MEET THE HEROeS

the series

GIULIA DE PANFILIS

A Volcano, A Desert, Abruzzo And The Dream Of Cycling In Perù

Heroes belong to the extraordinary and to everyday life too. The motivation to ride can be triggered on the streets you already know and on new paths to be explored. Meet the Heroes is a new deep-focus series based on Ride Your Way, released to feed your dreams with stories of cyclists who made the ordinary extraordinary.

"Bikepacking, as the perfect mix of biking and minimalist camping, has transformed outdoor exploration."

Meet Giulia, our ambassador and founder of the Rebelside whose love for cycling and exploration finds deep root.

Abruzzo, a gem of unspoiled green trails in the Italian peninsula, where food, nature and traditions melt in the warm but discrete welcome of the people who had the extraordinary luck of growing up in such a place.. considering Abruzzo as the next bikepacking destination? Read further and you’ll take your experience to new heights.

From enduro to exploration

Giulia's initiation into cycling began with gravity disciplines like Enduro and All-Mountain. However, she soon discovered that exploration was what truly fulfilling her during her time spent riding. Bikepacking became her turning point, allowing her to discover new destinations, self-sufficiently, with a focused-to-the-essential approach.

Discovering Bikepacking

"Bikepacking emerged in the USA as an alternative to traditional bike touring, which naturally thrives on paved roads"

Giulia explains. "Bikepacking reduces weight and bulk, adopting a more 'alpinistic' approach, enabling more agile movement even on mountain trails. I love exploring remote and wild places, and bikepacking is perfect for navigating such terrains. It also empowered my awareness of managing not only my energy but also provisions and gear during trips. The superfluous stays home, as it would only add unnecessary weight."

Dreaming of Peru Bikepacking Adventure

When asked about her biggest dream, Giulia has no doubt or hesitation in saying "the almost 7000 meters of Huascaran, the characteristic mercados of Cusco and Arequipa, the vibrant colors of Valicha's traditional costume, the Incan ruins, the typical dishes like chupe and escabeche, and the wonderful yet comical alpacas make Peru my ultimate bikepacking dream. I hope to explore those regions one day and realize this dream that has remained in my drawer for far too long."

Overcoming Bikepacking Challenges

Traveling by bike comes with challenges.

Sicily: Where the Heart Is

Giulia remarks "When you embark on a bike trip, you're at the mercy of variables that can easily turn into unforeseen challenges. These are an integral part of the adventure. Today, we are increasingly engulfed in daily routines that dictate our schedules. Numerous variables, particularly weather conditions, can force you to change your plans or, in the worst case, abandon them entirely. I remember the crossing of the Gorafe Desert in Andalusia, where I had a high fever for several days, forcing me to abandon my route and return to Italy."

A place that truly captured Giulia's heart was Sicily, where she explored the Etna region and the Nebrodi Park on her bikepacking adventures. "I vividly remember riding along the Altamontana trail of Etna, with a plume of smoke rising from the summit crater behind me, a testament to the unstoppable activity of the lava. The mountain was alive! I've never felt a more intense sensation than knowing that, behind me, the relentless activity of the lava 'watched' over us day and night. It's an emotion difficult to describe and can only be fully understood if experienced firsthand. And I'll never forget my first real Sicilian cannolo: a true explosion of flavor! Sicilia Bedda!"

From Iceland to… Centuria!

Every bikepacking is nurturing her eyes, that shine to whoever asks about her travels.

Giulia has recently returned from a huge adventure in Iceland  and couldn’t be more excited. Giulia's passion for bikepacking, combined with her boundless affection for her home region, Abruzzo, has driven her to create projects to involve other enthusiasts. "The driving force behind all this has undoubtedly been my love for cycling and exploration, but above all, the strong bond I feel with my region. Abruzzo, the inspiring muse for organizing a series of bikepacking events. Collaborating with local businesses to showcase typical products and allowing people to admire what the greenest region in Italy has to offer has been a true joy.”

two options for discovering Abruzzo through bikepacking

Giulia's tips

Centuria

Centuria is a bikepacking weekend experienced along the ancient sheep-tracks of the Abruzzo Transhumance, to rediscover not only the places and culture, but also the flavors of Abruzzo's rural cuisine, with the majestic background of a 16th-century monastery.

The Wolf's Lair

For those who instead have a week at their disposal and want a more in-depth exploration of Abruzzo, where self-sufficiency is the watchword, I suggest cycling, in late spring or early fall, "The Wolf's Lair" the trail created by Montanus

Minimal and well-equipped, it’s possible!

Don’t know where to start with packing your gear for bikepacing? Here Giulia’s 3 favourite pieces from Northwave to build the perfect essential kit, plus a travel companion that she cannot leave without, her beloved camera.