when I explain my plan to friends, they naturally start asking questions, especially the non-cyclists. I'll try to resume them here, with my answers.
Q: are you comfortable cycling alone?
A: yes, I've done this many times across Europe, and even if I enjoy group rides, I also love to spend time on my bicycle alone. it is a good time for thinking, relaxing, and be totally dedicated to my feelings, both physical and emotional. plus, Europe is the safest place to cycle, I can easily find assistance if needed, and possibly some travel pals
Q: how many kms will you ride daily?
A: the longest stage will be 180km, the shortest will be the first one: 136kms while passing the Alps
Q: where will you pass the Alps?
A: I'll be climbing the col du Mont-Cenis, approx. 2100m.
Q: what are you bringing with you?
A: although this will be a long ride, it will take only one week, so I will not need much. just a couple of cycling shorts and jerseys, a couple of t-shirts and a sweater will be fine. and a piece of soap to wash them. also, I'll be cycling most of the day, so I'll not need more than this. on the technical side, I'll bring a few tools for small repairs, spare inner tubes, lights, GPS, camera and phone. that's all. less is more.
Q: your travel will be a charity cycling, raising funds. will the donations pay your travel?
A: no. I'm paying the travel myself, this is part of my annual leaves and I do it for passion. any sum donated will go directly to Emergency.it. donating through this link will allow me to know who is donating, and check how far I am from the target.
Q: what accomodations will you use? will you be camping?
A: no, I'll sleep in small hotels. I have done camping in the past, but always with shorter stages, allowing more time to set the tent and relax. now I'll be cycling all the day, and I'll need as much rest as possible. plus, I'm not 30 anymore (it was fun, anyway)
Q: what if it rains? do you have a raincoat?
A: I have some winter gear, but I'll use it only for descending from the mountains. if I'll encounter some light rain, I'll just get wet, and then dry again when the sun will come back. it's summer, and I'm not made of sugar... in case of heavy rain I'll look for some shelter and wait for it to be over.
Q: are you using a super technical bicycle?
A: no, I'm using an old road bicycle, with a steel frame built in 1988, that I have used for all of my previous travels. it's comfortable, reliable and simple, that means that it should have less risk of breakdowns, and if anything happens, I'll be able to repair it myself or to find a mechanic able to do it. also, I love vintage bycicles, and I like to demonstrate that they're still very valuable.
Q: are you using a super technical bicycle?
A: no, I'm using an old road bicycle, with a steel frame built in 1988, that I have used for all of my previous travels. it's comfortable, reliable and simple, that means that it should have less risk of breakdowns, and if anything happens, I'll be able to repair it myself or to find a mechanic able to do it. also, I love vintage bycicles, and I like to demonstrate that they're still very valuable.
Q: how can I follow your ride?
A: anyone donating at least 25€ will receive a daily link via email, through which they will be able to see my movements as I ride. unfortunately this is technically possible only for 50 mail recipients, so the sooner the better! you'll need to send me an email to let me know your email address. also, I will post photos on instagram with the hashtag #pedalaconme, and I'll update this blog every evening.
if you have more questions, please ask them in the comments below, and I'll update this post with my answers!
Days to start: 3
kms cycled: 0km
funds raised: 255€
virtual kms donated: 127kms
Days to start: 3
kms cycled: 0km
funds raised: 255€
virtual kms donated: 127kms
No comments:
Post a Comment