My gravel bike recently got a few upgrades, switching from a two‑by to a one‑by and adding a bigger cassette to help me on climbs. We decided to test everything after work on a Thursday ride in Cleves. Mt. Nebo Road is a long steep road out there that I’ve ridden down before but never attempted to climb. I reluctantly agreed to try.
Cycling in Riccione, Italy, was a trip filled with beauty, good rides, great food, and a few unexpected challenges. Even with all the excitement, the week did not unfold perfectly. I struggled with sleep from the moment I boarded the plane. I can't seem to sleep on a plane and the overnight flight was no different. During the trip, I also found myself wide awake at 3:00 or 4:00 AM a few nights, unable to fall back asleep.
I traveled to Italy for the first time this spring. We flew into Bologna and stayed there the first night before heading to Riccione. It was a nice way to settle in after a long travel day. Our first authentic Italian meal and a little exploring made for a gentle introduction. We’d return to Bologna again on our last night.
This past Saturday, I raced in the Harvest 50 gravel event in Zionsville, Indiana. Riders could choose between a 25-mile or 50-mile course, and I opted for the 25—a mix of 40% paved and 60% unpaved roads. Though I’d ridden the route twice before, I still felt nervous. Familiarity helped, but there's a different vibe to racing.
My first time camping was at a state park the weekend before our four-day bikepacking tour. This partial test run under the stars was an opportunity to get my feet wet and try out the gear we’d invested in: a two-person tent, sleeping pads, quilts, and a cook system.