Three young people from Verona decided to challenge the cold and the mountains aboard three historic mopeds, the Ciao, transforming what would have been a simple ski trip into an epic adventure through the Dolomites.
The idea was born almost as a joke, from a bet between friends who loved adventure. After recovering old scooters in disastrous conditions, they refurbished them and set out to conquer the Valles Pass. The journey, documented on social media and gone viral, turned out to be long and tiring: the steep climbs required not only the use of the accelerator and energetic pedaling, but also the strength of the arms to push the vehicles.
Despite the difficulties, the three friends have received a wave of affection and support from the web, fascinated by their extraordinary feat. The unexpected success has pushed them to look beyond, planning new adventures that will involve a larger group of enthusiasts.
We spoke with Marco Brentegani, Ferrino collaborator and one of the promoters of this initiative , to find out more about this incredible adventure.
Where did the idea for this adventure come from?
"The idea came from talking to my brother during some relaxing moments at home. He is an automotive engineer and, out of passion, he has often brought home some Ciaos to fix. So we came up with this slightly crazy idea: take them to the Dolomites to go skiing."
What was the most challenging part of the whole trip?
"The most difficult parts were two: the final part of the climb, because the Ciao couldn't climb any further. They had overheated and it was very tiring, physically, to get to the top.
The last day, then, was the return. After all the accumulated tiredness, having to drive from Passo Valles to home in one go was quite demanding. But I have to say that the arrival was incredible: managing to complete this adventure, without knowing until the last minute if we would make it, was a huge satisfaction."
What are the landscapes or moments that struck you the most?
"The landscapes were definitely spectacular. We were immersed in the Dolomites, among the most beautiful mountains in the world. Among the best moments were those of the journey, when we stopped to check that everything was okay and to make sure that those whose vehicle was in the most difficulty could continue. It was a beautiful moment of community: in these adventures, it's not just about arriving, but arriving together with friends. Even the moments of rest in nature were special. After all the climbing, finally slipping into the sleeping bag and sleeping immersed in the silence of the snow is a memory that we will carry with us for a long time."
How did you plan the route?
"We decided on the route as we went, without any certainty that we would be able to reach the destination. It was an adventure in every sense: with two Ciao pulleys and one variator (like having two bikes without gears and one with gears), tackling the climbs was a real challenge."
What equipment did you use to tackle the different phases of the journey?
"In addition to all the equipment related to the Ciao (helmets, bags made by us with jerry cans), we used Ferrino backpacks, rain tarps to insulate the ground and, above all, sleeping bags and mats . The material had to be high-performance, because we slept on the snow without any shelter. We had Lightech 1400 sleeping bags, and for insulation we used a mat plus a winter mat . Without good equipment, it would have been impossible to rest in the intense cold. The backpacks with detachable hoods, model Dry Hike 40+5 , were very comfortable: we transformed them into bike bags for the Ciao, optimizing the limited space of the vehicles. Finally, we had the ski mountaineering equipment to reach the final destination."
What were the most complex logistical aspects?
"The most complex part was finding a way to transport all the equipment on the Ciao, given the limited space available. For a winter bivouac and ski mountaineering, we needed to carry a lot of material. Plus, there was the underlying uncertainty: we didn't know if we would be able to get to the end. Every day was a discovery."
How long did it take you to complete the entire course?
"It took us about three days. The first two were dedicated to the climb, with the bivouac in the snow above Passo Valles the second night. The last day we made a single push to return directly home."
Next adventure…?
"The next adventure, at least for me, is the almost three-month trip to the North Cape in winter , with a camper, which I am currently involved in. Definitely more comfortable, even if much colder! Then there are already other adventures planned, also with the Ciao, but more towards the summer... so, at least, a little more relaxed!"
