Western Michigan is the idyllic setting for these two spectacular single-day Italian-themed bicycle races in stunning Ottawa County—competitions reminiscent of tranquil Tuscan countryside where the Renaissance captured the world’s imagination centuries ago. Racing begins with Chrono Strade Bianche, the ultimate test of rider and machine, a 20km trial against the clock on a fast yet highly technical seven-turn course stretched across exceptionally groomed gravel/dirt roads—strade bianche, or white roads, in the Italian language—that periodically join smooth, fast asphalt to ribbon through rolling, creek-crossed and tree-lined landscape that greets millions of visitors annually. Later this same day, compete in the inaugural Strade Bianche Road Races that combine the same challenging mix of pavement and low-travelled, well maintained gravel/dirt surfaces that will draw out your technical skills.