Cycloscope

08/11/2024

What is your favorite bikepaking tent?

We first tested a NatureHike tent back in 2016, while living in China, when the brand was still relatively unknown. To this day, we continue to use their products.

Our Cloud Up tent performed reliably under most conditions. However, during an extreme windstorm in the Arctic Circle, a pole broke, tearing the flysheet.

NatureHike quickly sent a replacement flysheet and even contributed to our accommodation costs for the nights we couldn’t camp. While these tents may not last forever, they offer an excellent budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.

11/10/2024

🏠 It is said that the origin of the capanno, also known as Padellone (or Bilancione), due to the large net extending over the water, dates back to the 15th century. However, its spread in the Po Delta area and along the entire Adriatic coast is documented in the 19th century.

🐠 The structure of the capanno—as the name itself suggests—is that of a small hut, partly built on land and partly supported on a barge or on stilts suspended over the water.

🥘 Its original function was to provide temporary shelter for fishing activities. Right next to the capanno, a large square net (padellone) is mounted and lowered into the water to catch the best of the local fish.

🪵 The construction materials have always been modest, often scraps. Anyone with an extra door or window frame knew how to recycle them.

🧑‍🍳 Inside, the capanno has one or two rooms, with an area for cooking and eating, and another for resting as needed.

06/10/2024

🦾 Although I only encountered electric bikes, there are several easy and flat cycling paths towards the sea through the Pineta of Ravenna.

⛵️ The origins of the Pineta of Ravenna date back to Roman times, when this land was part of a system of lagoons and forests. The Romans exploited the pine forest for timber, primarily for shipbuilding, but it was during the Byzantine period that it became strategically important, providing wood for fleets and the city.

👑 In the Middle Ages, the pine forest continued to be used for timber and resin and also served as a hunting reserve. During the Renaissance, the Malatesta family and later the Papal State recognized its importance and protected it.

🐺 Today, it is a protected area rich in biodiversity, and apparently, in 2020, wolves returned after three centuries.

05/10/2024

👩‍🚀 It's so true that we often don't know or overlook what's right next to us.

👓 I recently had the chance to visit Ravenna, and wow—I'm still in awe of its stunning mosaics!

👩‍🏫 The mosaics of Ravenna are among the most famous and precious examples of Early Christian and Byzantine art in Italy and the world, dating primarily from the 5th and 6th centuries.

⛪️ They are found in various monuments throughout the city, an important center for both the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire.

🍌 I’m sure, though, that if I had come here as a child, there wouldn’t have been a flowering banana plant at the church entrance.

04/10/2024

I return where the river
is slow like life
and everything seems always the same,
but changes, a little, every day,
a tree, a leaf,
and you, who watch the world
pass slowly, without making a sound.

“Torno dove il fiume
è lento come la vita
e tutto sembra sempre uguale,
ma cambia, un poco, ogni giorno,
un albero, una foglia,
e tu, che osservi il mondo
passare piano, senza far rumore.”

[Ritorno alla Bassa di Zavattini]

02/10/2024

🚴🚴‍♀️ During our bike tour in Ireland, we visited the Aran Islands.

🪨 Walking among the endless stone walls and enclosures will give you the distinct feeling of being inside the script of the next fantasy film adapted from a Tolkien novel.

🐦‍⬛Pics taken by our drone before it was attacked by crows ▶️ https://cycloscope.net/aran-islands-what-to-see

Have you been there?

30/08/2024

Some time ago we came across this interesting discussion on the Facebook group Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking, where many members expressed what, according to them, might be the rules of bicycle touring. I will say that most of it is more the kind of helpful advice on how to enjoy a bicycle trip, avoid troubles, and don’t be an as***le.

Some are funny, some are serious, and all are useful. We also added some comments of ours.

Do you respect these rules? Do you have something else to add to the list?

▶️ https://cycloscope.net/bicycle-touring-tips-rules-advice

14/08/2024

Nestled in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar is a city where history breathes through every stone and whisper of the wind. Its breathtaking landscapes, crowned by the serene Dal Lake, are contrasted by the echoes of a tumultuous past and present.

This city is where Mughal architecture tells tales of a bygone era, where gardens and mosques like the Jamia Masjid stand as symbols of faith and resilience. Yet, beneath the surface lies a story of struggle—a city shaped by decades of conflict, its people caught in the crossfire of a militarized zone. The streets here know the footsteps of soldiers and the chants of prayers, woven together in a complex tapestry of survival.

And then there's the mystery of the **Rozabal Shrine**, believed by some to be the resting place of Jesus (Yuz Asaf). This place adds another layer to the spiritual and historical depth of Srinagar, a city where religions intersect, and stories from centuries past still spark debate and reverence.

Srinagar is more than a postcard; it’s a place of soul-stirring contrasts—of breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking realities. It’s a city that demands to be seen, heard, and understood, not just through the lens of its struggles but through the resilience and hope of its people. ✨

24/07/2024

Here's something you should never do in the Himalayas

21/07/2024

🧑‍🦱 In the 1970s in Marin County, California, pioneers like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, and Tom Ritchey started modifying their bikes to tackle rugged trails, creating the first "klunkers" with stronger frames and wider tires.

This is How the Story of Mountain Biking Began!

Are you curious to know how the MTB revolution evolved to reach the Olympics?

Read the full story here 👉 https://cycloscope.net/history-of-mountain-biking

20/07/2024

We made it to the top of Spiti!

12/07/2024

Alessandro and Stefania have been riding a touring tandem around the world for 7 years.

In the utterly lavish cycling lot, tandem bikes still come as an extravagance. Not only does the tandem defy our shining depiction of the exulting pink jersey hero at the end of his lonely final sprint.

It also overturns any embraceable idea of a dream bike: aerodynamic like a jet, agile like a panther, light like a feather…the tandem is not.

👉 https://cycloscope.net/best-tandem-bikes

What do you think about this way of traveling? Have you ever considered it or you think tandems are just a divorce machine?

11/07/2024

We lived in China for a couple of years, one of which we spent in Sanmen County. And we loved it! If you plan to visit China (now it is visa-free) and you want to see something authentic, go to Sanmen!

👉 https://cycloscope.net/sanmen-travel-guide-zhejiang

11/07/2024

Hey everyone!

I'm excited to invite you to subscribe to Cycloscope on Substack, your go-to source for all things cycling and traveling! 🚲

🌟 Expert tips and advice
🌟 Inspiring stories from fellow cyclists
🌟 Gear reviews and recommendations
🌟 Updates on the latest cycling trends
🌟 Training plans and off-bike exercises

Don't miss out on exclusive content that will keep you motivated and informed. Click the link below to subscribe and be a part of our growing cycling community. Let's ride together! 🌍❤️

Subscribe to Cycloscope

How to Travel by Bicycle: a Beginners' Guide to Start Bike Touring How to plan your first bicycle trip on a budget. Find a touring bicycle, gear up, plan your route, and start traveling the world by bicycle. https://cycloscope.net/travel-bicycle-start-bike-touring We are often asked what are the fir...

24/10/2023

The black headed cranes at Tso Moriri, a ta***ic symbol for Ladakhi Buddhism. Backtracking from the remote lake area to reach the legendary sources of the Hindus river

12/08/2023

Tso Moriri, a marvel nestled in the rugged landscapes of Ladakh, is a breathtaking high-altitude lake that seems to mirror the heavens themselves. Of course, by "mirror," I mean that its surface occasionally ripples with gusts of wind, showing us that even heavenly reflections can be a bit temperamental.

The village surrounding Tso Moriri is a testament to the delicate balance between humans and the environment. Amidst the barren beauty, the villagers have crafted homes that stand strong against the elements, though they might not always ward off the chilly winds as effectively as one might hope. Their sun-kissed skin is a testament to their dedication to outdoor life, and their warm smiles could be attributed to the fact that they've mastered the art of smiling through chapped lips.

With each sunrise, the villagers rise to tend to their livestock, embracing the yaks' penchant for leisurely strolls and impromptu symphonies of bell ringing. Their dances, performed with reverence for the mountains and waters, sometimes result in unintended comedic interludes, as altitude-induced light-headedness adds an element of unpredictability to their steps.

Tso Moriri's allure extends beyond its stunning façade. It's a mirror that reflects the resilience of a community that thrives in a challenging environment. Their lives are a delicate waltz with the seasons, occasionally marked by abrupt and unscheduled snow dances. As you stand by the cerulean expanse of Tso Moriri, taking in the majesty and perhaps shivering a little, remember that even the most stunning destinations come with their own quirks, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience

04/08/2023

Day 28 to 32 - Leh/Hemis

4 well deserved rest days in the Ladakhian capital of Leh. A bustling but pleasant town of 40,000 where we can rest, replenish out needy stomachs with delicious and varied foods, and most importantly get the permits needed for the next part of our plan.

It's a time of celebration here, the Kashmiri Muslims came to the most important mosque in Ladakh to celebrate Eid Mubarak, while Buddhist from all over the region flocked at the Hemis monastery for the annual summer festival.

Vajrayana, or ta***ic Buddhism is famous for its esoteric rituals involving huge and elaborated masks, complex costumes, repetitive dances, and trance-inducing music. The festival is super crowded and very intense!

Permit in hands, we meet with Mr Karma from Debring to get a ride back there to Tso Kar, where we came from. From here we're gonna ride the lakes loop back to Leh. 250 more kilometres of wanders await us.

29/07/2023

Day 27 - Upshi to Leh (46km)

No bike pictures for this final day on the Manali - Leh. The scenery is not so inspiring for these last 46 km and traffic is quite intense.

The real stars of the day are the many ancient Gompas along the way. We decide the climb up two of them, Thiskey and Stakna.

The monasteries in Ladakh follow the teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism. The region is home to numerous monastic communities where monks and nuns engage in meditation, study Buddhist scriptures, and perform religious ceremonies.

Ladakh is predominantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism. This form of Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, and it emphasizes the use of ta**ra and various esoteric practices to achieve enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism has deeply influenced the culture, art, and way of life in Ladakh for centuries.

Centuries ago Ladakh was indeed entwined within the vast tapestry of Tibet. The two lands shared a cultural and spiritual kinship, fostering a connection that transcended borders and spanned the high mountains. Tibetan influence permeated the monasteries of Thiskey and Stakna, leaving an indelible mark on their traditions and beliefs.