RAD RACE 96 HOURS Italy

RAD RACE 96 HOURS Italy – Rome, Italy

• Date: October 12, 2026
• Location: Rome to Pescara, Italy
• Distances: 651 km
• Event Type: Bikepacking adventure

The Rad Race 96 Hours is a bikepacking adventure in Italy that traces a path from the ancient heart of Rome to the Adriatic shores of Pescara. Spanning four days, this self-supported ride is an invitation to experience the country’s untamed interior, a landscape of mountains, quiet villages, and sweeping coastlines. The route is a story unfolding over 650 kilometers, a mix of asphalt and gravel surfaces that guides riders through the hills and forgotten roads of Abruzzo, where time seems to move at a different pace.

The journey begins with a rider briefing in Rome, a moment to gather and discuss the route before the clock starts. From there, participants set their own rhythm, navigating with a provided GPX track. The ethos is one of freedom and self-reliance; riders choose where to rest and when to push onward. This bikepacking adventure in Italy is less about speed and more about immersion, encouraging engagement with the landscape, the locals, and the quiet moments found along the way, from a roadside flat repair to a shared coffee in a sun-drenched piazza.

Covering more than 11,000 meters of elevation, the route is a significant undertaking. It winds from the shadows of the Colosseum through the olive groves and mountain passes of central Italy. The terrain offers a continuous flow of new perspectives, with each climb revealing another valley and each descent bringing riders closer to the sea. The experience is designed to be shared, whether with fellow participants or remotely through live GPS tracking that follows each rider's journey across the map. This is one of many other gravel events in Italy, but with its own unique character.

Logistical support is thoughtfully provided to allow riders to focus on the experience. The organisers offer luggage transport from the start in Rome to the finish in Pescara, easing the burden of carrying excess gear. Mechanical support is also available at the start and finish lines to handle pre-ride checks and minor adjustments, ensuring bikes are ready for the demands of the road. This practical assistance underpins the spirit of the event, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the riders.

After four days on the road, the journey concludes in Pescara. A finisher camp provides a space for riders to gather, share stories, and wait for the final participants to arrive. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie, celebrating the completion of a challenging and rewarding bikepacking adventure in Italy. It’s an opportunity to relax, perhaps with a final Italian breakfast, and reflect on the thousands of stories written on the road. For complete details, you can consult the official event website.