FIRST EPISODE OF THE SERIES ON BIKEPACKING
Every journey begins with a step
Introduction
Welcome to the first episode of my series devoted to bikepacking, a unique and adventurous way of traveling by bicycle that has gained incredible popularity in recent years. In this series, we’ll explore the different aspects of this practice, from equipment to destinations to practical tips I’ve gathered from more than 15 years of experience on the pedals.
In collaboration with Selle San Marco, I want to offer you not only useful insights to start your bikepacking journey, but also inspiration to discover how biking can be a means of personal growth and world discovery.
My experience with bikepacking
I have been traveling by bicycle for more than 15 years. Cycling has always been my greatest passion and, with time, I have managed to turn it into a profession. I have lived and studied in different countries around the world, and in the last ten years I have gained numerous professional experiences in the field of cycling tourism, working for important international companies.
I have had the good fortune and honor to lead thousands of people, sharing not only the rides but also a piece of my life. I believe, in fact, that traveling is the best way to be personally enriched. Although it has been many years, I can never stop traveling, and all my trips are made by bicycle.
Combining passion and work has been the mantra of my life and has allowed me to experience numerous scenarios in which I have been in charge of group or personal dynamics, working with extreme passion and dedication. I have given a lot, but I have also received a lot from those who have traveled with me. I believe that shared experiences always go both ways.
I started traveling more than 15 years ago, and I will never forget my first trip, made with a bicycle to which I had attached bags with bungee cords, along Sicily. That was the first step in a journey that has never stopped and has taken me cycling to the northernmost borders of Europe.
Throughout the years, I have traveled with different types of bicycles and configurations, later specializing in ultra cycling and bikepacking, to the point of launching my own professional project. The goal is to pass on my experience to concretely help people on their journey of personal growth. I believe that cycling is the means to achieve these goals, and in this spirit I created my portal, peppesposto.cc, dedicated to bicycle travel and training to become independent cyclists.
Definition of bikepacking and its advent in Italy
I started traveling when the concept of backpacking, as we know it today, was not yet widespread and the methods of carrying bags were very different. Then, about fifteen years ago, bikepacking arrived in Italy, marking a real revolution.
Although bikepacking is not an innovation per se, since many ideas tend to be reworkings of pre-existing concepts, I have noticed that as early as World War II the military bicycles of the Alpini were equipped with bags similar to those used in bikepacking, made of hemp. So, as is often the case, nothing new was invented but simply gave new impetus to something that already existed.
The American market, always at the forefront of technical equipment production, has certainly contributed to the international development of the bikepacking phenomenon. This, thanks to the introduction of new types of bags and materials, which about twelve years ago also caught on in Italy with the first non-competitive event in the country: the Tuscany Trail.
Indeed, the Tuscany Trail pioneered a new approach, focusing not on competition but on discovery and adventure. The event, together with the national reference portal bikepacking.it, played a key role in the development of this phenomenon in our country.
For the first time, an Italian event broke away from the gran fondo circuit, fully embracing the spirit of adventure biking. Today, after 12 years, the Tuscany Trail has 5,000 registered participants and has established itself as the world’s most popular bikepacking event, while keeping the original spirit intact.
Over the years, many similar events have sprung up in Italy, and today it is possible to attend a bikepacking event almost every weekend. These are excellent opportunities to make the most of the potential offered by bikepacking travel.
Conclusion and anticipation
Bikepacking is more than just a way to travel by bicycle: it is an experience that combines adventure, discovery, and freedom.
In the next episode, we will discuss essential bikepacking gear, with a focus on bike bags and their evolution. I will also share my experience with the Selle San Marco set, which has transformed my travels into a perfect mix of practicality and comfort.
In the meantime, if you are looking for a saddle that will provide comfort and performance during long distances, don’t miss my article on the San Marco Regal Short saddle, an ideal companion for every adventure.
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