prosecco and shrimp.
Finally, celebrate your epic ride with a festive finish line party overflowing with tiramisu... and even more bubbles.
Get a flavour for the exclusive event here.
The Details
DATES
SEPTEMBER 2025
Monday 29th Sept 2025
price
4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
£1250 pp single occupancy room with own bathroom.
See what's included below.
ABILITY LEVEL
what to expect
There will be two fairly long days in the saddle, so a good amount of fitness is required.
Accommodation
- We will be staying in a historic 1750 Italian Villa surrounded by beautiful gardens over looking the rolling hills that divide the Po valley from the Dolomites. Asolo is know as the the "city of a hundred horizons" and will be our base for the 4 exciting days of cycling.
- The rooms are fairly simple yet full of traditional Italian charm, each featuring a private bathroom and based on single occupancy.
- The accommodation we choose is focused on bringing everyone together to recount the days riding, while still having your own privacy to retreat to for a post ride nap.
"Leigh and Togo, you both provided a wonderful break full of great cycling, great food and great fun. What an amazing team of two you are! We will return soon."
Kay & Patrick Keenan
"I loved it! Tough and challenging but so, so rewarding and great team spirit. Togo’s enthusiasm and encouragement pushed me to reach levels I didn’t think I could. An altogether enjoyable and rewarding experience. I will definitely be booking again!"
Exploring the Local Cuisine
- Wake up to a perfect breakfast each morning ensuring your body is fully fuelled for your days cycling.
- Each night we will feast on tasty local produce, including dessert and a glass of wine. (Two nights will be at the villa and two nights in the nearby town sampling the best of the region.)
- We can cater for vegan and gluten free for an additional cost (please email to enquire).
- Excludes lunches and coffees on route each day.
It exceeded all my expectations! Although the rides were challenging, everyone was really friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and we had plenty of time for coffee and cake stops! The villa was great and the food was really delicious.
"I made the best decision, from the minute I got off the plane the people were lovely and the atmosphere was so welcoming from everyone. The rides were hard but fun. And I felt I accomplished what I’d set out to do. The support by the ride captains was spot on."
Camaraderie & Support
- Our number 1 consistent feedback is the relaxed and welcoming feel and the encouragement of the Njinga community that keeps everyone coming back.
- Whether its your first time coming or your 4th time, you will settle right in and leave with new friends and a lifetime of memories.
- The focus on these trips is accomplishing new challenges, laughter and sharing fun new experiences together.
"Unlike many commercial cycling operators, the Njinga crew really make you feel like part of the family, which makes for a very relaxed time off the bike."
Simon Hathaway
Prosecco Sportive
- Alongside our traditional one day challenge up the Monte Grappa, on this trip we will also be joining thousands of amateur riders on the spectacular Prosecco Sportive.
- Originally created to celebrate the end of season wine harvest and celebrate Italian gastronomy, this closed roads route winds its way through breathtaking landscapes and Prosecco vineyards.
- The end of race celebrations in Valdobbiadene’s piazza includes more Prosecco, tables of tasty bites and the evening’s pasta and Tiramisu party, a riotous affair, not to be missed.
"It exceeded all my expectations! Although the rides were challenging, everyone was really friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and we had plenty of time for coffee and cake stops! The villa was great and the food was really delicious."
Partners
Pricing
BOOKING TERMS:
- A non-refundable deposit of £300 is required when you sign up to reserve your space online.
- We then require the remaining total balance no later than 12 weeks prior to our departure date.
- Final payments will be made by bank transfer.
- If you are signing up after the 1st July 2025, you will be expected to pay the total amount in full, via bank transfer.
- See FAQS below for our Cancellation policies
£1250
pp single occupancy
ACADEMY MEMBERS SAVE £60*
What is included:
- 4 x nights accommodation in private room with ensuite bathroom
- 4 x breakfasts
- 4 x dinners taking in the delicious local cuisine includes 1 x glass of wine each night
- 4 x supported rides (2 speed groups) guided by expert Njinga ride captains, navigating and setting the pace
- Transfers to and from the airport with bike boxes
- Daily van support, including evening shuttles to/from dinner where required
- Electrolyte and snacks, water etc from the van
- Entry to the Prosecco Gran Fondo Sportive
- British cycling Coach Support
- Post ride stretch sessions by PT and cycling coach
- GPX files of routes
- Full itinerary provided
EXCLUDES:
- Cost of flights
- Personal and bike insurance (ESSENTIAL)
- Additional alcohol
- Additional days (contact us for pricing and to discuss)
* Academy Discount
- You must be an Academy member for minimum 3 months to qualify for the discount. (the discount will be applied to your final balance).
- Excludes members who are on a trial membership as part of a 4 or 8 week group training programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS EXCLUDED?
Cost of flights
Personal and bike insurance (ESSENTIAL WITH COVID)
Additional alcohol
Lunch/coffee stops along the route each day
Any mechanical spare parts
Special dietary requirement cost is additional. Please contact us for pricing.
Cost to bring a non riding partner (contact us for additional costs)
IS IT RIDE CAPTAIN SUPPORTED?
Yes, there will be a ride Captain/coach leading the ride each day at a min 23 kph pace. Depending on the group's ability, stronger riders can start slightly later each day or ride ahead to the coffee stop if needed. Everyone will receive all the route GPX files prior to departure.
HOW DOES THE AIRPORT TRANSFER WORK?
As soon as flights open up for September 2025 we will recommend the most suitable flight options. This will have an origination in London. The transfer will fetch the group from the airport and shuttle you to the team villa. The return journey will drop you back at the designated airport. Includes bike boxes.
HOW DO WE SORT ENTRY TO THE PROSECCO SPORTIVE ?
We have arranged and included your individual entry to the Sportive and will pre arrange registration so you do not need to worry about anything. We will collect your entrance details and bike numbers prior to the event. The only thing you need to bring with you is a doctors certificate which we will send further details on, once you have signed up.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Yes, travel insurance is a must. We will do our best to ensure the trip goes ahead as planned but please see our Covid specific policy below.
WHAT IS YOUR COVID POLICY IF THE TRIP HAS TO BE CANCELLED?
If the trip is affected by any changes implemented by the government in either the UK or Italy we will do the following:
- If we are unable to travel on the specified dates due to new travel restrictions put in place, we will offer you a credit towards another trip later in the year.
- If you test positive for Covid prior to departure and are no longer able to travel, we will do our best to try and accommodate you on a future trip but we are a small business and unfortunately can not absorb the cost for any changes out of our control. We shall have no liability to you for any refunds, compensation, losses, costs, expenses or damages you incur. These are risks which you must protect through obtaining comprehensive travel insurance which includes cover against any COVID-19 issues or incidents which may affect your booking.
- We are not responsible for any flights or other relevant expenses you may be liable for in the event of having to cancel so strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as suggested above.
WHAT IF THE TRIP HAS TO BE CANCELLED FOR OTHER REASONS?
If there is any other reason the trip has to be cancelled which is out of our control, we will transfer your payment onto another trip running later in the year. If it is due to our own decision, we will refund you the full amount already paid.
In both instances we are not responsible for any flights or other relevant expenses you may be liable for in the event of having to cancel so strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as suggested above.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY?
If you are no longer able to make the trip and need to cancel, you have the following options:
2 months or more from date of departure - you lose your £300 deposit only
0-2 months from date of departure and you have already paid the full balance, 0% refund
If however you are able to find a replacement rider, there will be a £30 charge to transfer the booking into someone else’s name provided you find someone and they pay the full amount owed.
WHAT ABILITY OF RIDER DO I NEED TO BE?
As there are multiple back to back days of riding with a fair amount of climbing, we recommend you are comfortable maintaining a speed of 23kph for 80-150km
