Gravel Riding Through the Wind Farms
The Quintessential Gravel Challenge in Sicily
September began with an epic Sicilian gravel ride. After a much-needed break, I started browsing the local gravel event calendar and stumbled across a new event in southwestern Sicily that I simply couldn’t miss. A 100 km loop, starting and finishing in the breathtaking town of Mazara del Vallo, with a staggering 1,400 m of elevation gain—right in the heart of the region’s vast wind farms.
I decided to sign up for two main reasons: first, to test myself and push my limits toward another small cycling accomplishment; and second, to explore more of Sicily’s hidden backroads.
Joining me were two fellow cyclists, adventure seekers, expert guides—and most importantly, friends—Sergio and Massimiliano. Over the years, they’ve been by my side on some of the most epic rides, and this time was no exception. They kept morale high on the toughest climbs, waited patiently when I fell behind, joked during our breaks, and even captured some of the best moments of the day.
The ride itself was demanding from start to finish. The downhill “gravel” sections were rocky, bumpy, and physically draining, while the climbs tested every ounce of endurance. The stretch leading to the town of Salemi, our midway checkpoint, was especially brutal—an abandoned backroad with punishing gradients, capped by a final wall of asphalt leading to the antennas.
By the time we reached the wind farms, the heat was relentless, rasing to an average of 30°C. As far as the eye could see, there were only arid hills, towering wind turbines, and the occasional eucalyptus tree—each one a welcome mirage offering a brief escape from the blazing sun.
At around the 95 km mark, with one last ascent ahead, my legs were heavy and stamina nearly gone. But with Sergio and Massimiliano encouraging me and the refreshing seabreeze finally reaching us, I found the strength to push through to the finish line.
Crossing that line was more than just completing another event—it was a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come since beginning my physical, lifestyle, and mental transformation a few years ago. Cycling has been the constant force driving that change, helping me achieve goals I once thought impossible.
Closing Reflection
This ride through Sicily’s wind farms wasn’t just about conquering kilometers or elevations—it was about resilience, friendship, and the freedom found on two wheels. Every ride adds a new chapter to my story, but this one in particular reaffirmed that growth isn’t measured by speed or strength alone—it’s about perseverance, gratitude, and the joy of the journey itself. And as the wind turbines turned above us, I couldn’t help but feel that same energy fueling me forward—not just on the bike, but in life.
– Mike
