Ascesa Adventure 5000 is one of those challenges that I approach every year with the same mix of excitement and doubt. It starts at Lake Idro, a peaceful corner of northern Italy, but don’t be fooled, the calm water is only the gateway to two days of pure elevation, long climbs, harsh gravel, and some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes you can ride through.

The format is simple: 170 kilometers, 5,000 meters of elevation, split as you prefer over the weekend. The first day takes you straight into the heart of the mountains, climbing through forests, valleys, and ridgelines that make your legs burn and your eyes widen at the same time. Midway through the adventure, there’s a mountain hut where everyone gathers for the night. It’s basic, warm, and exactly what you need after hours of pushing, grinding, and shifting from “I can do this” to “…wait, can I actually do this?” That uncertainty is part of the magic.

Every time I join Ascesa, I genuinely don’t know if I’ll make it to the end. And somehow, every year, the answer comes from the people around me. This edition was extra special because I shared it with Sami, Naty and an incredible group of women. Their energy, encouragement, fun spirit, and endless snacks made the hardest moments feel lighter.

The event itself is incredibly well organized, with a route that balances challenge and reward. Long gravel roads, steep ramps, quiet alpine corners, wide-open views, you can feel B3L intention in every kilometer. And this year, the luck was on our side: the rain never caught us, which honestly felt like a blessing.

In the end, Ascesa Adventure 5000 gave me everything I look for when I go out there: effort, connection, perspective, and that full-body feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be. A great adventure for the eyes, the heart, and the life, filled with what truly matters.

I finished feeling grateful, grounded, and so happy to be pedaling through these beautiful places.

So if you're looking for a challenge to take on next year, I would definitely recommend this one!