Leaving Milan, the road towards the rally billed as "Le piramidi sotto la neve” (the snow-capped pyramids) in Zone (province of Brescia) was freezing cold, but meeting up with friends along the way made everything seem much easier.
Laughter and company helped to keep the cold at bay, turning the whole journey into a much more enjoyable experience.
After a stretch along the highway and skirting part of Lake Iseo, we began to climb as the road led us upwards to our destination. At the fifth turn, there is a little area where it’s possible to stop and admire a truly breath-taking view of the so-called “Pyramids” of Zone. Formed by erosion due to the effects of the weather, they really are a sight to behold.
Despite winter’s icy grip, the parking lot turned into a lively encampment bustling with motorcyclists brought together by their shared passion.
Each one set up their own tent on the ground, which was spread with soft hay in a thoughtful touch offered by the rally organisers.
In fact, the hospitality provided at the event exceeded all expectations: not only were space and comfort taken care of, but there was also firewood to build a blaze in the centre and a marquee where people could eat in warmth, both offering truly unique shared moments.
On the first evening, Saturday, the rally kicked off with an atmosphere of celebration and companionship.
A shared aperitif transformed simple dishes of charcuterie and cheese into nothing short of a banquet rich in flavours and in laughter.
Everybody had something to contribute, adding their own personal touch to this special moment.
The crackling of the fire gave a welcoming soundtrack to the evening, while the stars above peered down like curious spectators listening in on our stories of past travels and future dreams.
Seated around the fire, we regaled each other with our experiences of life on the road, bringing to life all the sights, sounds and scents of adventure and freedom that can only be experienced when travelling by motorcycle.
The marquee provided added greatly to the sense of community, offering a welcoming refuge to share warm meals and moments of friendship, while protecting us from the night’s chills.
An atmosphere of human connection and warmth blossomed beneath the starry sky and all around the bonfire, transforming this simple parking lot into an oasis of welcome, if only for a short time.
During the night, the cold undeniably made its presence felt, yet those hours we spent together were unforgettable. People were sharing moments together until late into the night, completely swept up in the lively and captivating atmosphere of the rally.
At dawn on Sunday, another shared moment defined the day when everybody gathered again around the fire to enjoy breakfast together. Biscuits, tea and coffee brought sweetness to the morning, further strengthening the bonds between all in attendance.
In this frozen landscape, the heat from the flames acted as a glue, bringing together motorcyclists with a shared passion for motorcycles, an appreciation for time spent together and the ability to overcome inhospitable conditions.
My Canyon soft bags, each with a 35-litre-capacity, were with me throughout the event, allowing me to travel in complete comfort thanks to their strength and spaciousness.
Despite the considerable humidity and biting cold, the cases came in very handy for keeping all the material and food I’d brought with me dry.
My handmuffs too were extremely useful: although many consider them unappealing from an aesthetic perspective, they kept my hands perfectly warm and sheltered from even the harshest weather.
The return home was less cold than the journey out, and all the warmer for the memory of a magical experience I am already looking forward to reliving at the next rally.
Motorcycle equipment
For those enamoured with
long motorcycle journeys
GIVI offers an extensive range
of motorcycle touring accessories
For those enamoured with
long motorcycle journeys
GIVI offers an extensive range
of motorcycle touring accessories