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.....
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 route like?
Italy Divide XL
The Italy Divide XL starts in Bari and runs along mostly gravel or secondary roads (Francigena/Eurovelo7) across Italy to Torbole on Lake Garda. Some areas feature mainly gravel terrain, secondary roads, and in some areas, Abruzzo has fairly technical mountain bike trails. Abruzzo and the Apennines between Florence and Bologna are wilder and more remote, but in the new 2027 route, we've eliminated all portage or overly difficult 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 5 to 10 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 for Italy Divide 2027
ID 2027 is, among other things, an opportunity to meet and share. To ensure everything runs smoothly, please READ the text carefully TO THE END.
DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION:
The ID2026 departure will take place in Bari (BA) where you can find accommodation at discounted prices at the
Baia San Giorgio Campsite (contact: Luca) https://baiasangiorgio.it/
Via Michelangelo Intereste, 80, 70126 Bari BA
Telephone 080.5494027
Email: direzione@baiasangiorgio.it
Please consider "multiple" accommodation due to limited availability.
TRANSFERS:
- FROM BARI TO SAN GIORGIO BAY:
From the train station, it is about 8 km, which can be cycled on cycle paths.
FROM BARI AIRPORT:
The easiest solution is the bus, and it takes about 1 hour, otherwise you can walk about 20 km.
FROM TORBOLE TO:
- AIRPORTS
The closest 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#partenza_da_bologna
From Torbole you can reach Verona Villafranca Airport by bus or:
- FLIXBUS https://www.flixbus.it/
- GERMAN RAILWAY https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
From Verona Villafranca Airport, you can reach Verona train station by bus (tickets can be purchased directly on the bus).
- TRAIN STATION
The nearest train station is Rovereto (Brenner line), which is connected by the Trentino Trasporti bus service (which departs approximately every 80 minutes; the transfer takes approximately forty minutes).
- SHUTTLE SERVICE
From Torbole, there's also a paid shuttle service. Prices vary depending on the route requested and the number of passengers. For information:
Contact person: Andrea
+39 329 1635392
For any further information we will be happy to answer you via
email: italydivide@italydivide.it
Telephone: +39 3923736220