Meet-up at Rèfol Lodge with Cascada

Even before we had our first Paula, when Massacan was still just a sketch on a piece of paper, we contacted Carlo, one of the founders of Cascada, in preparation for our first wild photoshoot. Of course, Denis from L'Ermitage was in on it: he was the one who connected us. Since then, we've all come a long way. 

Cascada has been with us on our bikepacking adventures since Massacan's very first day, and frankly, it's hard to imagine a better match between two brands. Passionate friends who want to do things differently, locally, with the simple desire to create beautiful things and experience the mountains as a huge playground. They just celebrated their 7th anniversary, and like us, they don't really want to grow too big. To maintain their freedom, their vision, and most importantly, time to go fishing, running, or simply stay outdoors.

So when they invited us to The Lodge Dispatch on Saturday, May 16th, we said yes without hesitation. It was an opportunity to really spend time with Carlo and Maurizio, the two founders. And we also brought a bike that was not quite like the others... We'll introduce it to you later. But I can already tell you that a beautiful Cascada-colored Pianella is now riding in the mountains of Lake Garda.

Saturday morning, we arrived at Lake Ledro and then it clicked: it was the exact same road we had taken three years earlier during our Lake Garda tour. It was barely 10 degrees. The air was fresh, much more so than in Nice. Everything was green around us, and above all, the snow-capped peaks seemed so close. Naturally, we already wanted to go for a ride.

But before heading out to explore, we had an appointment at Rèfol Lodge, a place just the way we like them: an old 70s mountain house restored with simplicity, featuring a huge fireplace in the middle of the main room. A place where you immediately feel at home, but also closer to nature.

We parked. Carlo and Maurizio were already there, setting everything up before the first visitors arrived. The hugs were sincere. We had mostly seen Carlo at highway rest stops to drop off bikes; this was the first time we had really met Maurizio. And honestly, it's much better here, in this setting that suits us more.

We put the bikes, Paula and Pianella, in the garden, then shared a moka coffee before the others arrived. Little by little, Cascada's friends showed up, by bike or in running gear. The program included two gravel routes and two trail routes, to choose from as desired. No obligation. You could also just stay there, drink beers, and eat cheese paninis or cold cuts.

Matt and I did both.

We started with a first hilly loop that led to a waterfall and took us through paths lined with "bear warning" signs. And no, that's not a joke. Luckily, we didn't encounter any. This first outing was enjoyable without taking us too far from the lodge, and we returned around 1 PM to eat and chat a bit. People were starting to gather.

Luca was there too, a cherished friend. Curious people came to ask us questions about Paula and Pianella. The atmosphere was simple, relaxed: some were seated on camping chairs, others directly on the grass. We felt good here.

But very quickly, the urge to explore took over again.

It must have been 3 PM when we asked Carlo if we had time for a second loop. He told us the route was quick but doable. We hesitated for two minutes... then we set off again.

And quick, it might have been. But above all, very, very steep. Between 20 and 27%. Yet, as often, it was worth the effort. Incredible view of Lake Garda on one side, return towards Lake Ledro on the other, passing exactly on the track we had taken during our tour a few years earlier. A small moment of nostalgia...

The descent was a delight and, in a few turns, we were already back at base camp. The crowd had dispersed. We opened a few bottles of wine while Carlo and Maurizio were in the kitchen. In the evening, we gathered around the table in a small group, barely a dozen friends, and we felt privileged to be there.

Mostly Italian was spoken. We listened carefully so as not to lose the thread of conversations.

One of those days where time seems to slow down. Where you really enjoy yourself, without looking at the clock, just letting things happen. And as we left, we were even more convinced that Massacan and Cascada had a story to write together.

Apparently, a winter edition is already in preparation...

Thanks to Carlo, Maurizio, and Rèfol Lodge.