Squame Adventure Club @Veneto Gravel 23
The 2022 Veneto Gravel was my first bike travel experience. I never thought I'd be back a year later, with 27 young people united by the same passion for cycling, but above all by the desire to have fun and the friendship that bonded us from the start.
Many of them, like me a year earlier, were about to attach panniers to their bikes for the first time; I saw the same doubts and fears I had, and that's why I felt even closer to them.
Over the winter, at Mattia's Bike Line shop, which has become the headquarters of the Squame Adventure Club , we organized a series of pleasant evenings with the aim of exploring the main topics related to bicycle travel, thus trying to dispel the doubts and perplexities of newcomers.
Well, it was time to move from theory to practice!
Day 1: Bassano del Grappa - Caorle
We gathered at the start near the Ponte Vecchio in Bassano del Grappa, took a few obligatory photos, and then clipped in. Today's stage included approximately 160km with zero elevation gain, heading to Caorle, along colorful cycle paths and relaxing riverbanks.
Everyone went at their own pace, some enjoying a bit of healthy competition, others preferring to fully enjoy the scenery. We certainly agreed on stopping at the bar, where we could sip a cold beer and grab a bite to eat.
Upon arriving at the checkpoint, it was wonderful to see the smiles and satisfied faces; the first stage of the first experience was complete!
While there was no shortage of opportunities for entertainment during the day, in the evening the focus shifted to the desire to unwind, even lightheartedly, forgetting about two wheels for a few hours.
Day 2: Caorle - Belluno
We left Caorle in the direction of Belluno, 140km with 1000D+ roughly.
Luca, a member of the group who works with the Vecchia Postumia farm, located a few kilometers from Oderzo, had prepared a wonderful surprise for us. He took a short detour to the winery, where, before our incredulous eyes, a table laden with local products and a tasting of their own olive oil and wine awaited us. Their hospitality and the quality of their products made it difficult for us to get back on our bikes and continue the trail!
After a few kilometers, the road began to steepen, passing through Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto. We left the flat plains behind, allowing ourselves to appreciate the mountain panorama. Arriving in Belluno in mid-afternoon, we even had time for a delicious aperitif just before dinner.
Day 3: Belluno - Bassano del Grappa
Unfortunately, the forecast was confirmed: outside the window, a black sky laden with rain obscured the horizon. We hoped the rain gear would stay in our bags, but this time we had to put it on. However, no one was deterred; between shower caps and questionable waterproof solutions, we set off towards Bassano in the pouring rain.
We had about 100km of climbing ahead of us, with a thousand meters of elevation gain. Nothing impressive, but severe weather always changes the cards. Fortunately, our tenacity prevailed, and by the time we reached Feltre, the storm had left us. We were able to cover the last few kilometers, removing our waterproofs and even enjoying a faint ray of sunshine that dried our bones.
Here the splendid Bassano emerges in the distance, it's done!
The last few kilometers we traveled allowed us to appreciate the beauty of Bassano del Grappa, there are several pleasant medieval views that we were able to admire before arriving at an iconic passage on the Ponte Vecchio .
The experience ended just as it began: smiles, hugs, and satisfied looks. The "Squame Adventure Club" once again proved to be a group of fantastic people, each of us with our own backgrounds sharing added value, thus creating something I never expected to see. Thanks to all the girls and boys of the club, you are the lifeblood of Squame.
Authors: Fabio Conti, Federico Settembrini
