Some trips are about kilometers. Others are about connection. The very first CiaoCycling Ladies Gravel Camp in September 2025 was about both — and so much more.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Garda’s south-eastern hills, this 4-day camp brought together a small group of passionate women from all over Europe for a week of gravel riding, sunshine, storytelling, and shared meals. We explored hidden routes that don’t exist on Komoot, bonded over olive oil and sourdough, and left with new friendships and full hearts.

Day 0 – Arrival & aperitivo

We kicked things off at the Mod05 Bike Hotel, our stylish and bike-friendly home for the week. The evening started slowly — just some casual chats in the lobby, a few laughs, a few nervous smiles — until the apericena worked its magic.

On the table: sourdough pane and fluffy focaccia from Impasti 4.1 Verona, fresh veggies, melon, and golden biological extra virgin olive oil from Agricola Castellani, all paired with local Spritz. For dessert: sweet sourdough bread with grapes, olive oil, and gelato – an unusual combo that won many hearts.
We handed out the goodie bags with coffee beans by local roastery Garage Coffee Bros, snacks by Chimpanzee, hydration packs by Lemelo, and more — a small preview of the great support we had throughout the week.

Day 1 – Valeggio sul Mincio & pizza

Fueled by bars from Chimpanzee and hydration sticks from Lemelo, and protected by Pelotan sunscreen, we set off for our first ride — a beautiful loop through the countryside to the romantic town of Valeggio sul Mincio. Coffee stop in town, then a breezy ride back to Buba’s Café, where we were welcomed with avocado toast, bagels, coffee with Oatly, and specialty beans roasted by Garage Coffee Bros.

Later, we visited Mulin Velo, a local cycling store and café inside a renovated mill that reminded many of Girona – but with more Italian soul.

Dinner that night? Original neapolitan Pizza, and stories shared at the table.

Day 2 – Valpolicella & bigoli

The second ride took us north into the Valpolicella wine region, past vineyards and stone villages. Mid-ride, we stopped at Madamadoré for pastries and espresso, and along the way, we had a fun photoshoot with David Van Orsdel to capture the joy of riding together.

Lunch at Buba’s featured focaccia day – because carbs are life – paired with, of course, great coffee. In the afternoon, we had the option to join a relaxed stability workout, but the real highlight was the quiet hangout time, barefoot chats by the pool.

Dinner was all about Bigoli, our local pasta mascot and inspiration for the motto “Bigoli, Bikes & Garda Vibes” — because what’s better than a plate of fresh pasta after a day in the saddle?

Day 3 – Lugana, learning & local wine

On day three we turned south, into the Lugana wine region, famous for its white wines and clay-rich soils. We compared what we had seen in Valpolicella to this very different landscape, and stopped in a tiny town for a classic Italian coke break (a camp tradition!).

Lunch at Buba’s (yes, again – it’s just that good), followed by a visit to Agricola Castellani, where we tasted organic wines and learned about their sustainable methods and handmade jams.

That evening, we celebrated our second-last night with a tasting dinner at Le Vigne del Moretto, a cozy family-run winery. Great wine, local produce, candlelight – it was the perfect final dinner together.

Day 4 – San Vigilio & easypeasy community ride

Our final day started with something truly special: a community ride together with the inspiring women of the Easy Peasy Cycling Collective. Their energy, warmth, and solidarity set the tone for a ride that was less about speed and more about connection.

We rolled out together in a long colorful line of women, chatting and laughing, riding as one. The route led us along the lake, through cypress-lined paths and hidden stretches of gravel, before arriving at Punta San Vigilio — one of the most picturesque and exclusive corners of Lake Garda.

There, we parked our bikes under the olive trees and shared coffee and croissants at the Riviera San Vigilio Café, right by the water. A moment of stillness, a moment of gratitude. Legs tired, hearts full.

Back at Buba’s, we gathered one last time. More coffee (always), final hugs, reflections. Some riders stayed for a bonus loop, unable to resist squeezing out a last few kilometers before departure.

The goodbye was emotional — because in just four days, something real had grown: a group of women from different places, different lives, bonded by bikes, pasta, and a shared sense of adventure.

What made it special

Yes, the routes were incredible. From strade bianche winding through olive groves to secret paths through the vines – we showed our guests a side of Lake Garda that even locals don’t know.

But what made the camp truly unforgettable was the community. Strangers became friends. Every meal felt like a family table. We celebrated small wins, helped each other fix gear, and shared everything from snacks to life stories.

We are so grateful to the sponsors and partners who made this week smooth and delicious:

• Chimpanzee Nutrition (bars),
• Lemelo (hydration),
• Pelotan (sun protection),
• Impasti 4.1 (bread),
• Oatly (milk),
• Garage Coffee Bros (coffee),
• Mulin Velo (mechanical support),
• Agricola Castellani (wine & produce).