Vive la liberté! Cycling can be a bit of a superficial parade if we’re being honest, with everyone wanting to belong to the lycra-clad in crowd, joining in with chat about bunch finishes and power meters. Coffee, watts, training camps and aero bars? If I’ve got them, then I can do it too.
But there’s a whole other world that cycling opens up to us. And this is exactly what the second issue of GRAN FONDO is all about. You can download it in the AppStore for free. Click here.
This issue is all about freedom and taking steps to live the life you choose to live. Then, of course, it’s a matter of staying motivated to push on when the going gets tough.
Speaking of freedom, we also headed to the land of the (they’re-kidding-themselves-right?) free to take part in the Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York, which proved to be so much more than just a regular race. It was an experience that taught us why it’s always a good idea to shake off any negativity on the bike.
Perhaps we’d be more satisfied if we felt that the future was a bit more predictable, and if we knew exactly where the road was taking us. But life isn’t like that: it’s full of unpredictability and that’s what makes it so damn worth living. Our best tip to deal with the uncertainties: be prepared for all eventualities.
On the hunt for the ultimate bike to survive the volatility of mountain climbs unscathed and get to know South Tyrol’s most scenic side, our group test consisted of seven bikes and a hell of a lot of stories. We’ll leave the choice up to you, but there was really only one clear winner.
As Einstein so famously said, ‘the one who follows the crowd will go no further than the crowd.’ So why not leave the crowd behind, take the road less ridden and reach locations that are barely known, let alone registered on Google Maps. Gifted with the right sort of friends you can experience some pretty incredible events and come away with decent (power meter-free) stories to enrapture your friends and family – from the Giro for example.
While the ‘Fight Club’ article by our Spanish contributor Alberto Alvarez may not provide us with the key to release us from the shackles of society and our addiction as bike junkies, it does serve as food for thought.
But before you embark on a battle or make a decision, don’t forget that life can also be pretty simple. You just need the right friends, the right magazine and the right inspiration. You can’t buy happiness but you can find it in the jardin de la liberté.
The stories of issue #002 will be published in our premium format on the website soon. Those who have an iPhone or iPad can download the issue here. It’s free!
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