The valleys of Parma: an event to be enjoyed, designed for those who love to approach the bike as an experience to be lived at 360 degrees. No hassle of results or performances to reach, but only the luxury of enjoying paths immersed in nature, of discovering and tasting quality products and savoring moments of authentic conviviality.
Gravel Gourmet is all this and much more. The new event scheduled for 21 and 22 May 2022 will take place in the municipalities of the Pedemontana del Parmense Union which have joined forces to promote their territory through cycling. An innovative project that aims to become a reference in the Italian gravel scene and beyond, offering participants an experience that goes beyond simple pedaling.
The highlight (it is appropriate to say it) of the new project of Happy Trail MTB, the reality behind the success of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, is the discovery of new and fascinating routes, in the name of a fun gravel but accessible to all, accompanied by fine tastings signed by producers, restaurateurs and chefs of a unique territory. A meeting in the name of authenticity, as in the spirit of Emilian conviviality.
"Gastronomic excellences such as Parma Ham and Parmigiano Reggiano are brands known all over the world: Gravel Gourmet was created to tell the territory that gives life to these and many other jewels of Made in Italy taste. - explain the co-organizers of Gravel Gourmet Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi -. We have designed an unprecedented gravel experience, in which the best of the food and wine of the Parma Valleys meets the naturalistic and architectural beauties of this enchanted territory".
RIDE IT TASTING THE TERRITORY
Quality cuisine and food are the distinctive features of the Food Valley of Italy, of which Parma is the undisputed capital. The Parma Valleys are the beating heart of this production.
Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto Crudo di Parma are born in these territories, but also culatello, Salame di Felino, tomato sauce, pasta, Lambrusco and Malvasia: all symbols of the most authentic Italian culinary tradition, excellences of " Made in Italy ”on tables all over the world.
On the Gravel Gourmet routes, food is not discovered only by tasting it: you pass by the Pasta Museum and the Tomato Museum at the Corte di Giarola in Collecchio, continue to the Wine Museum at the Sala Baganza fortress to end up at the Museum of Salami di Felino in the castle of the same name. A real culinary journey that also allows an immersion in the naturalistic and landscape beauties of this area.
Furrowed by the Taro river and the Baganza and Parma streams, the Parma Valleys host the Taro River Park and the Boschi di Carrega Park which are part of the Duchy Parks system. But there are many other natural attractions such as the Calanchi di Maiatico, the Oasis of Cronovilla and the Crinale di Bazzano, without forgetting the architectural beauties of the Castle of Torrechiara, the Parish of Talignano, the Castle of Felino, Borgo San Vitale, the Pieve di Bazzano and the Magnani-Rocca Foundation. A mix of taste, nature and architecture that will leave the Gravel Gourmet participants speechless.
"The territory of the Parma Valleys is known as an excellence from a culinary point of view, but there is much more to discover - says the Vice President of the Parma Pedemontana Union with responsibility for tourism, Maristella Galli -. With Gravel Gourmet we also want to tell the landscape and architectural beauties of this area, pearls still unexplored by many, which combine with stupendous gravel routes, unspoiled nature, good food and the typical hospitality of Emilia-Romagna, which will offer comfort, safety and services for an unforgettable experience".
TWO DAYS OF GRAVEL EMOTIONS
The Gravel Gourmet program will offer different routes, suitable for any level of preparation, on mixed surfaces of dirt and asphalt. On Saturday 21st May, two rings will be proposed starting from Traversetolo and arriving in Oinoe, the city of wine: a 52 km ring to which the most willing and trained can add a second one, 30 km, to reach a total of 82 km. A little taste to warm your legs and begin to immerse yourself in the splendid scenery of the Parma Valleys.
On Sunday 22 May there will be three routes to choose from: the short one with 50 km and 800 meters of elevation gain, the medium one with 80 km and 1280 meters of elevation gain and the long one with 125 km and 2480 meters of elevation gain. The Corte di Giarola, home to the Tomato Museum and the Pasta Museum, will be the evocative setting for the departure and arrival of all the routes with its medieval rural style. More than half of the time in the saddle will be on stretches of dirt road between woods, gullies and paths, for a gravel experience full of emotions and fun. On the long route, timed sections will also be created by Winning Time through the Winning Trial app, to offer participants also moments of healthy competition with friends.
REGISTRATION OPEN FROM 1.2.2022
Starting today, Tuesday 1 February 2022, it will be possible to register for the first edition of Gravel Gourmet on the website www.gravel-gourmet.com. The organizers have made available various packages to customize your weekend based on when you want to arrive and leave, how much you want to ride and how much you want to enjoy local delicacies, both in gourmet snacks and in the final refreshments.
For more information: www.gravel-gourmet.com
