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Homepage Experience NALINI EXPERIENCE - Tour of the Iberian Peninsula by bike - Alex Mucci's update

NALINI EXPERIENCE - Tour of the Iberian Peninsula by bike - Alex Mucci's update

First 45 days on the road: stories, encounters and reflections of an adventure on two wheels.

NALINI EXPERIENCE - Tour of the Iberian Peninsula by bike - Alex Mucci's update

45 days have passed since the start of the Tour of the Iberian Peninsula, a solo journey by Alessandro Mucci, creator of the charity format Pedalando per la Ricerca - a fundraiser for AIRC - as well as Nalini ambassador for five years.
We wanted to take stock with Alex to understand how this extraordinary adventure is going.

What have been the most fascinating places you have visited so far?

"Every corner of this enchanting peninsula has its own story to tell. I started from my town Druento, in the province of Turin and crossing the French Alps I was immediately fascinated by the beauty of Provence and the Camargue.

Then going down towards Catalunya, the Costa Brava certainly deserves a special mention for its coves with crystal clear water that, despite the winter and the cold, make you want to take a dip. The road with a continuous up and down all next to the coast makes you feel less tired.

And then another truly magical area was that of Almería. The symbol of the entire province is Indalo, this man holding a rainbow in his hand that brings good luck and prosperity. I felt really good cycling in that area especially because I didn't expect to find such a pristine and pure context. It's difficult to describe in words the sensations and emotions felt.

Then going down towards Spain, certainly between Tarifa and Cadiz I experienced another special moment because it's where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet and you can really see how nature changes from one area to another in just a few kilometers: first arid and wild land next to the Mediterranean coast, but. as soon as you turn and continue towards the ocean, green cultivated fields and endless beaches full of people surfing or kitesurfing.

Finally, Portugal really impressed me: from the golden cliffs of the Algarve, to the absolute nature of the Alentejo and then arriving north of Lisbon with Peniche and Nazaré, two iconic places for surfing all over the world.

Now I am in Galicia and I am sure that this trip will still have a lot to give me."

How did you prepare physically and mentally for this challenge?

"Having done bike trips for several years, I already knew that the first few days would paradoxically be the most complicated. In December, as is normal, the physical condition after an intense year begins to decline. It is cold and the desire to train inexorably wanes.

Furthermore, getting used to pedaling with a 20 kg heavy bike wasn't easy at the beginning. However, I gritted my teeth and I must say that after 5/6 stages I was feeling better.

I have always listened to my body and the sensations I felt both while pedaling but especially before and after. Sleep included. I am taking care of every aspect of the challenge in great detail: from nutrition to rest, daily stretching and not pushing too hard while pedaling.

I must say that, after more than 40 days with already over 3,700 km apart from some slight problems with my left knee, everything is going well."

How is the Nalini clothing you are using proving to be essential for tackling the journey?

"I knew that for a journey like this I would need an ally like Nalini. These challenges cannot be improvised, especially with the rigidity and uncertainty of winter.

We chose some essential items that, a month and a half after my departure, were spot on perfectly.

I went from -4 degrees in the French Alps to +22 in Andalusia, passing through fog, rain and strong winds. I am experiencing 4 seasons in the space of a few days if not hours from one stage to the next.

At the moment the Ergo Light jacket and the windproof jacket Breva are making the difference in everything. They are 2 very technical jackets: the first is more thermal for the cold while the second is lighter for the strong wind that are allowing me to face the trip at my best.

Also an important mention goes to the trousers and especially the pads that I am using: for now I have not had any problems with irritation of any kind. Those who ride their bike for many hours a day, for several days in a row, with variable weather conditions, know well what I am referring to. "

Among the garments provided by Nalini for the trip:

Long Sleeve Jersey: Warm Fit Mesh Jersey

Winter Short Sleeve Jersey: Warm SS Jersey

Ergo Light Jacket

Breva Wind Jacket

Commuter Jacket

If you want to follow Alex:

Instagram 

Youtube

 

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NALINI EXPERIENCE - Tour of the Iberian Peninsula by bike - Alex Mucci's update