Cycling Camp Recap
Together with 24 people, we set off for Lake Maggiore on September 13, 2025, to spend seven days cycling at the camp. Packed with the bikes, which we managed to fit into the van like a game of Tetris, we started our journey to Italy. The big question beforehand, of course, was the weather – mid-September is always a bit of a lottery. But we were incredibly lucky: an entire week of bright blue skies, over 20 degrees, and not a single drop of rain.
Our accommodation was the Ostello di Verbania, a hostel located slightly up a hill and almost directly by the lake. We had our own area reserved for our group.
On the first day, we went on a group ride around Lago d’Orta – perfect for warming up and getting to know the surroundings. In the following days, the group split up depending on preferences: some chose relaxed rides with swimming breaks and coffee stops, while others went for the athletic challenge on long routes of over 150 kilometers and 3,000 meters of elevation gain. Some even tested whether their heat training at home in winter jackets and painter’s suits had really worked, completing a six-hour interval session in the sun. On two rest days, Tobi even taught some of us how to climb on a steep rock wall.
Life together in the hostel worked out great. In the mornings, we had breakfast together at the buffet. In the evenings, we cooked vegan meals as a group. The nutrition plan was perfectly balanced: sometimes wraps with hummus, sometimes lentil dal or baked potatoes. No classic “pasta-with-pesto” cliché – just really good food. Afterwards, things were relaxed: often we just chilled on the balcony or talked, drank Aperol and beer, and listened to wild playlists from “Turbotrekker3000” featuring the hit “Ullaub” all the way to Lena Meyer-Landrut.
Overall, it was a fantastic week with perfect weather, great people, and many unforgettable moments. The vibe was positive throughout, with amazing team spirit and support for each other – whether fixing a flat tire, conquering the last climb, or doing the dishes after dinner.
A huge thank-you goes to Zak and Lydia for their tremendous work behind the scenes: finding the location, organizing transport, booking the hostel, and coordinating everything financially and logistically. None of this would have been possible without you!
In the end, there’s only one thing left to say: it was a perfect week at Lake Maggiore – full of sunshine, cycling, good food, and amazing vibes. On the last evening, we went out for pizza together and ended the week watching the sunset with a true Italian flair. We’re already looking forward to the next Cycling Camp!
