The Hybrid Way: Pedals, Trains, and Alpine Paths
1. The Alps– The Soul of the Journey
Standing in front of the Alps felt like standing in front of the heart of Europe itself. Each mountain range I crossed revealed a different geological face — rugged, soft, steep, or rolling — yet they all formed a single connecting thread of beauty and strength. These landscapes were more than just scenery: they were living environments where flora, fauna, and humans coexist in a balance that feels both fragile and eternal. Discovering these mountains was a pivotal point of my journey. Their breathtaking vastness gave me a sense of humility, inspiration, and belonging. They showed me a world that I deeply admire and one I aspire to live in harmony with.
2. Bike – My Trustworthy Travelmate
If the mountains were the stage, my bike was my most loyal companion. This was one of my first real bikepacking experiences, and I immediately fell in love with the freedom it gave me. The bike allowed me to move through cities, reach mountain trailheads, and cover stretches between train rides, creating the perfect hybrid way of traveling — sustainable, flexible, and deeply rewarding. Riding meant I didn’t just pass through places; I experienced them fully, slowly, at the rhythm of my own breath and legs. Every destination gained on two wheels felt earned, every view tasted sweeter because it came through effort. In a world that often rushes forward, the bike gave me the gift of slowness, of presence, of connection — to the road, to the people I met, and to myself.
3. Train Rides & Diary – Capturing the Journey
The long train rides became another cornerstone of my journey. Through the train window I watched ever-changing landscapes roll by, from valleys to lakes to peaks. On those seats I shared stories with fellow travelers and locals alike, exchanging experiences, ideas, and positivity — weaving a network of encounters that I will never forget. But the train was also a time of stillness, a space where I opened my diary and let the pen capture the day. Writing is something I have always done when traveling; it allows me to relive details, to treasure moments, to reflect on what people have shared with me. Over time, my diary has grown into more than a travel log — it has become a guide to life, a reminder of gratitude, curiosity, and the beauty of living with open eyes and an open heart.
Lapo Neri
