La Famiglia Massacan - Michael & Paula: A Bike Love Story

We met Michael at the very first edition of the Pilgrimage , a little over a year ago. He was riding a super stylish steel Surly Midnight Special, a real favorite in the Massacan spirit. And with his old-school mustache, it was impossible to miss him! Although he often had a slight advantage (and often a few meters ahead), we immediately hit it off. We met up in the evening for beers at Chalet Alpelune , and sometimes on the road.

This year, we met again at the second edition, like old friends. Still with his Surly, but with an upgraded cassette this time (hello memories of the Parpaillon tunnel). And he hadn't forgotten Paula... After a year of eyeing up her beautiful curves, he gave in. We sent him the frameset and a few spare parts, because Michael, a good mechanic, wanted to build Paula himself.

Her first ride with Paula? The Pathfinder Giro, organized with our friends at Off the Map in Maastricht. Now, Paula is riding in style in the Netherlands (photos prove it), ready for adventures as serious as they are fun!

Tell us a little more about yourself! Who are you, and how long have you been riding and racing?

I'm 27 years old, I live in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and I work as a precision mechanic at the university there. I started cycling and racing around the age of 10, road in the summer, track in the winter. In 2019, after a few years off, I stumbled upon fixed gear racing, and it was exactly what I needed: alternative, fun races, with a real community vibe, where skill and power make all the difference.

Are you part of a cycling club? We've seen some killer jerseys!

Yes! In 2020, a friend founded a road cycling club in Utrecht, Team DFM. We started with a leopard-print jersey, with the idea of ​​changing the design every year, but the leopard was so cool we kept it. I even had a custom rainbow leopard jersey made, which I won in a fixed-gear race, and I wore it for the Pathfinder in Eindhoven.

How did gravel come into your life, and what do you like about this new cycling practice?

I only started gravel riding a few years ago, and I love the more laid-back and varied experience it offers, compared to the flat roads in the Netherlands.

Last year at Le Pilgrimage, I met Matthieu and Lucie and saw Paula for the first time. The event was so great that I came back this year. After a year of admiring her, I decided it was time to fall for Paula.

Tell us a little about your Paula's setup!

 I chose a SRAM Rival/GX 46/10x52 mullet setup, with the option to upgrade to a 36-tooth chainring. A bit over-equipped for most of my rides, but for events like Le Pilgrimage or bikepacking in tough terrain, it's essential.

The wheels are Zipp 303s, perfect with the SRAM setup, and the finishing kit comes from Deda. As for the color? Pink, of course! It makes you smile, it attracts attention, and it starts conversations about the bike.

Riding Paula is a dream: lively, fast, and so much fun. I'm not afraid to take her to the limit, even if it means breaking my neck (which happened on the first two rides!). With the aluminum frame, I don't have the stress I would have with carbon.

Any plans with Paula? Racing or adventures?

The plan is simple: have fun! I love bikepacking trips and crazy adventures. In December, I'm going to do my first gravel race. We'll see how it goes, and maybe I'll do more. I've also got an ultra-distance race in mind. I'm letting things happen and we'll see where Paula takes me!

Back to childhood: Tell us about your first bikepacking trip with your father. Did it inspire you?

In 2011, before I even knew what bikepacking was, I went on a trip with my dad, from Maastricht to Tirano, in 10 days at about 100 km per day. My dad, who went on bike trips in his youth, always had cool stories to tell.

We set off with minimal gear, but with a tent and cooking equipment. I don't remember everything, but the experience left a lasting impression on me. A few years later, my first official bikepacking trip with friends rekindled my taste for adventure. That same year, I spontaneously decided to climb the Stelvio for my birthday.

Finally, the million dollar question: what's the secret to your mustache routine?

In the morning, I put a little mustache wax on my mustache and style it. Then, I add some strong hold gel to keep it from going wild. In the shower, I try not to wash it too much so that it keeps its proper shape. Even when bikepacking? Yes, otherwise, if it's not styled properly, the hairs tickle my nose. On a bikepacking trip, I have to heat the wax with a lighter, otherwise it's too hard because of the cold!