The Erratico gravel ride
The alarm clock rang at04:30in the morning, still immersed in the silent darkness of the not yet born dawn.
The deep notes of the early awakening resonated in the heart, like the prelude to an adventure yet to be written.
A hearty breakfast kicked off the day, an essential prelude for a day that was expected to200 kilometers and much more than 3000 metersof elevation difference.
At six o'clock, under a gray autumn sky that still held a hint of summer, the meeting with the “cumpa, companions in adventure ready to share every kick, every laugh, and every fatigue.
A quick second breakfast, and then the departure. The air was sharp, the humidity wrapped everything at 100%, and the cold breeze made the skin shiver. But there was no time to lose, and with the bike lights on, the dance on the dirt road began. One dirt road after another, in a continuous alternation of terrains made possible and exciting by the versatility of the bikesgravel.
wasn't a race , but every pedal stroke was filled with determination and passion. There was an adventurous atmosphere, that of great journeys where the destination matters less than the journey itself, but the energy was not lacking, and every time it was time to push, the feet hammered furiously on the pedals.
Thealba gave the first lights, illuminating a refreshment spot that, despite the temptation, was left behind.
The day flowed smoothly, a continuous change, from the biting cold of the morning to the scorching heat of the midday hours.
Betweenwoodswrapped in autumn colors,lakessparkling, paved streets, paths on the edge of passability, imposingdams , fascinating cave e Tibetan bridgessuspended in nothingness, every kilometer was a new discovery, a new story.
The tiredness was felt, yes, but when you arrived at the Castle of Agliè, the heart knew that the hardest part was behind.
There were 50 kilometers left, interrupted by some
guado that tested legs and spirit. With the sunset, the map became the compass, and the remaining kilometers the obsession.
And then, finally, the arrival at theFrancone velodrome.
Other participants, who had chosen shorter routes, were already enjoying a well-deserved rest, with food and drinks.
But the real prize was gathering with the friends, toastwith a beer and share the stories of the day. Talk about the challenges, the laughter, and the surprises along the way.
