B2B Marketing Trainer and Consultant
The Passo Dordona, at an elevation of 2060 meters, connects Val Madre in Sondrio with Val Brembana in Bergamo, traversing the Orobie Alps. Accessible by a partially dirt road, it’s less frequented by vehicles. The journey offers scenic views, culminating in historic fortifications, and includes a restaurant for local cuisine.
After riding my eGravel bike in the Orobic Alps, I explored a beautiful valley with a dam and artificial lake at 1400 mt. Taking a scenic route, I climbed over 1000 mt, enjoying the Alpine landscape and abundant water. I observed yellow flowers and returned via a reservoir near a hydroelectric plant.
The ride began in Chiuro, traversing a valley filled with farmers harvesting hay. After reaching the village of Fontaniva, I followed a steep trail to a hydroelectric plant and continued to climb towards the picturesque lakes, enjoying views of the Valtellina valley and spotting various wildflowers along the way.
Today’s ride to the abandoned Decuville railway started at 1000 meters altitude. The railway, built a century ago for hydroelectric dam construction, features a subterranean water channel feeding a power plant below. The journey also showcases ancient churches and a bridge over the Adda River along the Valtellina bike path.
Il percorso in bicicletta che da Berkeley porta a San Quentin attraversando lo spettacolare Richmond Bridge offre interessanti spunti per la fotografia e offre incredibili viste sulla baia di San Francisco.
After months without riding, I finally took my bike for a scenic ride in Oakland's hills. Autumn rains have revived the landscape, enhancing its beauty. I enjoyed the breathtaking views along Tunnel Road, a popular cycling route, while encountering local wildlife like deer and turkeys, adding excitement to the journey.
On a sunny Sunday after a rainy winter, I took advantage of the perfect biking weather and explored the scenic bike path along San Francisco Bay. The ride from Berkeley to Richmond offered breathtaking views of the city and encounters with notable landscapes and historical landmarks, marking my first spring outing on two wheels.
On Sunday, the author enjoyed a leisurely 70 km bike ride on their Raleigh Revenio 3.0 through the beautiful hills near Berkeley and Oakland. The journey was focused on relishing the sunny day and picturesque scenery, with several stops for photography, including views from Grizzly Peak Boulevard and various parks along the route.
May is an ideal month for cycling in West Marin County, California, characterized by scenic views and gentle hills. The route includes a dirt trail through Samuel P. Taylor Park alongside Lagunitas Creek, rich with giant redwoods. This area is also notable for the birthplace of Lagunitas beer, adding a local charm.
The author, encouraged by Simona, cycles along the scenic Pacific coast from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The ride features beautiful landscapes, manageable hills, and a cool climate. It provides a serene experience away from weekend traffic, allowing for enjoyment of various beaches and iconic sites along the route.
In October 2017, the weather was unusually warm and dry, presenting an ideal opportunity for cycling in the Oltrepò Pavese. The author enjoyed a leisurely ride on a vintage 1993 Bottecchia, exploring beautiful landscapes and reliving the spirit of Italian cycling. The route highlighted the appealing scenery, though caution was advised due to road conditions.
La decauville Arigna-Vedello, nel Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi è uno dei percorsi più interessanti da percorrere in bici in Valtellina per gli amanti delle Mountain Bikes che preferiscono percorsi più tranquilli con pendenze limitate.
La Valfontana (Valtellina) in autunno offre alcuni percorsi perfetti per la MTB. I caldi colori dell'autunno, l'aria ancora tiepida e un cielo incredibilmente blu.
In Marin County, California, a self-service farm stand called Little Wing offers local produce without staff oversight. Customers select and pay for their items based on trust. Owned by Molly Myerson, the stand emerged after her quail egg business was lost to a fire in 2016, showcasing community and entrepreneurial spirit.
Marin County, north of San Francisco Bay, is renowned for inventing mountain biking, housing Autodesk, and producing Lagunitas beers. It offers beautiful trails for biking and hiking amid agricultural land. Recently, the author enjoyed a bike trip in Chileno Valley, appreciating the serene countryside and scenic views while avoiding traffic.
Il Sentiero Valtellina è l'ideale per una vacanza in bici. Il sentiero Valtellina è una pista ciclabile di 114 km adatta sia ai ciclisti occasionali che a chi ha una seria preparazione atletica.
Recently, the eastern span of the Bay Bridge connecting San Francisco to Oakland is now accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. After nearly four years, a new bike-pedestrian path enables cyclists to reach Treasure Island. The pathway features scenic views and connects to ongoing residential developments, enhancing local accessibility and infrastructure.
Berkeley is renowned for its vibrant murals, making it challenging to select a few for a blog. The author captures interesting murals encountered during Sunday bike rides, incorporating their bicycle for scale. Each mural features artist names when possible, showcasing works by various artists, including Cristian Muñoz and Bonnie Borucki.
Franco Folini is a marketing trainer and consultant with a background as an e-commerce entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. He taught at UC Berkeley Extension and currently teaches at the University of Strasbourg and Università della Montagna in Edolo, Italy. Recently, he moved back to his native Valtellina in the Italian Alps. Franco frequently speaks about the impact of AI and other technologies on marketing. For more details, visit his LinkedIn profile or email him at folini@gmail.com.