When it comes to adventure and romance, few couples embody the spirit of both as effortlessly as Tabatha and Mark Beltramo. Their shared love for mountain biking has taken them to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, but their latest journey to Finale Ligure, Italy was something truly special. This Valentine’s Day, MTB Girls Magazine is celebrating love on two wheels with the Beltramos’ unforgettable experience—where winding coastal trails, charming cobblestone streets, and exhilarating descents brought them even closer together.
Finale Legure, Italy? Photo Credit: Tabatha Beltramo? This was our lunch stop on the 1st day of riding with Mario. Mark Beltramo took the photo.
A Dream Cycling Destination
Located along Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, Finale Ligure is a world-class mountain biking destination, known for its endless trails, breathtaking sea views, and historic villages. For Mark and Tabatha, this trip was not just about the riding—it was about adventure, connection, and making memories in a place where the tour buses don’t stop.
“When we first arrived, it felt like we were in Santa Cruz,” Mark recalls. “The town had a laid-back beach vibe with cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and this incredible Mediterranean backdrop. Our hotel had a balcony overlooking the beach, and we’d sit there with a glass of wine, just soaking it all in.”
Their trip started with a bit of uncertainty. The company they booked with was new, and they weren’t sure what to expect. But from the moment they arrived, they knew they were in for something extraordinary.
“Our expectations were blown away,” Tabatha says. “The experience was even better than what was advertised.”
E-Bikes: The Perfect Way to Explore
For this trip, the couple opted for e-bikes, a decision that allowed them to cover more ground and maximize their adventure. Mark, a taller rider, was set up on a Pivot Shuttle, a long-travel e-MTB that proved to be the perfect companion for the rugged terrain.
“At first, I was a little skeptical,” Mark admits. “I wanted a solid, high-performance bike, and they delivered. That Pivot was better than I was—it made me a better rider, and that’s exactly what you want when tackling new trails.”
Tabatha was also fitted with a Pivot e-bike, which gave her the confidence to push her limits while still enjoying the ride.
“Having the e-bike made the trip so much more enjoyable,” she says. “We were able to cover four times the distance we would have on a regular bike. It gave us the freedom to explore more trails, experience the scenery, and still have energy left for the rest of the day.”
From Fire Roads to Technical Descents
Their guide, Mario, played a crucial role in shaping their experience. With a deep knowledge of the trails and a passion for sharing them, he helped ease them into the terrain, starting with fire roads before progressing to singletrack and technical descents.
