There are often not enough words to describe this northern Italian region in all its facets. A film is much better suited to sharing the diversity and beauty of this Italian province. The ABUS film Made to Discover tells the story of a bike adventure in three stages over a total of 123.4 kilometres and up to a 1990-metre-high summit. The film accompanies Steffi and Max through the Apennines and the Apuan Alps - an undeveloped and unexpectedly alpine region of Tuscany - all the way down to the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, they spend the night in rustic rifugios and ride wild, lonely trails. The new ABUS MODROP all-mountain helmet is always a safe companion on their adventures.
Interview Steffi Marth
Steffi, you explored Tuscany by bike. What was your most memorable moment?
It's difficult to say, there were so many wonderful moments. But it was probably all those little alleyways in the historic villages, the sunsets, the people on the terraces and all our little coffee breaks with ice cream - typically Italian. Such a peaceful feeling.
What makes Tuscany so special for MTB riders?
Our tour was very exotic. It wasn't a normal bike trail - it was a tour that was recommended to us by our guide. We were on the road for three days and didn't meet any other mountain bikers. All the different views that the region has to offer were particularly cool.
What was the highlight of your tour?
For me, it was the last evening in a small mountain hut: Il Rifugio Nello Conti. We arrived very late and two Italians cooked especially for us. The day was very strenuous, you first have to walk through marble quarries up to the summit and then another 300 metres or so down to the hut. It's a special place that takes a lot of effort to reach.
Your favourite colour in the Italian countryside?
This colour combination of the Mediterranean sand colour, white sand and the beautiful green. ABUS also has exactly these two colours in its portfolio for the MODROP helmet.
Steffi, you spent three days travelling with the new ABUS MODROP. What are your first impressions?
The MODROP is my perfect companion for any adventure on my bike: it's totally comfortable, well ventilated, ultra light and of course very important - it looks great!
Italy is known for its gastronomy. Which dishes have you discovered for yourself and would you like to cook yourself?
I'm not really a pasta fan, but I love eating pasta in Italy because it tastes particularly good there. The Italians are simply professionals and all pasta dishes are so incredibly tasty. You could say that Italy offers the perfect food to recharge your batteries. Lucky me - I'm also a big pizza and coffee fan.
Interview Max Schumann
Max, you know Tuscany very well. What makes it so special for MTB riders compared to other regions?
This region offers such a variety of landscapes like no other. Some of them we don't even associate with Tuscany. We often think directly of Florence or Pisa, the countryside and the sea, but not necessarily of alpine terrain. The history and culture of this region are unique. For example, the long descent to Massa by the sea is unforgettable for me.
Do you need special training to ride the same routes as you and Steffi?
The trails on our route are only suitable for ambitious riders with a lot of experience. But Tuscany offers great touring opportunities for all mountain bikers.
Max, having been closely involved in the development process of the new MODROP, how did you feel when you were finally able to ride the helmet?
It's exciting to accompany the entire development of a product. And I was really pleased that the helmet fits so well in the end. The MODROP is so light and comfortable that you can hardly feel it and it's reliable at the same time. This makes it the ideal companion for big and small bike adventures.
Last question: What was your favourite place or trail on the tour? Will you share this tip with the community?
The mountain hut Rifugio Nello Conti, in the Apuan Alps at 1,400 metres above Massa. We spent the last night of the trip here. We reached the hut very late and very hungry. We were accordingly happy about the simple and good food and the hospitality of the hut hosts. The tour to the sea the next day was also a real highlight!
Information about the ABUS MODROP: www.abus.com/mtb
