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Monza by bike, 4 itineraries not to be missed to discover the city and Brianza

A short guide to find out where to cycle in Monza and Brianza. Four cycle tourism itineraries suitable for all ages and training levels. A different way, slower and more aware, to discover some of the beauties of Monza: from the National Circuit to the Park, from the historic center to the Lambro river. Cycling you learn and discover.

Monza and Brianza are places rich in history, culture, art and nature, which can be visited on a bicycle . For this reason, in the area, cycling is an increasingly present reality. A travel modality that is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime, because it helps you to enjoy things with greater slowness and depth . There are numerous possible itineraries to travel by bike in Monza and its surroundings; just as there are many services offered to tourists who love to cycle, starting with public bicycle rental . Below, 4 proposals to tour Monza and Brianza by bike, suitable for all ages, needs and training levels. Have a good ride!

Pedaling and adrenaline: bike tour on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Have you ever imagined being able to tread, riding a bicycle , the famous track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza ? It seems like a dream but it is reality. The Temple of Speed, in fact, on certain days of the year, opens its doors to amateur and professional cyclists who wish to take a tour of the track on two wheels. A unique emotion, which leads bike enthusiasts to try their hand on a truly special asphalt, full of history and adrenaline.

Find out more about the Bike on track initiative

Immersed in nature: discover the Monza Park by bicycle

The Monza Park, which is part, together with the Royal Villa , of the Royal Palace complex, is a place of indisputable charm, which has nothing to envy to the more famous Versailles. The largest fenced park in Europe, in fact, hosts a multiplicity of tourist attractions, for adults and children. And the best way to get to know and visit the Monza Park is by bicycle , which can also be easily rented on the spot .

Find out more about the Monza Park

Between history and art: cycling in the historic center of Monza

The historic center of Monza is an elegant lounge, a treasure chest that holds pearls of beauty such as the Duomo of Monza with its Museum of Treasures , the Teodolinda Tower or the numerous and suggestive churches . Everything is gathered in a small square of a few square kilometers, almost flat. An ideal situation to try cycling tourists and visit the monuments and places of interest by cycling. Among other things, cycling makes you hungry and you will have an excuse to taste the specialties of Brianza cuisine .

Read also: What to do in Monza and What to see in Monza

The Lambro ring: getting to know the river on a bike

You cannot visit Monza without paying homage to its true master: the Lambro river. And cycling is really the best way to approach this encounter. There are several cycling routes that run along the Lambro and allow you to get to know other areas of Brianza. Which one to choose? It all depends on your level of training and how much time you want to spend on the bike. One of the most interesting, however, is undoubtedly the circular tour that leads to Verano Brianza and back ( detailed route here ). A real ride in the heart of Brianza.

All the races and events of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

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Test drive, a fundamental test before buying a car

With test drives, car dealerships give customers the opportunity to test the car they want to buy through a road test. The test drive, therefore, is a fundamental step in choosing a new car, because it allows you to know its driving characteristics and to understand if you are comfortable behind the wheel. But how does a test drive practically work? How long does it last? Does it have a cost? An in-depth study to find out more.

Buying a new car (but also a used one), especially for those who are passionate about engines, really represents a crucial moment. You have to decide the car manufacturer and then the model and a thousand other details that will make the car that will come out of the dealership unique. Beyond the more or less important details, what really matters when you are about to make such a special purchase is to understand the driveability of the new car . Driving, in fact, is not a merely technical question, but a skein of emotion and rationality, of gestures to be done mechanically and vibrations that are felt to the skin. So, to dispel any doubts, it is better to book a nice test drive .

What is a test drive

Literally, the English phrase test drive translates into "test drive" , better known also as " road test ". In reality, however, a few differences emerge if we thoroughly investigate the use that the motor industry makes of the two terms. The "road test" formula, in fact, is usually used by newspapers that deal specifically with engines to report the columns dedicated to reviews of new cars, made after a test drive that takes place "on the road". The test drive , on the other hand, refers to the possibility that car dealerships give potential customers to test the car they intend to buy, taking a short test drive . Finally, in some cases, events during which you have the opportunity to drive famous cars, such as Ferrari or Lamborghini, also take the name of test divas, even within official circuits. Adrenaline-pumping experiences very similar to track days , which also take place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Find out more about Track Days

How it works and how the test drive takes place in the dealership

But returning to talk about test drives in its classic meaning, it is interesting to know how it works , which follows an almost standard script, with some variations depending on the dealership that makes it. Usually, these are activities organized by appointment , in which the customer takes part, who gets to drive, and the car showroom consultant, who occupies the passenger seat and indicates the route to follow. The test, in fact, takes place on a public road open to traffic , near the dealership. It should be noted that, in the event of an accident , you are still covered by the retailer's insurance.

How long does it last?

The duration of the test drive varies , but usually ranges between 20 and 30 minutes , an adequate time to give the future buyer the opportunity to understand what sensations he receives from the car while driving and to familiarize himself with the spaces and controls.

How much?

Being aimed at the purchase of the car, the dealership has every interest in granting the test drive to the potential customer. For this reason, as a rule, this type of road test is totally free . Indeed, some car showrooms organize periodic test drive events to let anyone interested in trying the cars.

Realize your dream of becoming a driver in the Monza Autodrome

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Regularity races for cars, when precision counts more than speed

In regularity races, both for historic cars and for modern cars, it is not important to be the fastest but the most precise. In fact, during a regularity race, set times are communicated to the driver and navigator to complete the various sections of the route. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a fixed average pace. Here's how they work and who can participate.

When one thinks of a car race, one tends to imagine four-wheeled racing cars whizzing on the asphalt at full speed. In reality, however, this is not always the case. In some races, in fact, the real goal is not to be faster than others by launching at hundreds of kilometers per hour, but to be more precise , sliding along the entire course with the regularity of a metronome. These are the so-called regularity races , a world that deserves to be known better.

Driver for a day on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

What are regularity races

By definition, in the world of motors, regularity races are those competitions in which participants are required to cover the different sections of the route at predetermined times . The route is marked in a Road Book , which is given to all crews. Furthermore, for the entire duration of the race, the cars must be driven at the indicated average speed (usually 50 km / h). The lengths of the regularity races are quite variable, between 80 and 300 km in total, sometimes even divided over different and consecutive days. Depending on the vehicles that are allowed to participate, the regularity races are divided into:

• Classic Regularity , with cars in original trim, on public roads;
• Sport Regularity , with cars in sport trim, on closed routes.

Each category, then, is further organized into races for historic cars and races for modern cars .

Regularity races for historic cars; who can participate

Regularity races for historic cars are reserved for cars over thirty years old , therefore registered before 1992. To participate in competitions of this type it is necessary to obtain a regularity sports license from the ACI , which requires as requirements:

• possession of driving license B;
• the possession of a sports medical certificate for the performance of competitive activities;
• attendance of a specific theoretical-practical course.

Furthermore, the vehicle must be certified as a historic car and must therefore be equipped with a specific identity card , issued by CSAI or ASI, which certifies its conformity with the original model.

Regularity races for modern cars: who can participate

Regularity races for modern cars, on the other hand, are all those in which cars less than 30 years old (therefore registered after 1992) are allowed to participate. The entry rules are identical to those seen for historic car races, except for the vehicle certification form, which in this case is not provided.

Find out how to become a racing car driver

How a regularity race works

The functioning of a regularity race differs from competition to competition. There are, however, some elements that return, such as those concerning the composition of the crew, the presence of special stages during the journey, the timing of the time and the criteria for composing the final classification.

As for the crew , this consists of two people :

• the driver , who drives the car;
• the navigator , who has the extremely delicate task of managing the Road Book and giving the driver the right information.

From the point of view of the path , however, there are two relevant elements. The first concerns the departure. At the start, in fact, the cars are started staggered , with a cadence that is usually one vehicle every 30 or 60 seconds. The other important feature is the presence, along the route, of special stages, that is, stretches of road that must be covered in pre-established times, with precision to the hundredth of a second. To delay or to anticipate means to collect penalties.

Finally, as regards the final classification, a weight is usually also attributed to the age of the vehicle , to guarantee an advantage to the older ones, since they are the most difficult to drive.

All you need to know about the Mille Miglia

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Legislation on historic cars: this is how it works, between requirements and advantages

For Italian law, are historic cars and vintage cars the same thing? What requirements must a vehicle have to qualify as a Historic and Collectible Car? What are the advantages of a machine certified as historic? Below, an in-depth analysis to better orient yourself in the fascinating vintage world of cars that made history.

The charm of a car does not fade with the passage of time, especially if it is cared for with passion and attention. Historic cars , in fact, retain a unique beauty, also because they are indelible testimony of the period in which they were conceived. Owning a car with historical value , therefore, is a real privilege, which those who love cars know how to appreciate. Among other things, precisely because of their importance, which transcends economic evaluation, historic cars are subject to particular legislation , which recognizes certain tax advantages for their owners. To be able to access it, however, the car must meet certain requirements .

Read the history of the Monza racetrack

When a car becomes a historic car: the requirements

In fact, it is the law that indicates the characteristics that a vehicle must have in order to be defined as historic. In particular, the relevant rule is article 60 of the Highway Code which governs two types of vehicles: vintage cars and cars of historical and collectible interest (which are often confused with each other). According to this provision:

" The category of motor vehicles and vehicles of historical and collectible interest all include those registered in one of the following registers: ASI, Storico Lancia, Italian FIAT, Italian Alfa Romeo, Storico FMI".

The Highway Code, however, is not very exhaustive in terms of the requisites needed to certify the historical and collectible interest of a car and therefore obtain its inclusion in the aforementioned registers. The indication of these requirements, however, can be found elsewhere, such as in the regulations of the Italian Historical Automotoclub (ASI). A car is historic if:

• at least 20 years have passed since its registration ;
• it has bodywork, chassis and engine conforming to the original ;
• it is in good condition .

Mille Miglia pills, the most beautiful race in the world

The advantages of a historic car: what can be done and what cannot be done

Once the historic car has been certified as such, it can access the legislation that concerns it and also the related tax advantages . As regards the possibility of driving on the road, the reference standard is always article 60 of the Highway Code:

Vehicles of historical or collectible interest can circulate on the roads as long as they meet the requirements for this type of vehicle, determined by the regulation.

Historic cars , therefore, can be used , except for professional or commercial activities. This is the biggest difference from classic cars , which, on the contrary, cannot drive.

As for the tax benefits, they were partially reduced by the 2015 Stability Law . Up to that date, in fact, all historic cars benefited from significant reductions in the costs of the road tax and insurance policy . Advantages that are now reserved only for historic cars over 30 years old . Specifically, these benefits materialize:

• in the payment of a reduced tax and only if you choose to circulate the car;
• in the payment of a very advantageous insurance policy because it has a fixed class of merit .

Become a driver for a day on the Monza track

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Visiting Monza with children, 3 tips to entertain them (and have fun)

What can you do and what can you see in Monza with children? The city of Brianza is full of opportunities to entertain the little ones and make them discover new things. Three destinations, however, are truly unmissable when visiting Monza with children: the National Circuit, the Royal Villa and the Civic Museums.

Monza and Brianza are perfect tourist destinations for families with children . In fact, alongside the artistic and natural beauties of which the territory is rich, there are also many attractions designed for the little ones . In fact, just a simple walk through the historic center of Monza or a visit to the Duomo and its Treasury are activities that intrigue and entertain children, as well as adults. However, if you want to go without fail and leave them speechless, these three places must certainly be included in your travel itinerary: the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , the Royal Villa and its Park , the Civic Museums .

Autodromo Nazionale Monza, family size speed

In Monza, the Autodrome is a kind of city institution, a symbol known throughout the world as the Temple of Speed . Every year, thousands of people visit it or take part in the numerous sporting events it hosts, including the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix . A magical place that exerts a very special charm on children, thanks to its beauty and the indisputable attractiveness of the cars and champions that pass through it. What matters most, however, is that the racetrack is truly a family-sized tourist attraction, which can also be experienced by those who are not passionate about engines. The possibilities for fun, in fact, are many: from bicycle rides to guided tours that lead young and old to discover all the secrets of the structure.

Discover the history of the Monza racetrack

Monza Park, guaranteed fun for children of all ages

If there is a place in Monza that is truly child-friendly, it is probably the park attached to the Villa Reale . It is an almost unique green area, the largest enclosed park in Europe, capable of rivaling the most noble Palace of Versailles. Visiting the Villa and its Gardens is certainly one of the first things to do when passing through Monza; even the little ones will be fascinated by it. What really makes children go crazy with joy, however, is the freedom and fun they can enjoy while running around the magnificent park, jumping from one attraction to another: paths surrounded by greenery (such as that of gnomes or that of witches) , adventure park , the ride on the little train and much more.

Find out more about the Monza Park and the Royal Villa

Civic Museums

The Civic Museums are another small jewel of Monza, less known than other city monuments but equally significant. They are located in the historic center and offer a rich catalog of permanent and temporary exhibitions, which meet the tastes of young and old. At the same time, however, the proposal of the Civic Museums of Monza is full of initiatives dedicated to children, with creative workshops for all ages. To find the most suitable, simply consult the official website .

Trip to Monza? Become a pilot for a day

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Mille Miglia, the most beautiful race in the world told in a nutshell

History and curiosities about the Mille Miglia, the car race that has turned into a race for vintage cars, without losing its charm. An evocative competition, which takes place between Brescia and Rome, along a path of about 1600 kilometers through central Italy.

Mille Miglia is perhaps one of the most evocative names in motoring, especially in Italy . It entered the common language as a symbol of a race with epic contours , a race that perfectly mixes sporting spirit, passion for engines and extravagance. Not surprisingly, the Mille Miglia is considered one of the most beautiful races in the world and every year attracts hundreds of drivers and enthusiasts from all over the world. But how was this famous appointment born? How has it evolved over the years? What curiosities does it hide?

The history of the Mille Miglia: yesterday and today

The best thing to do to tell the Mille Miglia is to start from its history , which is a characterizing element. The life of this car race can be divided into two major phases: that of the actual race and that of the historical re-enactment . The first phase goes from 1927 , the date of the debut edition , to 1957 (with two pauses, in 1939 and between 1941 and 1946). In recent years the Mille Miglia is characterized as a long distance car race , which begins and ends in Brescia , crossing along the route of about 1600 kilometers (equivalent to 100 imperial miles) most of central Italy, up to Rome . The idea of organizing it stems from a protest linked to the failure to assign the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix to the city of Brescia, which instead went to Monza and its National Autodrome . A disappointment from which a fantastic story was born. The second life of the Mille Miglia , on the other hand, began in 1977 and continues today. The event has turned into a historical regularity race in stages , which sees fascinating vintage cars parade along a route that traces the original idea and goes from Brescia to Rome and back. The goal is to complete it in a set time, without anticipating and without delaying.

5 gift ideas for car lovers

7 things to know about the Mille Miglia

Already from these brief historical notes it is possible to guess the uniqueness of the Mille Miglia, which from a simple car race has been able to transform itself into a myth. To get to know it even better, here are seven things you absolutely need to know.

Who invented it

The creators of the Mille Miglia were Giovanni Canestrini, Franco Mazzotti, Aymo Maggi and Renzo Castagneto , renamed “the four musketeers”. Of this poker of aces, however, the most active promoter of the race was certainly Castagneto, then president of the Automobile Club Italia of Brescia.

Where does it start and where does it come from

As mentioned, the Mille Miglia kicks off in Brescia , where the arrival is also fixed. For the Lombard city, the race is a historical symbol of great value, an event around which the whole city colors and comes alive. The beating core of the whole event, from the earliest years, is Piazza Vittoria .

What is the race course

The route of the Mille Miglia undergoes small changes with each edition, going to touch different locations in central Italy. The immovable fixed points, however, are the length, which must be around 1600 kilometers , that is a thousand imperial miles, and the passage through Rome .

Which historic cars can participate

Only historic cars produced before 1957 and of which at least one example took part or was registered in the original Mille Miglia can participate in the current version of the Mille Miglia.

How many cars participate

There is no minimum or maximum number of participants allowed . The car record at the start was recorded in 2017, on the occasion of the race that celebrated the 90th anniversary of the first edition of the Mille Miglia.

How and what to win

As this is a regularity race, the first prize goes to whoever deviates the least from the established travel time. Arriving early or late, in fact, involves the assignment of penalties. Whoever collects fewer penalties is the winner and wins the first prize, symbolic but very prestigious: a cup that faithfully reproduces that of the classic Mille Miglia .

When the Mille Miglia 2022 will take place

The 2022 edition of the Mille Miglia will be number 40 since the race was reborn as a historic car race. The competition will take place from 15 to 18 June . In first stage , the competitors will start from Brescia and arrive in Cervia - Milano Marittima; in second stage they will cross central Italy, passing through San Marino and Norcia and landing in Rome; in third , instead, they will go up north through Tuscany, until reaching Parma; finally, in the fourth will compete in tests in the circuit of varano de 'Melegari, to then reach the Autodromo Nazionale Monza via Salsomaggiore and Pavia.

Gift ideas for Formula 1 fans

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What to see in Brianza (besides Monza): 5 tips not to get lost

There are many things to do and see in Brianza, the heart of Lombardy. In addition to Monza, in fact, the area holds a historical, artistic and naturalistic heritage of inestimable value. From the Adda to the Brianza lakes, from Montevecchio to Seregno, passing through places of undisputed value such as the Arese Borromeo palace. In this article, a short guide for tourists to Brianza not to be missed.

Italy is dotted with places rich in history, art and landscape beauties. Some are well known and told everywhere. Others, however, rarely conquer the limelight, but they are no less suggestive. Brianza is among the latter, even if an ever-increasing number of tourists choose it as a destination for short trips or longer holidays. This historic area of Lombardy, in fact, offers those who visit it a plurality of things to do and see . Itineraries suitable for all needs and different tastes, which allow you to discover a territory with a long and glorious history. Monza is undoubtedly the main attraction of Brianza, but around the historic city there are many other must-see places. The following list lists five, without claiming to be exhaustive. In Monza, on the other hand, separate articles are dedicated, given its importance:

• What to see in Monza
• What to do in Monza

The Adda, the Leonardo ferry and the ecomuseum

The Adda river is one of the symbols of Brianza and you cannot visit this area without dedicating some time to it, also because it offers many ideas. For example, within the Parco dell'Adda Nord there is the Ecomuseo Adda di Leonardo , divided into 18 stages along the river, with the aim of enhancing its natural resources and encouraging sustainable development. One of the main attractions of the Ecomuseum is the Leonardo ferry , which connects the two banks of the watercourse, that of Lecco and that of Bergamo. What's special about it? It is a ferry without an engine, which walks using only the force of the currents. For those who love outdoor activities, the Adda offers a fantastic cycle / pedestrian path .

The Brianza lakes

Still on the subject of naturalistic attractions, the Brianza lakes deserve to be mentioned, that is, those located in the upper Brianza, between Lecco and Como, a short distance from Monza. It is a series of five small lakes of glacial origin (Alserio, Pusiano, Montorfano, Segrino and Annone) immersed in lush vegetation and surrounded by fascinating landscapes. An ideal area for a quiet picnic or a mountain bike excursion .

Montevecchia

Montevecchia is a small but precious village perched on the hills of north-eastern Brianza . A small jewel that houses numerous prestigious monuments, such as the sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Carmelo or the Villa Albertoni Agnese . Furthermore, the town is at the center of a beautiful hilly landscape, which can host long and healthy walks. Finally, the food and wine delicacies, such as Pincianèl , a red wine with the IGT denomination, deserve to be honored.

Seregno

Another municipality in Brianza that must necessarily be included in one's travel itinerary is Seregno . It is a much larger and more populous town than Montevecchia, but whose historic center preserves a unique and ancient flavor. Among the most important monuments there are certainly the Collegiate Basilica of San Giuseppe , the Torre del Barbarossa , the Sanctuary of Santa Valeria and the Abbey of San Benedetto .

Arese Borromeo Palace and Garden

Cesano Maderno , a town in the province of Monza and Brianza, houses the Palazzo Arese Borromeo , with its suggestive garden. An enchanting place, where art, history and culture meet. Behind the austere façade, the building hides an incredible wealth of frescoed rooms. Likewise, the well-kept outdoor space is populated by statues and fountains. The original structure of the building dates back to the second half of the 1600s, but has since been transformed and enriched over the centuries.

Find out what to eat in Monza and Brianza

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Karting, the sport that shapes future drivers

Karting races are often a training ground in which the young generation of motoring is trained, destined to become great drivers of cars or motorcycles. On board the go-karts, inside a kart track, you can experiment and increase your skills on the track. Karting, however, is not the younger brother of Formula 1, but a full-fledged motorsport, with its championships and adrenaline-pumping challenges.

There is one thing that unites the racing past of many great Formula 1 champions, from Senna to Verstappen, and that is karting . Racing on go-karts , in fact, is the first approach that aspiring drivers have with the track and with speed. The kart track is a kind of gym that you can start attending at a young age (you can start at 6). For this reason, karting is much more than a race aboard curious "machines", but a real sport , with its rules and its international competitions, and above all with great competitive value. So it's worth getting to know him a little better.

Become a pilot for a day

What is karting: characteristics and history of a sport with a long tradition

According to the basic definition, karting is that specialty of motorsport that is raced with karts , that is, small motor vehicles , of which there are different variants. The characterizing element, therefore, is the means used, which has a very particular aspect. The first go-kart prototype dates back to 1956 and is the work of Art Ingels , American racing car builder and Kurtis Kraft technician. In his intentions, that machine was to be just a pastime for his little son. Instead, it turned out to be a powerful intuition, capable of writing unforgettable pages in the world of engines. In fact, as early as 1957, they were developed in California the first real karts : compact vehicles, with minimum height from the ground and without suspensions, flexible chassis, rear-wheel drive and an engine with limited power, which however makes them capable of going up to a speed of 100 km / h. And the first official karting competition was organized in Nassau in 1959.

Find out more about the Justspeed Monza Karting, the kart track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Karting in Italy

Although its origins are American, karting boasts a long and glorious tradition in Italy , where it arrived already in 1957 and where today there are numerous kart tracks . The first exhibition of a kart took place on the track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza , while the production of these vehicles in Italy is closely linked to the name of Nicolò Donà delle Rose , a pioneer in the sector. Over the years, then, “made in Italy” drivers and teams have distinguished themselves for their successes on the track at an international level. To realize this, it is enough to scroll through the golden books of single -speed kart and shifter kart competitions.

All the karting events of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Kart types and race categories

The aforementioned distinction between single-speed karts and shifter karts is a prime example of how different types of karts exist. Differences that are also reflected in the competitions and the age of the drivers who can drive the various vehicles.

Another fundamental distinction is that relating to motors , which can be:

• 4 times;
• 2 stroke 100 cm³ racing;
• 2 stroke 125 cm³ racing family KF;
• 2 stroke 125 cm³ KZ family;
• 125 cm³ TAG family.

The weight (vehicle + driver) is also very important, which is linked to the driving age and the race category, as shown in the table below.

National and international karting competitions

The large number of kart categories means that there are many different karting competitions, both nationally and internationally. On a world scale, however, the most coveted titles undoubtedly remain those offered by the FIA karting division , which go under the name of FIA Karting World Championship (single race). Similar speech for the European panorama, dominated by the FIA karting European Championship (tournament with several races in different countries of the old continent). In Italy, however, the most important trophy is organized and promoted by the ACI and is called the Italian ACI Karting Championship , organized in 8 different classes (some with 3 races, others with 5).

The complete guide to the Italian ACI Karting Championship

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