But back to goodbyes: After issue #001’s ‘Open your mind’ and issue #002’s ‘Liberté’, this monumental third issue takes things a step further. It’s farewell to routines, ciao-ciao to the shackles of watt-based training, a brisk wave to road bikes as we once knew them, and a step away from training plans and constricting limits.
In this issue we look at how you can combine a family holiday with a training camp and what are the hallmarks of a decent evening once work is over? Plus we muse over why every cyclist should find their own autobahn and which true luxuries every road rider should indulge in?
So you see, this is potentially the most utopian yet realistic issue of all time.
Gravel, New-Road, All-Road, Endurance, Adventure – the latest trends to hit road cycling (especially in Europe) go by a glut of names, but they all represent the same thing: the renaissance of freedom within cycling. Once upon a time, cycling meant freedom and fun. Forget big-sum sponsorship deals and offensively bright logos on increasingly aero kits, amateurs looked like amateurs back then.
These were the days when the strongest, most tactical and most courageous won races rather than the overarching domination of big-budget teams. The state of affairs wasn’t dictated by the UCI and our free time was exactly that: free. No rules, no velominati. Intuition and passion were more valued than battle plans based on power and watts.
And speaking of plans, haven’t we realized that even the best plan is no guarantee for success? How can we even measure success? Is it money? Fame? The choice to do what we want?
Who dictates our actions and says what we should or could be doing? We can’t blame the pros; they’re human too. And part of being human entails: Hard work, Enjoyment, Curiosity, Friendships, Limits and, whenever possible, luxury. You can be confident that you’ll find all of these in this edition of GRAN FONDO.
This issue might be too much for some of you, and too little for others. But there’ll be no hard feelings – let it shock, inspire and fascinate you.
We leave well-ridden streets behind and follow our instincts. We’re scouting out the boundaries and thinking the unthinkable. You’re only going to come out on top if you put yourself in the mix, and you might even end up in paradise.
On that cheery note, enjoy this issue.
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About the Author
Aaron Steinke
Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!
