Heading South! BAM! On the Road – Calabria Edition

“We’ll take care of it”: that’s the subtitle of this story—one about bikepacking, encounters, the Mediterranean, mountains, history, and, above all, hospitality.

But let’s start from the beginning: for the first time, we’re heading South, to Calabria, together with our friends from the Enough Cycling Collective—and this is how BAM! On the Road – Calabria Edition was born.

But what the hell is BAM! On the Road – Calabria Edition?

It’s not BAM! as you know it—it’s a journey, done in our style, filled with the kind of experiences we love to live, share, and tell. It’s also the first time that bike travel enthusiasts can take part in a small BAM! event in the South of Italy.

From May 19 to 23, Calabria—the land of the Greeks—becomes our playground for doing what we love most: riding from dawn till dusk (and sometimes even longer), meeting people and listening to their stories, letting ourselves be amazed by the beauty of the Mediterranean, the forests, and the history that rises up from every corner of this land.

It all began with a conversation with the local tour operator Sognare Insieme Viaggi: not many words were needed. After just 10 minutes, Southern hospitality had taken over logistics and marketing, and every issue was met with a wonderful “we’ll take care of it”—a kind of mantra for anyone traveling in Calabria. It’s a kind of hospitality that turns everything into a laugh, solves problems with lightness, and makes every Calabrian a proud “ambassador” of their homeland.

And so the route was born—not just a list of places to see, but people to meet. That’s the beauty of it: even before setting off, we realized it’s all about listening to stories, sitting down to meals together, saying goodbye, riding on, and doing it all again.

From the mountain trails of the Sila to the cliffs of the Aspromonte, from the quiet hills of the Serre to the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts, Calabria is a land where nature isn’t in a rush—nor are those who travel through it, and especially not those who welcome you.
It’s a land of crossroads: Greek, Byzantine, Arbëreshë, Norman, and Bourbon cultures blend into a unique mosaic. Riding here means immersing yourself in authentic landscapes and a generosity that shines through in faces, food, and hospitality.

So how does this BAM! work?
The Enough Cycling Collective will be our eyes and our heart through a travel reportage. But on the evenings of Wednesday, May 21 and Friday, May 23, there’ll be two gatherings—the first ever in the South—where we can meet, grab a beer, talk about faraway rides, and enjoy the stars. Just the way we like it.

…..The route is on Komoot….follow us, and if you feel like it, join us for a stretch of the ride.

The Route: Day by Day

Day 0 – Camigliatello Silano

The adventure kicks off in Camigliatello, in the heart of the Sila, surrounded by majestic woods and centuries-old pines. The Enough Cycling group will get a sneak peek of the FAI Natural Reserve of the Giants of Sila—a magical place where nature remains just as it was centuries ago.
In the evening, under the stars, we’ll have our Opening Night: a shared dinner enriched by the tales of an amateur astronomer, featuring local flavors and myths of the constellations.

Day 1 – From Lorica to Tiriolo (117 km)

We start at Lake Lorica, ride through forests and past lakes (Ampollino and Passante), pass villages like Taverna, hometown of painter Mattia Preti, and arrive at Tiriolo, where the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas seem to meet. The horizon opens up to reveal Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the very heart of Calabria.

Day 2 – From Tiriolo to Serra San Bruno (or short stage from Soverato)

This stage takes us through Caraffa, an Arbëreshë village, Amaroni, known for its honey, and Stalettì, with its wild views over the Ionian Sea. From there, we reach Soverato, where a shorter scenic stage starts for those wanting a lighter ride while still soaking in the views.
We finish in Serra San Bruno, where the most anticipated moment takes place: the BAM! Campfire. Music, stories, great food, firelight, and stars—it’s the celebration that brings everyone together.

Day 3 – From Serra San Bruno to Gambarie

We dive deep into untouched nature: the Certosa, the woods of Santa Maria del Bosco, the old Mongiana Ironworks, and Lake Sambuco. We cross the Serre Mountains and climb to Gambarie, a panoramic balcony over the Aspromonte and Sicily.

Day 4 – From Gambarie to Bagnara Calabra

The final descent takes us past white badlands, hairpin bends perched above the sea, and stunning views of the Aeolian Islands. We finish in Bagnara Calabra, on the Violet Coast, with sea flavors and vivid colors. The adventure wraps up with a party by the shore—raising a toast to what’s been and what’s yet to come.

The event is part of “Le Montagne del Sole”, an initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Tourism and coordinated by GAL Serre Calabresi.
The adventure is supported by a network of partners including the Calabrian Parks Cycle Route, the Calabria Straordinaria brand, the National Parks of Sila, Pollino, and Aspromonte, the Serre Regional Nature Park, the Marine Parks of Calabria, and many local organizations committed to enhancing the region.

For more information, visit https://calabriainfinitecycling.it/