What is Bikepacking?
Simply put, bikepacking is the synthesis of mountain/gravel biking and minimalist camping; it evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry excursions, with the range and thrill of going off-road. It's about forging places less traveled, both near and far, via single-track trails, gravel, and abandoned dirt roads, carrying only essential gear. Ride, eat, sleep, repeat, enjoy! (Thanks to bikepacking.com)
I think you could also define bikepacking as the evolution of cycle touring. You need a bike, preferably a mountain bike or gravel bike, because the trails are a mix of gravel and off-road. You need a bikepacking bag (like the one in the photo). You need a route to follow, an idea, a dream!
It's not how many kilometers you travel per day, but the idea of starting a dream trip... which can last for 1 day or a lifetime!
PLEASE VISIT WWW.BIKEPACKING.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
How to do it......
I think there is no real "magic potion", because there are different kinds of bikepacking approaches.
1) Ultralight Race: The trail is on gravel or light off-road terrain. You can use a gravel bike with 42mm wide tires or a front-wheel mountain bike. You need rolling speed, and your goal is speed and lightweight bags. You'll likely sleep in a bivibag, won't change your clothes, and all you need is a Gore-Tex jacket and food!
2) Multi-day mountain trail, the trail is on true off-road mountain terrain. You can choose a front-wheel or full-suspension mountain bike; on some occasions, you can even use a bike with 3-inch wide tires. You'll likely bring several types of clothing, tents, and some camping gear.
3) Expedition: probably the main essence of bikepacking, the dream route...for this reason the equipment is very difficult to define.
What is the Italy Divide Classic route like?
The Italy Divide Classic starts in Pompeii and, via mostly gravel or secondary roads (Francigena/Eurovelo7), crosses the entire length of Italy to Torbole on Lake Garda. The terrain is primarily gravel or secondary roads.
In some areas, Abruzzo and the Apennines between Florence and Bologna, the terrain is wilder, but in the new 2027 route we have eliminated all the portage or overly hard sections.
You'll pass through Bari, Naples, Rome, the Strade Bianche in Tuscany, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Mantua, Verona, and finally the Lessinia region. Take your time to enjoy the most beautiful country in the world, eat the best food, and drink the finest wine.
1) The ideal bike? I think a mix between gravel and front mountain bike, with fast tires (UP TO 45 mm). Camping kitchen kit?...nooooo wherever you are you can find a good place to eat ;)) It's up to you whether you want a bivibag or a tent, but you can find nice accommodation in a B&B.
2) How long to finish it?
It depends on 3 to 7 days, it's a real adventure without support... enjoy it
For more information, please email us; we'll be happy to answer your questions: italydivide@italydivide.it
How to Plan the Italy Divide Classic
ID 2027 is, among other things, the opportunity to meet and share. So that everything works smoothly, READ the text carefully UNTIL THE END.
DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION:
The departure ID2027 will take place in Pompeii (NA) where you can find accommodation at subsidized costs at Camping Zeus (contact person: Luigi)
Via Villa Dei Misteri 3, Pompeii (Na)
Phone 081.8615320
Email: info@campingzeus.it
There are three types of accommodation: (price as soon as possible ;;;))))
1. Tent
2. Bungalow
3. Hotel
Please consider both limited availability of seats and "multiple" accommodation.
TRANSFERS:
- FROM NAPLES TO POMPEII:
BY TRAIN: you can take the Circumvesuviana and take any train on the Naples-Sorrento line. The stop to get off is Pompeii-Scavi. Starting from Piazza Garibaldi station (journey every 30 minutes), the ticket costs about 2.50 euros per person and the transfer takes less than 1 hour.
FROM NAPLES AIRPORT TO POMPEII (DON'T DO IT BY BIKE BECAUSE IT'S DANGEROUS):
The simplest solution is the Alibus, the bus that connects the airport to the center of Naples. Second step, get off the Alibus at the central train station in Piazza Garibaldi and from there rely on the various means of transport on departure (see "by train" and "by bus").
BY BUS: Also from the central station of Naples located in Piazza Garibaldi, you can take a bus. The companies that connect Naples to Pompeii are:
• WEBSITE https://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/
• BUSITALIA CAMPANIA http://www.fsbusitaliacampania.it/
• EAV https://www.eavsrl.it/web/home
Transfer times vary from 30 to 45 minutes.
FROM TORBOLE TO ANY AIRPORT:- AIRPORT
The nearest airports are Verona - Villafranca (85 km) https://www.aeroportoverona.it/en/, Milan - Bergamo https://www.milanbergamoairport.it/en/, Venice https://www.veniceairport.it/en/ and Bologna https://www.bologna-airport.it/en/welcome-to-bologna-airport/? idC=62175#departure_from_bologna
From Torbole you can reach Verona Villafranca airport by bus service or:
- FLIXBUS https://www.flixbus.it/
- GERMAN RAILWAY https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
From Verona Villafranca airport you can reach the Verona train station by bus (you can buy tickets directly on the bus).
- TRAIN STATION
The nearest train station is Rovereto ( Brennero line) connected by the Trentino Trasporti bus service (which passes approximately every 80 minutes; the transfer takes about forty minutes).
- SHUTTLE SERVICE
From Torbole, there is also a paid shuttle service. Costs vary depending on the route required and the number of passengers. For information:
Contact person: Andrea
+39 329 1635392