Gravel in Autumn: When the Bike Meets the Most Beautiful Season of the Year

Autumn is the perfect season for gravel riding. The trails change color, temperatures become milder, and the pace of riding becomes slower, more mindful, and more immersed in nature. For many cyclists, autumn is the perfect time to leave summer racing behind and rediscover the pure joy of adventure.

Simone Venturelli , a tour guide, content creator, and experienced bikepacker, knows this well. Over the past few weeks, he's been enjoying the autumnal views of his beloved Franciacorta.

Mud, rocks, roots, and wet leaves are the perfect terrain for testing the Gravel Overland. The carbon frame is designed to provide high riding stability on uneven surfaces, while the 50mm tire clearance ensures a smooth ride, avoiding problems on muddy terrain. The slightly sloping geometry makes it particularly comfortable over long distances, even on the rough trails typical of gravel riding.

This season, Simone has chosen FUGA wheels with a 55mm profile: carbon rim, 23mm inner diameter, and tires up to 65mm. Responsive and precise, they make the ride faster and smoother, ensuring superior control on all terrain conditions.

Adventure and adrenaline don't end with autumn, though; Simone is already planning next season's events. After two consecutive years of the Tuscany Trail—a one-off in 2024 and a more relaxed three-day event in 2025—in 2026, Simone will debut the Veneto Gravel, the April event that will bring countless enthusiasts to the Veneto's most beautiful landscapes.

" The weather in April? No worries, just strategy. April is a crazy month. You can find mild, perfect days or buckets of rain as has often happened in 2025. It's not a worry, but a factor to consider, especially on the higher sections of the route," says Simone . " Weather and route are two fundamental factors to consider when planning a bikepacking trip. It's just a matter of choosing the right equipment, the right clothing, and mentally preparing myself."

Discover all of Simone's travels and advice on his blog simoneventurelli.com and his official Instagram and Facebook channels.