Simple Journey or Unforgettable Journey Experience? - What is Gravel? - What You need to travel?

Simple Journey or Unforgettable Journey Experience?

THE MEANING OF TRAVEL: BEYOND THE SIMPLE DESTINATION

A cycling trip could be interpreted as a simple move, but to experience it like this would be to diminish its essence. You would miss the more authentic side of the adventure and of exploration: that deep desire to conquer the goal with the strength of one's legs alone.

Cycling means savoring the route at the "right speed," freeing yourself from the modern frenzy. We're used to speeding down the highway, locked in a car, aiming straight for the finish line without even noticing the landscape around us. Cycle tourism, on the other hand, gives us back the pleasure of observation.

BUT WHAT DO WE REALLY LOOK FOR IN A JOURNEY?
What have I always looked for in my riding, motorcycle, or foreign trips? Perhaps, today that we are more aware, we seek A TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

Sharing: Travel is a bond that is created with lifelong friends or new people you meet upon departure. It is a route to be experienced together with an expert guide, capable of accompanying you to discover itineraries tailored to your needs.

The Challenge and the Amazement: The journey can be challenging, but that's where the beauty lies. Along the way you will discover places capable of making you fall in love, views that will leave you speechless and that will repay every effort.

Taste of the Territory: Traveling also means savoring. From breakfast in the morning to small gatherings along the street: the baker who has just baked bread, the village shop with freshly prepared focaccia, or that coffee at the bar accompanied by a local sweet.

Conviviality: If lunch is a quick but always appetizing stop, dinner becomes the sacred moment. It's a time for relaxation and discussion, where sitting at the table with your travel companions you relive the day spent, transforming the kilometers traveled into stories and friendship. 

Not all path or street are is good GRAVEL

CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR DIRT SECTIONS

Not all path or street are is "good GRAVEL". This is my method of classifying my segments.

Gravel "Light" (White Road): Compact soil, fine gravel, can do it by even by beginners.

Gravel "Technical": Loose rocks, slopes over 10%, presence of furrows caused by rain.

How much paved road  is needed to join dirt sections? The ideal goal is a 70/30 ratio (white road/asphalt).


ADDED VALUE FOR FACILITIES (B2B)

Local establishments (farmhouses, B&Bs, hotels) are not just looking for a "GPS trail," but a service for their guests.

My proposals will include:

Point of Interess (POI): Fountains, bike shops, viewpoints and historic sites along the route.

Different Distances: Different Distance "Short" (25-30km) for family and beginning bike travel tourists and one "Epic" (70-100km) for skills tourists.

Modularity: Routes that start and return exactly to the door of the structure.

You'll Need to Travel
What You need to Travel? and Tips

Don't be scared. Here you see my bike, with all the bags mounted in backpacking or trail trim, but there is also the option to travel with the Technical Support Van, which will then transpose the suitcases for you from one location to another, you will not have problems of space or weight, but still there are important things to bring during the day trip.

TIPS - WHAT YOU NEED TO TRAVEL DURING DAILY OUTINGS - TRIP WITH HOTEL STAY

INDISPENSABLE:
As for technical equipment, make sure you have your helmet, glasses and gloves with you. For clothing, it is essential to have a complete set suitable for the season, consisting of a shirt, shorts, technical underwear and specific socks, GPS, to collect your data or follow the trail provided at the start.

Don't forget to include a rain jacket just in case and a lightweight windproof shell: there are ultralight models (even under 50 grams) that fold easily and are extremely practical to keep in your pocket. Finally, complete your kit with cycling shoes and, if you are used to using them, the underbody and shoe covers.

It is essential to have with you an emergency set consisting of at least one spare inner tube, the tyre hunting levers and a minipump (or a CO2 dispenser). Don't worry about more complex repairs, though: the guide and support van will have specific tools and extra spare parts to ensure assistance in case of need and quickly resolve any mechanical issues.

If the itinerary includes travel between North and South, crossings from one coast to another, or crossing Apennine and Alpine passes, we recommend always carrying heavier items. Weather conditions in these stretches can change rapidly, with significant temperature variations throughout the day. If we have the Van in tow, we can draw on our luggage on board at all times; otherwise, it's essential to have technical clothing handy in your backpack. It is preferable to carry a small extra weight rather than risk hypothermia or thermal discomfort.

To carry your items, I suggest using a handlebar bag or fanny pack, while I don't recommend using a backpack: in addition to being less comfortable over long distances, it prevents proper back perspiration, with the risk of pedaling all day sweaty.

In these bags you can comfortably store your cell phone, wallet and small snacks such as bars or gels. They are also the ideal space to keep your windbreaker and rain jacket handy.

When it comes to hydration, it's essential to have at least one water bottle (two would be ideal), especially on Gravel or MTB trips: off-road travel times are longer and drinking fountains may not always be available. If we have the van in tow, food and water supplies will be guaranteed frequently; otherwise, it's a good idea to carefully manage your supplies to avoid running out during the most isolated stops.

TIPS - WHAT YOU NEED TO TRAVEL IN BIKEPACKING
This list focuses on maximum self-sufficiency and space optimization. Whether it's a Bikepaching trip with hotel stays, or an adventure trip, perhaps with a tent stay, or right outdoors.

THE ESSENTIAL THINGS:Helmet, Cycling Glasses, Gloves, 2 complete bike kits, one on and one spare, Rain Jacket and Light Windproof Jacket (there are some that weigh less than 50 grams, they fold like balls, they are certainly the most comfortable), technical socks, in case of cold, provide some heavier clothing, heavy gloves and heavy socks, at least one heavier underwear shirt and any shoe covers, why not, even rain pants.

SETUP NIGHT & FIELD:
Sleeping bag (compact) and insulating mattress,Inflatable pillow (or you will use your clothes as padding), Lightweight tent or Bivvy Bag,Front lamp (essential for setting up the pitch in the dark),
Nightwear (lightweight cotton or merino T-shirts and trousers), Unleashed or minimal sandals.

If you sleep in the hotel, you can only bring your nightwear and flip-flops or sandals.

KITCHEN & HYGIENE:
Camp stove and small gas cylinder, Single cutlery (Spork) and Swiss Army knife, 2 water bottles (or water bag), Toothbrush, toothpaste and biodegradable soap (body/cloths), Microfiber towel and toilet paper, Sunscreen and insect repellent, Over-the-saddle cream (essential for long trips).

If you sleep in a hotel, you can avoid bringing a stove, gas cylinder, and cutlery and soap, as we will certainly eat in restaurants or hotels. If we really want to be minimalist, we can also leave our towels and toilet paper at home, you decide.

MECHANICS & EMERGENCY:
Multitool with chain link + False link, 2 Inner tubes + Patch + Pump + Rubber lever, Chain oil and rag or gloves, Electrician's bands and American tape (wrapped on the pump), First aid kit + Isothermal blanket, High capacity power bank + GPS navigator.

If you sleep in the hotel, all it takes is a small emergency Power Bank, much smaller and lighter, so much so that it charges all night in the hotel.

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