"Luigi Masetti, the Two-Wheel Anarchist" is the title of the biography of this incredible man. The book, published by Ediciclo, recounts the travels of this unconventional young man, originally from Trecenta, in the Polesine area (Veneto).
Reading this biography inspired Giulia Baroncini, whose grandparents are originally from Trecenta, to travel . To imitate Masetti, Giulia retraced the steps of her first great intercontinental journey: from Milan to Chicago by bike.
Luigi Masetti and two wheels: why he is considered the pioneer of cycle tourism
Luigi Masetti was born in Trecenta in 1864, and later moved to Milan. His fame is due to his numerous trips on two wheels, sponsored and reported by the Corriere della Sera . The epithet of two-wheeled anarchist It was awarded to him by the co-founder and director of the newspaper, Eugenio Torelli Viollier.
In 1892 he made his first journey, thus starting the cycle touring movement. It was a journey of about 3,500 km in Europe.
The first major international journey was from Milan to Chicago, where the Great Universal Exposition was being held. A journey of approximately 7,000 km, at the end of which the first Italian cyclist was welcomed by US President George Cleveland to celebrate the feat.
His fame in Italy grew and Luigi Masetti accomplished other feats on two wheels, such as the journey from the Alps to the Pyramids in the footsteps of Napoleon, and the one from Italy to Austria, but passing through Greece and going up the Balkans.
His most incredible journey, however, was an 18,000 km route : from Italy to Morocco, up through Spain and Europe to Norway, then on to the North Cape and Russia, and finally to Constantinople (Istanbul). It was 1900.
His fame then waned, and there is no news of his further exploits. Masetti died at the age of 75, in 1940.
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What is meant by cycle tourism?
Just like in Luigi Masetti's adventures, cycle tourism is a way of traveling by bike, to discover new places, traditions, and cultures.
Both short trips within national borders and the great international adventures of the two-wheeled anarchist, or Giulia Baroncino today, can be considered cycle touring.
But they're not alone: traveling by bicycle (or at least using it as the preferred means of transportation once you've reached your destination) is increasingly trendy. Cycle tourism represents a growing market, also appreciated for its reduced environmental impact.
Today, cycle tourists can take advantage of many tools that Luigi Masetti didn't have, starting with an internet connection and online maps.
Even touring bikes today are increasingly lighter and higher-performance, and specific models can be chosen to best suit the type of trip.
The same goes for wheels , made from increasingly lighter materials, of which carbon is undoubtedly the most functional, lightweight, and high-performance. For example, Giulia Baroncini rode with Ursus TC 37 Disc wheels in UD carbon with 24-bolt RD 30 hubs and high-speed ball bearings.
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Today's hub, handlebar, and seatpost designs provide greater comfort to cyclists, smoother wheels, and undoubtedly make bikes more rideable and reliable than Masetti's.
But there's something that still unites the cycling anarchist and today's cycle tourists. The desire for adventure, to discover new places, and to build relationships. Suffice it to say that Masetti preferred to stay in small hotels where he could afford it and meet people. This led him to meet many strangers, but also illustrious figures: in addition to President Cleveland, Masetti met Leo Tolsoy in Russia, with whom he became friends.
This is what cycle tourism is: a journey of discovery, an adventure that opens doors you wouldn't expect. It helps you learn about the world and others, but also helps you fully understand yourself, your potential, and your limits.
