In September my friend Raffaele sent me a big photo report of a ride in the Bavarian Pre-Alps on his TerraForge, together with these words:
Good morning Vincenzo,
I'm sending you a big photo report of a ride in the Bavarian Pre-Alps yesterday. A beautiful day that refreshed my mind. An unexpected gift, but one that shows God's mercy, to be lived step by step.
E-bikes and ultra-modern carbon road and gravel bikes were everywhere. And yet every now and then people looked at your bike. A passer-by said to me: toll! Beautiful! A cyclist coming the other way pointed at the bike and made a face of admiration.
You don't need to be part of the crowd: among so many, your place is always there. Class never goes unnoticed, even in a crowd. This too is a great gift.
Warm regards 👋
Among so many e-bikes and modern carbon models, Raffaele's Forgione caught people's eye. "Toll!" means "great" in German, and hearing that a passing cyclist turned to look at a bike I built by hand in Gesualdo gives me real joy. It is the proof that a well-made steel bike, built for the person riding it, still stands out.
Thank you Raffaele for taking me along on your rides, at least in pictures. If you want to know more about how I join my frames, have a look at the page on Silver Fillet Brazed joints; if you are looking for a bike for gravel and long rides, browse the gravel section.
Here are all the photos Raffaele sent me:
Warm regards and happy riding,
Vincenzo
