Pedalando nel Blu: Two Decades of Cycling Along Italy’s Coastlines
By Giovanni Capirone
In August 1998, at 35, I embarked on a journey that would span two decades, cycling along Italy’s coastlines. My trusted Marca Leone, a handcrafted touring bike from Piedmont, beckoned me to explore the vast horizons. This was the beginning of an adventure that would intertwine my passion for cycling with the serene embrace of the sea.
The Early Years: A Quest for Freedom
The initial stages were marked by the purest form of cycling freedom: dawn departures, ever-changing horizons with each pedal stroke, and the exhilarating sensation of traversing the world powered solely by my legs. The rhythm of the road became my meditation, and the landscapes unfolded as a testament to nature’s beauty.
Life’s Rhythm: From Solo Journeys to Shared Experiences
As life progressed, the tempo shifted. The arrival of Marta, Camilla, and Virginia transformed the journey into a shared experience. The bike evolved from a mere challenge to a mobile home, a vessel for togetherness, and a means to view the world through fresh perspectives. Our stops became stories, and the people we met, emotional maps guiding our path.
Lessons from the Road: Embracing the Journey Over the Destination
Participating in randonnées and the Paris-Brest-Paris taught me a pivotal lesson: separating performance from discovery. The journey ceased to be a race against time and became an exercise in mindfulness. Italy’s coastlines—from Trieste to Ventimiglia, including the intricate paths of Basilicata—unveiled an endless archive of stories: fishermen whose tales mirrored the wind, elders safeguarding maritime memories, and children greeting cyclists as explorers.
Every Stop: A World of Its Own
Each stop was a microcosm: the changing light, the scent of saltwater, the tranquility of secondary roads, and the surprise of landscapes previously unnoticed. A significant health challenge compelled me to slow down, leading me to traverse certain stretches on foot, along the sand, with the same unwavering determination. I realized that cycling isn’t just about movement; it’s a way of being in the world, listening to it, and allowing it to transform you.
Pedalando nel Blu: A Chronicle of Transformation
“Pedalando nel Blu” is the diary of this transformation: a mosaic of places, people, and emotions, written for those who believe that grand adventures ferment slowly. It’s a narrative of how the bike, the sea, and time can teach us to look beyond the tip of our noses, one kilometer after another.
If this journey piques your interest, you can visit the book’s page now available for pre-order on Bookabook: from there, you can reserve it and support this project, which for me is also a dream taking shape.
Giovanni Capirone
Recent Events and Publications
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Book Presentation at Cogne Auditorium: On July 23, 2026, Giovanni Capirone presented his book at the Auditorium of Cogne (AO) at 5:00 PM. The event featured a brief video segment highlighting the coastal stretches of Puglia, Calabria, and Lucania. (bookabook.it)
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Book Presentation at Motovelodromo di Torino: On June 22, 2026, Capirone presented his book at the Motovelodromo di Torino in Corso Casale 144, hosted by FIAB Torino Bici&Dintorni. (biciedintorni.it)
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Book Presentation at Chivasso CAI Headquarters: On June 19, 2026, Capirone presented his book at the CAI headquarters in Chivasso (TO) at 9:00 PM. The event included a screening of a film covering the itinerary in Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata. (bookabook.it)
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Interview on Mikroradio – Fuorello on Air: On June 26, 2026, Capirone participated in the third part of an interview on Mikroradio – Fuorello on Air, discussing his book “Pedalando nel blu- vent’anni lungo le coste italiane.” The conversation delved into the experiences of cycling along the Italian coast, highlighting encounters that change one’s perspective. (bookabook.it)
These events offer deeper insights into Capirone’s journey and the narratives woven into his book.