"Made to Discover - The Movie" is an impressive homage to Tuscany. An epic bike adventure is told in three stages, and in the midst of a dreamlike setting. The film accompanies Steffi Marth and Max Schumann on more than 123 kilometers through the Apennines and the Apuan Alps. Tuscany presents itself here as an unexpectedly alpine region with a multitude of remote trails. Enjoy!
For three days, Steffi Marth and Max Schumann explored remote trails in Tuscany all the way down to the Mediterranean coast. A journey with many impressions. The two protagonists put their feelings into words for our colleagues from Rasoulution during an interview about the film "Made to Discover".
Steffi, you explored Tuscany by bike. Which moment do you remember the most?
Steffi : Difficult to say, there were so many beautiful moments. But it was probably all those small alleys in the historic villages, the sunsets, the people on the terraces and all our little coffee breaks with ice cream - typically Italian. Such a peaceful feeling.
What makes Tuscany so special for MTB riders?
Steffi: Our tour was very exotic. It wasn't a normal bike trail - it was a tour that was recommended to us by our guide. We were out for three days and didn't meet any other mountain bikers. Especially all the different views that the region has to offer were super cool.
What was the highlight of your tour?
Steffi: For me it was the last evening in a small mountain hut: Il Rifugio Nello Conti. We arrived very late and two Italians cooked extra for us. The day was very strenuous, you first have to go through marble quarries up to the summit and then about 300 meters down to the hut. A special place that can only be reached with a lot of effort.
Your favorite color in Italian nature?
Steffi: This color combination of the Mediterranean sand color, white sand and the wonderful green on the one hand. ABUS also has these two colors in its portfolio for the MODROP helmet.
Steffi, you were out and about with the new ABUS MODROP for three days. What are your first impressions?
Steffi: The MODROP is my perfect companion for any adventure on my bike: It's totally comfortable, well ventilated, ultra light and of course very important - it looks great!
Italy is known for its gastronomy. Which dishes have you discovered for yourself and would you like to cook yourself?
Steffi: Actually, I'm not a pasta fan, but I really like eating pasta in Italy, because it tastes particularly good there. The Italians are simply the professionals and all pasta dishes are so delicious. It can be said that Italy offers perfect food to recharge your batteries. Lucky me - I'm also a big pizza and coffee fan.
Max, you know Tuscany very well. What makes it so special for MTB riders compared to other regions?
Max: This region offers a variety of landscapes like no other. We don't even associate some of them with Tuscany. One often thinks directly of Florence or Pisa, as well as the countryside and the sea, but not necessarily of alpine terrain. The history and culture of this region are unique. For example, the long descent to Massa by the sea is unforgettable for me.
Do you need special training to ride the same routes as you and Steffi?
Max: The trails on our route are only suitable for ambitious riders with a lot of experience. But Tuscany offers great touring opportunities for all mountain bikers.
Max, after closely following the development process of the new MODROP, how did you feel now that you could finally ride the helmet?
Max: It is exciting to accompany the entire development of a product. And I was really happy that the helmet ended up fitting so well. The MODROP is so light and comfortable that you hardly notice it and is reliable at the same time. This makes it the ideal companion for big and small bike adventures.
Last question: What was your favorite place or trail on the tour? Will you share this tip with the community?
Max: The mountain hut Rifugio Nello Conti, in the Apuan Alps at 1.400m above Massa. This is where we spent the last night of the trips. We reached the hut very late and very hungry. We were accordingly happy about the simple and good food and the hospitality of the hut keepers. The tour the next day to the sea was also a real highlight!
You can find out more about the Abus Modrop here.