ACT Italy 2025 – Gravel, Grit, and Big Smiles From Munich to the Adriatic

We wrapped up the season with a beauty: an on-/off-road run through the heart of Italy following the legendary Adventure Country Tracks. I had 2 great riders join the final guided tour of the year—an off-road adventure through the heart of Italy. The Adventure Country Track through Italy had a good amount of challenges waiting for us, but most importantly the chemistry between the group immediately clicked. Just a few days in it felt like riding with old friends. Being connected through our Cardo units helped create an even deeper bond while on the road and on the bikes—live coaching, quick hazard calls, and constant laughs made every section feel like a shared victory.

"I joined the ACT Italy trip pretty last minute and wasn't sure what to expect, but that worry disappeared straight away. We met on the Friday, had a few beers and a great meal, and it just clicked. Italy was absolutely stunning—beautiful roads & tracks, great food, great wine, and views you can't really describe. Every day was just good fun with great people. Lots of laughs, no stress, just proper riding and good times. Big thanks to Oliver for being such a top guy and a great host—everything was smooth and easy. Can't recommend MotoVibes enough, and I'll definitely be back for another trip." — ★★★★★ Zaid Al-Obaidi, UK

"We had a really good week in Italy on the ACT track. It was a lot of fun. Oliver took care of me since I'm not the fastest rider off-road—I always had someone to help me overcome difficult sections of the road. The whole team was a really good match and I would really encourage everyone to have a trip with Oliver and MotoVibes Travel. Thank you!"

— ★★★★★ Steffen Scholz, Germany

The Warm-Up: Alpine Passes to Riva

We rolled out of Munich and stacked classic passes right out of the gate: Acherpass, the historic Alte Brennerstrasse, Jaufenpass, and a sunset run over Passo Campo Carlo Magno. Big scenery, perfect tarmac, and that mix of tight hairpins and sweepers that gets everyone in the groove. It was the perfect way to shake off any nerves and dial in the bikes before the real adventure began.

Touching TET and Aiming for Dirt

Day two delivered more curves and our first taste of gravel with a section of Italy's TET. By the time we reached Bertinoro, the Adriatic opened up in front of us and the real ACT off-road story began the next morning. The anticipation was building—everyone knew the pavement days were behind us.

Into the Woods: Romagna to Umbria

The route dropped us onto forest roads and compact gravel in the Savio Valley. Temperatures hovered around the upper twenties, so we paced smart, hydrated often, and kept a steady flow. The surfaces changed constantly—hardpack, white gravel, and the occasional rutted climb—exactly what big ADV bikes love when handled with finesse. The thick woods and rolling hills of Romagna gave way to charming villages where we'd stop, catch our breath, and soak in the scenery.

Peaks and Panoramas: Monte Nerone and Monte Catria

Climbing past 1,000 meters, we topped Monte Nerone and Monte Catria for wide-open Apennine views. The reward was a silky descent into Gubbio and a golden-hour arrival at Lake Trasimeno. These are the days you remember: bikes cooling beside the water, stories getting bigger with every minute, and that quiet satisfaction of knowing you just conquered something special.

Tuscany's White Roads

From Trasimeno into Val d'Orcia, we stitched together classic strade bianche, rolling through Montepulciano and Bagno Vignoni. The rhythm was perfect—stand on the pegs, float the bike, look far ahead. We closed the day beneath Orvieto's cathedral, the kind of backdrop that makes adventure riding in Italy feel unreal. The white gravel roads and compact forest paths were a dream, and the iconic Tuscan landscape made every photo stop worth it.

Ridges, Plateaus, and Technical Bits

South of Corbara Lake the trail turned rugged again—wooded tracks, rocky pitches, then longer climbs over Monte Birbone, Metano, and Peritone. We rode as a unit, spotting lines, spacing out in dusty sections, and regrouping after the trickier climbs. That team energy mattered: everyone advanced a notch in confidence without ever pushing beyond safe limits. The Cardo comms were clutch here—calling out obstacles, encouraging each other through tough sections, and celebrating every successful climb.

Abruzzo Finale to the Costa dei Trabocchi

Our last riding day was pure variety—tight village lanes, loose gravel across high plateaus in Gran Sasso National Park, and a never-ending ribbon of bends through Maiella. We passed through earthquake-scarred Paganica and the picturesque Santo Stefano di Sessanio, each stop a reminder of the region's resilience and beauty. We finished at the Adriatic on the Costa dei Trabocchi, tired, dusty, and grinning. If you know, you know.

The Group Vibe

What really set this tour apart was how quickly the group bonded. From day one, it felt natural—no egos, just mutual respect and a shared love of the ride. The Cardo units turned us into a rolling conversation, whether we were navigating a tricky section, pointing out a hidden waterfall, or just cracking jokes to keep spirits high. By the end, we weren't just a group of riders—we were a crew.

Looking Back—and Ahead

ACT Italy 2025 will go down as one of those tours where everything just clicked. The roads delivered, the weather held, and the riders brought the right energy. It's the kind of trip that reminds you why you ride in the first place—for the challenge, the scenery, and the people you meet along the way.

If you're thinking about joining next year, just know: this isn't a cruise. It's real ADV riding with sustained off-road on big bikes, meaningful technical sections, and iconic on-road passes baked in for flow and contrast. You bring your skills and appetite for adventure—I'll bring the routes, the logistics, and the good vibes.

Ready for the next adventure? Italy's waiting, and so are the trails.