Is called Ciclopacciada And the name says it all: bikes, territory, and good food. It debuts in the Oltrepò Pavese on May 10th. a food and wine ride of about 60 kilometers that combines cycling tourism and culture, ideally following in the footsteps of Gianni Brera, one of the greatest narrators of the Po Valley (at the beginning, the covered bridge of Pavia)
The idea was born within Ticinum Festival, a Pavia-based association committed to promoting the local area. "Our goal is to create networks between institutions, private individuals, and local organizations to promote Pavia and its province," explains Riccardo Cambiaghi, a member of the association. Hence the decision to combine cultural activities with cycling tourism, using increasingly contemporary and accessible language. thanks also to the support of Fiab Pavia.
Inspired by Gianni Brera
La Ciclopacciada takes direct inspiration from Brera and its vision of the plain, made up of roads, rivers and conviviality. «We were inspired by Gianni Brera, who had written with Veronelli “La pacciada: eating and drinking in the Po Valley”. So we said to ourselves to do the Ciclopacciada", says Cambiaghi. A way to reinterpret that story in a contemporary key, turning it into a two-wheeled experience.
The route starts from the courtyard of the Visconti Castle of Pavia, a historical setting that immediately sets the tone for the event, and develops along the main cycle paths in the area, including the VenTo, the Po cycle path (the great river is crossed at the height of Mezzanino) and the Via Francigena. This route was designed to be accessible and safe: "90% of the route is on protected areas or roads with very little traffic," Cambiaghi emphasizes.
Culinary stops every 10 kilometers
The philosophy of Ciclopacciada is to alternate cycling and gastronomic stops, creating a relaxed and convivial rhythm. Every 10-12 kilometres or so you will come across a stage dedicated to local flavours, with a menu that explores the excellence of the area. It begins with the paradise cake, the symbol of Pavia, and then continues with Varzi bread and salami, Po gnocchi in Arena Po, artisanal ravioli in San Zenone and other specialties such as pumpkin tortelli and brasadè, accompanied by Oltrepò wines.
It's not just about eating, but about telling the story of a region through its products. Stops thus become moments of discovery, capable of highlighting even lesser-known places. Arena Po, for example, is one such place: "It's a town off the beaten track, with a castle and an open-air museum.", Cambiaghi explains. Here, participants will pedal among works of contemporary art, in a setting that combines nature and culture.
Another significant step is San Zenone al Po, Gianni Brera's birthplace, where the museum dedicated to him is located. which, for the occasion, will be open to participants. In Belgioioso, it will be possible to visit another Visconti castle, while, after Linarolo, the finale is scheduled along the Ticino River, at the Cus Pavia Canottaggio headquarters, where the day will conclude with a risotto.
The focus is on young people
The organization also paid great attention to group management: staggered departure, groups of approximately 30 people and two expert guides for each group, provided by Avis Pavia Cycling Group. A setting that guarantees safety and quality of the experience, maintaining an informal atmosphere.
The profile of the participants is also interesting. Unlike many cycling tourism events, la Ciclopacciada focuses decisively on young people. "About 30 percent of members are under 25," Cambiaghi says. A result achieved thanks to the involvement of schools, universities and local associations such as the Cus Pavia, that they helped introduce a new audience to cycle tourism.
Fee of 30 euros
The participation fee is intentionally low (considering all the food stops), to make the event accessible to everyone: «We wanted to keep the price as low as possible, 30 euros», He explains. A choice consistent with the goal of creating an inclusive and widespread experience, capable of enhancing the local area without barriers.
In its first edition, the Ciclopacciada it therefore presents itself as a simple but effective format that brings together cycling, culture, and gastronomy. A different way to experience the Oltrepò Pavese, pedaling along the banks, passing through villages and stopping for a meal, just as Gianni Brera would have described.
More than just a ride, it's an invitation to rediscover the plain slowly, letting yourself be guided by the flavors and stories of a land that still has much to tell.
