About us...

The idea of Garda Ride was first envisaged over five years ago. Co Owner Mark Pittaccio has since then been inviting family and close friends to Villa Chiara. Sharing with them the spectacular Lago di Garda, beautiful scenery and the fantastic cycling experiences.

Established in 2010, Garda Ride now offers the Villa and the amazing opportunity to ride some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in Northern Italy to anyone.

We have kept the same family values and your stay at Villa Chiara will feel like home from home.

Enjoy home cooked meals and local wines as you sit together on the patio over looking the lake at sundown. You will be able to walk along the shore in Gardone and visit the amazing weekly market at Salo.

At Garda Ride, it's your holiday.

Darren 'D' Parish

Co owner and lead guide.

As lead guide, Darren is the guy you'll spend most time with. He has been involved in the cycle trade his whole working life and is passionate about anything 'bike'. Luckily his other passion is food! And more importantly for you as guests, cooking!

On request Darren will look after your every need, whilst on a ride or in the local market. He might even whisk you up a 'funghi e pollo risotto'.

He started racing XC MTB at 18 and soon found himself fairly apt. Within just a few seasons Darren was racing in the Elite category at regional level and also looked to make a mark on the road scene gaining a 1st Cat license.

He has competed at the highest level including the XC Tour of Britain, Tour of the Chilterns and Tour of Herts. Later Darren diverted his attention to Triathlon and twice completed the famous Ironbridge half Iron Man. As the years closed in on his riding career Darren looked at team management. Successfully building an Elite XC team for top brand Haro Bikes. Helping nurture several top riders along the way. The team gained some noted results including Elite team category bronze medal at the Red Bull 24hour.

You will find Darren friendly, approachable and great fun as a ride partner!