Trentino – July 2015

As a writer, I’ll read just about anything that’s around, including – only in a pinch – my husband’s cycling magazines. It makes me laugh how many times I come across the phrase “epic ride” headlining adjective-laden stories. What constituents an epic ride? Can every ride really be that epic?

Well, if I’ve learned anything over the past eleven years of visiting Trentino and becoming familiar with the cycling dynasty that is the Moser family, most cyclists would consider just riding around the block with Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame inductee Francesco Moser…EPIC.

So when you add in an 80-km circuit through historic villages, weaving along stunning mountain ridges and descending narrow alpine lanes; a few of Moser’s friends – including Mariano Piccoli, winner of three stages of the Giro in the 90’s – joining the ride; and, the fact that it was just for fun (no official organization or tour group involved,) this week’s event becomes something better than the “E” word.

It becomes inspirational.

I was lucky enough to have a front row seat, in a whirling, speeding, kamikaze photography/support van (I can’t resist; I love adjectives too,) for this special experience instigated by our good friends, the Giacomelli’s.

 

The anticipation was evident as a dozen+ American and Italian riders – spanning all ages and abilities – assembled, double-checked gear, and snapped a few photos before the early morning departure from Hotel Alpenrose in Vattaro.

From the time the pack pulled out of the parking lot, van in the lead with two photographers hanging out the open hatch, until the ride culminated with a climb to Moser’s winery and museum above Trento, the mood was electric.

As one of the riders said to me today, when talking about the experience, “Instead of fading in my memory, it continues to grow and expand.” Something tells me that’s the case for everyone involved.

That someone as revered as Moser can be so generous with his time, simply for love of the sport and to showcase the region he has always called home, is refreshing and serves as a beautiful illumination of the ability of shared interest to bring diverse people together.

When everyone is engaged, language doesn’t matter, nor does background or nationality. That is indeed, epic.

 

More on the Mosers:

The Moser family legacy is fascinating and includes brothers Aldo (who joined us for the post-ride feast,) Enzo, and Diego, all accomplished cyclists, along with a new generation, most notably nephew Moreno, carrying the family torch forward.

Earlier this year, Francesco Moser was inducted to the Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame and a new book about his life was published .

Cycling may be the first thing that comes to mind when the Moser name is mentioned, but wine – really good wine – is a near second. My favorite is the bubbly (no surprise there, right?,) 51,151 named after Francesco’s world record.

If you visit Trentino, be sure and make an appointment to visit Moser Cantina and try for yourself! While there, you can also dive deeper into the Moser family legacy with a peak inside the impressive onsite cycling museum.

More photos from the ride, cantina, and museum: