We are proud and thrilled to announce that we will be tracing an Epic Route of more than 4.000 km passing through the hottest Deserts in Europe and the most beautiful Southern Cliffs, where the Mountains fall into the Ocean.
We will explore Western Deserts and Coasts, in Spain and Portugal, starting on Saturday July 3rd.
Special thanks to our partners Velasca, DMD, Ferrino and VALLON.
Follow our Adventures.
Looking for the Shangri-La
Summer 2019, July.
Leading destination: Lake Resia, and the mysterious bell tower buried in its waters.
This time, our adventure is a little bit longer: 662 Km (411 Ml), a two-day trip, and many Alpine passes to cross with our motorbike.
Morning, 8 a.m.
We leave our beloved Bergamo, and we run throughout the Brembana Valley. Small towns and mountain pastures are along our road.
At the end of the valley, we reach the San Marco Pass and its 1,992 m (6,535 ft) of elevation.
Despite many other passes, dominated by people who come and go, here you can feel your closeness to nature. One step from heaven, still immersed in the green of the pass’ meadows.
The descent takes us to Morbegno, in Valtellina.
We come across this beautiful land, famous for its fine wines, until we reach Bormio, a touristic destination located in the Stelvio National Park.
Even if we know how excellent its local cuisine is, we prefer stopping for lunch at the next point, where amazing food embraces a stunning view.
So much difference in altitude from Bormio to our next stop. We are on the border between Lombardy and Trentino-South Tyrol.
Dozens and dozens of curves and we come to the Stelvio pass, at an elevation of 2,757 m (9,045 ft). It is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the second highest in the Alps, 7 m (23 ft) below France’s Col de l’Iseran. It’s defined as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Italy!!
After so much road, we finally have lunch. There are bunches of places for eating. This place is full of motorcyclists and restaurants.
After lunch, we go down to the town Prato Allo Stelvio.
After 26 km (16 ml), we arrive at our Lake Resia, aka Reschensee, in Venosta Valley! This artificial lake is on the border with Switzerland, at an elevation of 1,498 m (4,915 ft). It is the largest lake in Trentino-South Tyrol and it’s located precisely in the municipality of Curon.
The first impression was a feeling of amazement (a bell tower in a lake?! What?!) followed by calm (the lake is so quiet, man). It’s something unique in the world!
But then, I start realizing that maybe it’s not as idyllic as can seem, indeed it even appears sad:
At one time, three natural lakes were located at the Resia Pass. Because of the construction of a large dam in 1950, the three lakes were unified, causing the complete submerged of the ancient town of Curon, which was transferred further upstream. Although the local population tried to oppose, 163 houses and 523 hectares of farmland are now on the bottom of the lake. Among them, there is also an ancient church of the fourteenth century, to witness that world almost lost.
Day one is running out. We cross the entire Venosta valley when it’s evening.
In this town, we stop for a beer and for having dinner at the Forsterbräu Merano. Beer is excellent, and you can have a typical Tyrolean meal.
After dinner and more than a couple of beers, we go to bed (we’ve booked in a lovely B&B).
Also, the second day is full of emotions and places to discover.
We go to Bolzano, the capital city of the region. We make a quick visit to the magnificent old town. We regret getting up late. Unfortunately, we don’t have much time.
But we are ready to face the way back. Three mountain passes are waiting for us.
First step: Mendel Pass.
We are still in Trentino-South Tyrol, at an elevation of 1,362 meters (4,469 ft). Along the road, there are 17 panoramic hairpin bends, woods, and rocky walls.
In the nineteenth century and at the beginning of the twenty century, this place was a popular health resort for aristocrats and emperors. Considering how cool this place is, we understand why they chose to stay here.
Crossing the pass, we come to Cles, in the heart of the Val di Non. There is a mountain lake, Santa Giustina Lake, also called Cles Lake, surrounded by apple trees famous throughout the valley.
We travel for the entire Sole Valley until we come to the Tonale Pass, 1,883 meters (6,178 ft).
This mountain pass, at the foot of the famous Presena Glacier (3000 m, 9843 ft), connects Lombardy and Trentino-South Tyrol. This road is also full of breathtaking hairpin bends.
We have lunch, and we go on with our trip.
We return to Lombardy, in the high Camonica Valley. We’re going through it all.
We arrive at the Vivione Pass at 1,828 meters (5,997 ft). It’s a very narrow and steep road, surrounded by woods and greenery! You are really in contact with wild nature. The highland at the top of the pass is reminiscent of the Scottish ones.
We travel along the Scalve Valley and Seriana Valley, in the province of Bergamo, to Clusone.
This town is Daniel and Marco’s hometown. We decide to take a look to the Triumph and Dance of Death, a cycle of frescoes dated back fiftheen century, located close to the main church.
To finish our tour at best, we stop by our friend Gio for an happy-hour with a view in Piazza Orologio.
Other 30 km, and we are back home.
It’s been a long journey. But with all this beauty, how can you not do it?
Keep dreaming
Looking for the Shangri-La
How many times have you promised yourself to leave everything and set off? Maybe by living out in a VW van or on the back of your motorcycle. Traveling around the world for months and stopping only to climb mountains and to rest.
That’s what James Barkman, photographer, climber, surfer, and rider has been doing for five years!
James lives his life on his 1976 VW van, doing what he loves by pursuing his passions. And if you think this is already a big deal, it’s because you don’t know yet what he made riding on a late ’90s Suzuki DR650:
“The most demanding experience of my life… a beautiful nightmare!” (Barkman, Iron and Air)
It was a dream that James and two of his childhood friends, Jeremy and Allen, shared since they were kids. Coming across the Americas through a road trip.
“The Pan-American Highway is the longest, arguably the most epic, system of roads on Earth.” (Barkman, Iron and Air)
Years later, those kids grown in rural Pennsylvania were then ready to make that crazy journey reality! From the cold and nearly desert town of Deadhorse, in Alaska, a few miles from the Arctic Circle to the warm and southernmost city of South America, Ushuaia, in Argentina. But that’s not all: the road trip would have been accompanied by rock climbing along the way. The challenge was so traveling in the lightest way possible while carring all the necessary gear for climbing and staying on the road for over one year.
Obviously, before starting, James had some concerns:
“Leading up to the beginning of our trip, intensity levels were at an all-time high. In addition to the demand of physical training and general preparation, … I had just returned from a project in Afghanistan, dealt with a winter of mechanical woes…. and watched my life savings slip away on climbing equipment and moto upgrades. I’ve learned that real adventures don’t come easy. As a friend of mine once put it, “That’s what makes it an adventure and not a vacation!” (Barkman, Fieldmag)
“The possibility of injuries, breakdowns, and failures was intimidating but also exciting. The mystery of the unknown and the open road ahead was invigorating.” (Barkman, Revitsport)
The trip began in the spring of 2017, the same day that Allen graduated from college. After saying goodbye to their families and friends, they started a 4,300-mile ride to North. First step: Alaska. The three guys had to face carburetor issues, bad weather, and even a breakdown to Allen’s bike. A little bit of luck came with a passerby who gave him a 400-mile lift. They finally came to Talkeetna. A ski plane brought the guys to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Seventeen months and 38,000 miles later (about 61,000 kilometers), unforgettable adventures and misadventures were fully lived by the three guys.
Among the most memorable landscapes we want to remember:
“I don’t want to live inside the confinements of comfort, and I’m thankful for the places that my motorcycle has taken me, both physically and mentally. I want to live a story worth telling, one mile at a time.” (Barkman, Goalzero)
And you? Are you still willing to leave everything and set off?
All photo credits and quotes to: James Barkman
Keep dreaming
Looking for the Shangri-La
I know everyone is thinking: “what will be my first road trip once we come back to reality?”
That’s why we want to share with you a one-day road trip to the Italian Alps, to remember what outside is waiting for us!
You got what I mean, or do you need other clues?
This high mountain pass is a trade union among three valleys in the city of Brescia:
• Trompia Valley
• Camomica Valley
• Sabbia Valley
… so, the answer is the legendary Croce Domini Pass!!
Many of you have already followed our adventures there. Now, I want to give you further details about a trip we made last summer, on a sunny day in August.
It’s a warm Sunday. Luckily, the weather is on our side. After breakfast, we are on the road. A long and straightway. In less than 50 minutes, we come to Lovere (Bergamo), a quiet town that lies on the Lake Iseo.
The journey begins to become more attractive in the following step. We approach the Camonica Valley, land renowned for its historical past and rock sculptures that are a UNESCO site. The last piece of road welcomes many hairpins bends gaining altitude. When you come across the Italian Alps, you know you will be surrounded by uncontaminated landscapes and vast expanses of green. You can smell the freedom: a light breeze and a blue sky in front of you.
Don’t believe that the trip is over, because the journey goes on and other beautiful places await us. We have ahead a long descent. You are not alone on the road. And even if nature is silent, your eyes are catching by green pastures and herds of cows. You may stop the Lake Idro or continue. We decide to go on because we want to see the waterfall of Gorg d’Abiss.
We leave the main road for a moment. Sometimes you have to leave the safe way to get into something unexplored. We come to this little town in the Trentino-South Tyrol region. We let the road signs along village roads guide us. It’s time to leave the motorcycle and continue walking. With our helmets in the hands, we are following a path in this magical wood. Sunlight filters through the leaves of the trees. And here there is this stunning waterfall that washes our faces with its finest drops.
Our stomach is growling. We come back to the motorcycle and our destination is now the Lake Ledro. The road runs along the lake. We see a beach where you can stop. We have lunch, and we get the bathing suit out of our bags. We can not take advantage of the sunny day. It’s time for sunbathing and bathing in the lake.
After relaxing, in a single shot, we get back to Bergamo. The sun is still shining when we leave, and we can see its reflection on the shores of the lakes beyond. We have to say goodbye to the Lake Ledro and admire the Lake Garda during the route. Thousand galleries carved into the rock of the mountains guide us. The sun lowers at dusk, and it’s nighttime when we are back.
It’s a warm Sunday. Luckily, the weather is on our side. After breakfast, we are on the road. A long and straightway. In less than 50 minutes, we come to Lovere (Bergamo), a quiet town that lies on the Iseo lake.
The journey begins to become more attractive in the following step. We approach the Camonica valley, land renowned for its historical past and rock sculptures that are a UNESCO site. The last piece of road welcomes many hairpins bends gaining altitude. When you come across the Italian Alps, you know you will be surrounded by uncontaminated landscapes and vast expanses of green. You can smell the freedom: a light breeze and a blue sky in front of you.
Don’t believe that the trip is over, because the journey goes on and other beautiful places await us. We have ahead a long descent. You are not alone on the road. And even if nature is silent, your eyes are catching by green pastures and herds of cows. You may stop the Idro lake or continue. We decide to go on because we want to see the waterfall of Gorg d’Abiss.
We leave the main road for a moment. Sometimes you have to leave the safe way to get into something unexplored. We come to this little town in the Trentino-South Tyrol region. We let the road signs along village roads guide us. It’s time to leave the motorcycle and continue walking. With our helmets in the hands, we are following a path in this magical wood. Sunlight filters through the leaves of the trees. And here there is this stunning waterfall that washes our faces with its finest drops.
Our stomach is growling. We come back to the motorcycle and our destination is now the Ledro lake. The road runs along the lake. We see a beach where you can stop. We have lunch, and we get the bathing suit out of our bags. We can not take advantage of the sunny day. It’s time for sunbathing and bathing in the lake.
After relaxing, in a single shot, we get back to Bergamo. The sun is still shining when we leave, and we can see its reflection on the shores of the lakes beyond. We have to say goodbye to the Ledro lake and admire the Garda lake during the route. Thousand galleries carved into the rock of the mountains guide us. The sun lowers at dusk, and it’s nighttime when we are back.
I know, man. Now you can’t wait to go there. Don’t rush! The pass is closed from November to May. So, you have time to think about making this trip one of your most beautiful memories.
Keep dreaming
Looking for the Shangri-La
We are proud to announce the release of Following the Clouds: a photo-book about a motorcycle trip from the Alps to the Pyrenees promoted by Shangri-La Heritage.
The book has been produced by our close collaborator and adventurer Francesco Torricella
The adventure started the summer of 2019 when three riders decided to escape from their ordinary lives and look for the Hispanic Shangri-La: the Pyrenees.
Daniel Verzeroli, Daniele Ruggeri, and Francesco Torricella left the heart of Northern Italy to come across the soul of Spain.
In 10 days, the guys had been traveling for more than 2000 kilometers, riding in on a:
With a tent and some clothes tied to their motorbikes, they were ready to greet the Alps, discover the Pyrenees, challenge the Navarra desert, and finally see the Atlantic Ocean.
The guys came across:
Legendary roads, unexplored landscapes, and stretches of clouds were a step from heaven.
The book collects this adventure in 144 pages, where every chapter represents a milestone.
It will be available on our website and to our selected retailers.
Date available soon.
Keep riding
Looking for the Shangri-La
The Single Rider Ricky Phoolka on The Road for an awesome Adventure from Manchester (UK) to Pyrenees (ES) and back.
Riding through Mountains, Rain, Cold and Desert he’s rocking our masterpiece “Varenne” Black Leather Jacket ??
Going around Huesca in the Aragon region, passing through the Natural Park of Fuentes Carrionas, Bardenas Reales de Navarra and Riglos?
Finally he arrived in the Pyrenees, passing through Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Baqueira Beret and Puerto de la Bonaigua (2072 mt)
Motorcycle Explorations, Looking for the Shangri-La.
Crocedomini Pass (1895 mt), Northern Italian Alps – July 2018.
We took an amazing Road Trip in the Northern Italy riding the legendary Crocedomini Pass. In constant search of the Perfect Road, getting Lost, living in the Wilderness, discovering Beautiful Places.
Looking for the Shangri-La.
During our journey we also filmed our forthcoming video, directed by the master Francesco Torricella.
Riders: Daniel Verzeroli, Daniele Ruggeri, Davide Scarpellini.
Photographers: Roberto Magli, Luca Argenton.
Grazie a tutti
See you on the road
Café Racer Brown Leather Jacket
Terracotta Brown – Varenne Black
Terracotta Brown Suede Jacket
Café Racer Brown -Varenne Black – Terracotta Brown – Terracotta Black
Terracotta Brown – Varenne Black – Café Racer Brown
Café Racer Brown – Varenne Black
Café Racer Brown Leather Jacket
Varenne Black – Café Racer Brown
London, June 2018. We spend a couple of days meeting good friends, visiting amazing stores, getting inspired by the shapes and the colours of this beautiful city.
Let the photos taken by our friend Nathan P Reid speak for themselves. Thanks again mate!
Shoreditch
Shoreditch
At The Bike Shed
At Warr’s
At Urban Rider with Tom Sperring
Shoreditch
Fulham
At The Bike Shed
At Warr’s
With Nathan P Reid
Hey Riders! We want to continue to present you the beauties of the Northern Italian Alps with this section, where you will find amazing itineraries which lead you through astonishing landscapes and fantastic roads.
This time its the turn of the Province of Brescia with its Pure Mountain Lakes.
The province of Brescia is in between the Iseo Lake, whose western shore is under the Province of Bergamo, and the biggest Italian lake, the Garda Lake. This beautiful land is full of little mountain lakes reachable through arduous Mountain Passes, where every biker can get inspired and look for the Perfect Road.
Amongst the beauties of the Province of Brescia we want to point out:
Passo del Crocedomini
Passo Baremone
Valvestino Lake
Passo Maniva
Idro Lake
Garda Lake
