The hilly landscape of Friuli is getting ready to host a cycling event that
combines outdoor activity, breathtaking scenery, and local culture in a day that
promises to be truly unforgettable. On Saturday, October 4, We Like Gravel is set
to take place, a brand-new initiative by the We Like Bike Consortium, crossing
one of the most fascinating and authentic areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
This won’t be just a ride: it will be a journey through vibrant nature and
unmistakable flavors, fully embracing the gravel philosophy, a call to slow down,
savor every stretch of road, every glimpse of landscape, every encounter along the
way.
The route – still under wraps for now – will ideally follow the axis connecting San
Daniele del Friuli to Spilimbergo, running through one of Friuli’s symbolic
landmarks: the accessible riverbanks and gravel beds of the Tagliamento River.
As the Friulians say, it will take riders di cà e di là da l’aghe (f rom this side and
that side of the water). The Tagliamento is a true natural monument: wild, f ree,
and untamed. It is not just a watercourse, but a living ecosystem that carves the
land, strokes white gravel beds, and winds through riverside forests with the
same force that moves all who encounter it.
San Daniele del Friuli will welcome participants with its unmistakable silhouette,
nestled in the hills and surrounded by a landscape that blends historical charm
with legendary flavors. This is the birthplace of one of Italy’s most beloved
culinary treasures: Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP, a global ambassador of
artisanal know-how rooted deep in time. But San Daniele also boasts the
Guarneriana Library, a cultural landmark that weaves together history, art,
landscape, and hospitality.
At the other end of the route lies Spilimbergo, an ideal destination for this soulful
journey that awakens both muscles and spirit. Internationally renowned as the
“City of Mosaic”, it holds medieval architectural gems and is home to a
prestigious school that has preserved and passed down Italian mosaic excellence
for decades. Strolling through its streets is like stepping back in time, immersed
in an atmosphere that blends history and Friulian spirit, while offering
unexpected panoramic views over the Tagliamento River.
We Like Gravel will be all this and more: an invitation to explore the region on a
gravel bike, in a continuous dialogue between humans and landscape, tradition
and discovery, nature and culture, along an unforgettable 90-kilometer route.
More details about the event and how to take part will be announced in the
coming weeks. For now, save the date: Saturday, October 4.
The heart of Friuli awaits you.
You can register using the widget at the bottom of this page:
https://www.welikebike.org/eventi/preparati-a-pedalare-nel-cuore-del-friuli-we-like-gravel/
