If you do more reading than riding, here's a magazine that might encourage you to redress the balance. If you can't find a copy locally, 3X have some they can sell you. Passion for Italian at the Morini importers - can't be all bad!
http://www.teambenzina.co.uk
The first issue features the Nethlands' club Tony Kersbergens' ride in the 2007 Milano - Taranto ride; worth a read for this alone!
Good riding,
CC