Squame @ Veneto Gravel 2022
After a week spent checking the weather forecast, which was initially catastrophic, then improving, Marco (Mac) and I decided to set off for the Veneto Gravel 400k route. The enthusiasm for this experience (new only to me) had won over the fear of spending days under water.
Mac had planned everything long ago, drawing on his travel experience and knowledge of this event, in which he had already participated. Our goal was to enjoy the journey and the views by dividing the route into three stages, not particularly challenging in terms of mileage or elevation gain.
The days' planning had been deliberately done in collaboration with a group of Mac's friends, whom he had met the year before at the Veneto Gravel, so that they could ride together and keep each other company.
Day 1 - Piazzola sul Brenta - Belluno (125km, 1300m elevation gain)
We left home early, and after about two hours of riding we were in the saddle. The uncertain weather didn't dampen our enthusiasm for the adventure we were embarking on.
This first stage featured the most elevation gain, though it was spread out over gentle ups and downs and short climbs. The first checkpoint was in Bassano del Grappa, a great excuse to wander through the city center and take photos of the Ponte degli Alpini.
Continuing up towards the mountains, we arrive at our first destination, Belluno, ahead of schedule.
This way, we can relax a bit and calmly wash our clothes at the hotel before dinner.
Day 2 - Belluno - Jesolo (160km 700m+)
It had started pouring down since the night before, with thunder and early morning hail disturbing our sleep. Outside, the clouds were low to the ground, and water was falling from the sky as if we were under a waterfall.
We take our time by going to breakfast, and almost miraculously, from the hotel window, we see the sky clear and a warm sun peek out from between the clouds. The day isn't wasted yet!
The forecast was reassuring, the worst seemed to be over, we set off with winter temperatures and completely soaked ground, it could certainly have been worse!
As we continue towards the sea, the temperature rises and the clouds thin out on the horizon. We've arrived in Jesolo!
Day 3 - Jesolo - Piazzola sul Brenta (107km - 170m elevation gain)
Finally, sunshine. We knew this would be the easiest stage, completely flat. Unexpectedly, it was also my favorite part of the trip, surrounded by wide, well-maintained cycle paths, very relaxing and scenic.
We had decided to leave early so we could get home calmly, and by lunchtime we were already in front of the finish sign for the ritual photos.
It was my first bikepacking experience, and even though Mac had designed an ideal program for a beginner and given me all the advice I needed to tackle the trip in the best possible way, I was afraid I would succumb after so many hours in the saddle compared to my usual outings.
In fact, thanks also to the wonderful company of Mac and the guys we met on the spot, the hours on the bike flew by without any particular moments of crisis.
Anyone who knows me knows I never thought I'd embark on an adventure like this; I prefer short, intense rides to long journeys. After this first experience, however, I have to change my mind. The allure of cycling in the company of old and new friends is truly unique. In fact, I can't wait to pack up my bags again; we're off to Tuscany soon!
Author: Fabio Conti
