Spotlighting Incredible Women in Travel: An Interview with Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico

Part three of our four-part series spotlighting incredible women in travel highlights Lauren Hefferon, director and founder, Ciclismo Classico — the first woman-owned bicycle tour company. She started with two tours in Tuscany and now offers 35 throughout Italy. She pioneered the modern bicycle tour, combining cultural immersion and an itinerary appealing to all levels.

WhereverFamily; Did you feel any fear that your passion to succeed wouldn’t be accepted by your family and/or friends?

Lauren Hefferon: Never. My parents and friends who witnessed my passion knew nothing would stop me. When you love and believe in something so deeply, it is infectious. I have, however, learned to stay clear of naysayers, to surround myself and seek out the believer and the dreamers. I have always had a strong vision that a bicycle tour can truly transform your body, mind and soul.

WF: Can you share any inspiring moments that kept you going even when it got tough?

LH: The going can get tough on a daily basis! I believe in simply just doing it, just getting outside, making my heart pump, breathing deeply and feeling grateful for the beauty we are surrounded with. When I have a super PEAK moment, when I am on tour or participating in an outdoor activity or trip, for example, I say to myself — I am going to bottle this moment and save it for a really tough day. This past fall, I participated in our Tuscany and The Eroica Bike in October. The last day in which we rode with hundreds of other cyclists from all over the world was absolutely perfect in every way — the weather, the food, the fun, the pure cycling joy. I literally did not want it to end. I bottled the day and keep it on a shelf and sip from it whenever necessary.

WF: What words can you share with other women who want to achieve your success?

LH: Once you have found your passionate path, you must throw yourself into it 150 percent every day. “Success” is a simply a marathon you repeat and every time you finish one, you begin another.

Commit to fortifying yourself daily with knowledge, physical experiences that are endorphin creating and surround yourself with people who inspire you always. Commit to lifelong learning and perpetual optimism. Know you will fail again and again and be ready to get up again and again.