The deep notes of early awakening resonated in the heart, like the prelude to an adventure yet to be written.
A rich breakfast began the proceedings, an essential prelude to a day that included 200 kilometers and well over 3000 meters of altitude difference.
At six, under a gray autumn sky that smelled of summer, the meeting with the " cumpa ", adventure companions ready to share every kick, every laugh and every tiredness.
A second quick breakfast, and then departure. The air was sharp, the humidity enveloped everything 100% and the cold breeze made the skin shiver. But there was no time to waste, and with the bike lights on, the dance on the dirt road began. One dirt road after another, in a continuous alternation of terrain made possible and exciting by the versatility of gravel bikes.
It wasn't a race , but every pedal stroke was full of determination and passion. There was an adventurous atmosphere, that of great journeys where the destination matters less than the route, but there was no lack of energy, and every time it was time to push, the feet hammered furiously on the pedals.
Dawn brought the first light, illuminating a refreshment that, despite the temptation, was left behind.
The day passed smoothly, a continuous change, from the sharp cold of the morning to the scorching heat of the central hours.
Among woods wrapped in autumn colours, sparkling lakes , paved roads, paths at the limit of practicability, imposing dams , fascinating quarries and Tibetan bridges suspended in thin air, every kilometer was a new discovery, a new story.
Tiredness made itself felt, yes, but when we arrived at the castle of Agliè, our hearts knew that the worst was behind us.
50 kilometers remained, interspersed with a few fords that put my legs and soul to the test. As the sun went down , the map became the compass, and the remaining kilometers became the obsession.
The gravel ride Erratico
- Article published: 19 October 2023
- Item Category: TestRide
The alarm rang at 04:30 in the morning, still immersed in the silent darkness of the dawn not yet born.
The deep notes of early awakening resonated in the heart, like the prelude to an adventure yet to be written.
A rich breakfast began the proceedings, an essential prelude to a day that included 200 kilometers and well over 3000 meters of altitude difference.
At six, under a gray autumn sky that smelled of summer, the meeting with the " cumpa ", adventure companions ready to share every kick, every laugh and every tiredness.
A second quick breakfast, and then departure. The air was sharp, the humidity enveloped everything 100% and the cold breeze made the skin shiver. But there was no time to waste, and with the bike lights on, the dance on the dirt road began. One dirt road after another, in a continuous alternation of terrain made possible and exciting by the versatility of gravel bikes.
It wasn't a race , but every pedal stroke was full of determination and passion. There was an adventurous atmosphere, that of great journeys where the destination matters less than the route, but there was no lack of energy, and every time it was time to push, the feet hammered furiously on the pedals.
Dawn brought the first light, illuminating a refreshment that, despite the temptation, was left behind.
The day passed smoothly, a continuous change, from the sharp cold of the morning to the scorching heat of the central hours.
Among woods wrapped in autumn colours, sparkling lakes , paved roads, paths at the limit of practicability, imposing dams , fascinating quarries and Tibetan bridges suspended in thin air, every kilometer was a new discovery, a new story.
Tiredness made itself felt, yes, but when we arrived at the castle of Agliè, our hearts knew that the worst was behind us.
50 kilometers remained, interspersed with a few fords that put my legs and soul to the test. As the sun went down , the map became the compass, and the remaining kilometers became the obsession.
And then, finally, the arrival at the Francone velodrome .
Other participants, who had chosen shorter routes, were already enjoying a well-deserved rest, including food and drinks.
But the real prize was getting together with friends , toasting with a beer and sharing stories of the day. Talk about the challenges, laughs and surprises of the journey.
