Rider’s focus: Daniele Migliori. The longer distance on the Bike Adventure Series Board

With 647 Adventure Points, Daniele Migliori is the Bike Adventure Series member with the most experience in 2024. His journey from the Tuscany Trail to the NorthCape4000 showcases the thrill of non-competitive adventure cycling, creating unforgettable memories. We caught up with Daniele to dive into his preparation, his most cherished memories, his insights on tackling these epic routes, and the future routes that are already calling his name.

Daniele, with 647 Adventure Points, you are the most experienced participant in the Bike Adventure Series out of the over 13,000 in attendance. What does this accomplishment represent to you, and how do you feel about this?

I took part in the Bike Adventure Series events because I was captivated by their philosophy and unique approach. When you get to run the Tuscany Trail six times in a row, you no longer do it just to enjoy the scenery- although it remains magnificent- but for something deeper. Seeing my name at the top of the Adventure Points list fills me with gratitude. This year has been truly extraordinary, full of opportunities that I was able to jump on. It is a tangible testament to a journey of passion, dedication and many unforgettable adventures.

Speaking of the NorthCape4000, what were the biggest challenges you faced crossing Europe to the northern point and what did you learn from this experience?

The biggest challenge started long before departure. I spent an entire year meticulously planning every detail, from choosing the bike to the necessary equipment, from studying the route to physical preparation. The winter training was particularly challenging – riding in the cold, trying to take advantage of every free moment and keeping motivation high was a real test of mental endurance. But all this preliminary work paid off. The trip itself was the culmination of a long preparation. Each stage went according to plan, enabling me to reach North Cape exactly when planned. It was a perfect demonstration of how careful planning can turn an impossible challenge into an extraordinary adventure, where every kilometer was a gift to be savored.

The Tuscany Trail is famous for its gravel trail and Tuscany-related surroundings. Can you share a truly memorable moment you experienced during this event?

Of all, the 2016 edition remains unforgettable: tackling the Apuan Alps in torrential rain on trails that seemed to have turned into torrents was an experience that tested my skills to the limit. In the last edition of 2024, on the other hand, the most memorable moments were more intimate: the overnight in the bivouac behind the cemetery in Pienza and that final climb after Chianni in the middle of the night had a very special flavor.

The Grand Escape is the youngest event in the Bike Adventure Series. What is the one thing that has impressed you most about this adventure?

I was lucky enough to participate in both the Tuscany edition in 2023 and the one in Slovenia this year. What really impressed me was the excellent planning of the routes, which were never obvious and always surprising. Each route took us through places of extraordinary beauty. But the real magic lies in the international community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people from all corners of the world sharing the same passions – whether it’s pedaling tirelessly or finding shelter for the night under a bridge. It makes you feel part of something bigger and confirms that you are not the only ‘crazy person’ who loves these kinds of adventures!

The Bike Adventure Series is based on the “no-race” concept. How have you experienced the non-competitive aspect of the events and how has it affected your overall experience?

It’s an interesting question that makes me smile, because I’ve discovered myself to be a kind of Jekyll and Hyde of cycling. On one hand, there’s the easygoing, laid-back Daniel, the one who never wanted to attach a number to his bike, who likes to stop and chat with other participants and doesn’t pass up an opportunity for a stop at the tavern. On the other, there is this incredibly competitive Daniel, always seeking his own limit. I do not compete with others, but I am my own toughest judge. So much so that I already know that next year I will try hard to beat my 43-hour time at the Tuscany Trail, even if only by a minute!

How important is the community created during these events to you and how has the sense of belonging enriched your adventures?

Community is the beating heart of these experiences. I have been there from the beginning when we were a small group of enthusiasts, and we all knew each other by name. Over the years, I have made friendships that have become an essential part of my life. With many of my current cycling companions, we have shared unforgettable moments: nights spent sheltering from the rain under a gas station shelter, mechanical problems to fix together, and moments of hunger and cold that seemed endless. These are experiences that create deep and lasting bonds. Even though our cycling paths may diverge today, those friendships remain firm, cemented by memories of the adventures we had together.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about participating in a Bike Adventure Series event for the first time?

My main advice is simple: enjoy the experience! Don’t get too hung up on how to approach it – everyone needs to find their own pace and their own way of experiencing the adventure. It is great to set off with a group of friends, but remember that basic preparation is still important. The key to success lies in the spirit of adjustment: the more flexible and open to the unexpected, the more you will enjoy the trip. Overplanning can become an obstacle; the real magic of these events lies precisely in their unpredictability and the freedom to manage your own path.

How did you prepare yourself physically and mentally to face these trips?

My situation is not the easiest: I have a sedentary job that keeps me busy all day, and I am no longer a teenager. Fortunately, I have a wonderful family who understands and supports my passion.

When I go into preparation mode, I become very methodical. Every free moment becomes an opportunity to ride. If I have two hours, I’m on the bike. I have become specialized in night cycling, both on and off-road. On my days off, I go on long rides that start and end in the dark, pushing myself further and further to test my limits. Having a clear goal is key to maintaining motivation.

Although I prefer company, I have come to appreciate solo rides. Mental preparation, for me, is even more crucial than physical preparation. You have to train your mind to overcome difficult moments, like when you already have 150 kilometers in your legs but you know there are 100 more to go. Determination is everything. There will be moments of crisis, maybe you find yourself alone, in the rain, in the middle of a dense forest. In those moments, if you have not worked on your mental resilience, the temptation to give up will be strong. The ability to endure and continue is what makes the difference.

What are your next goals in the Bike Adventure Series world?

“The Tuscany Trail remains a must-do; it will be my eighth participation! I also plan to return to Slovenia – last time I cycled the finish all at night and would like to enjoy those landscapes in daylight. Germany is another destination that attracts me a lot, I’ve heard wonders of the cycling routes there.”

Besides, who knows? I am always ready for new surprises that the Bike Adventure Series might have in store. My bikes are always ready to go on a new adventure!