20.000 Pieghe 2018, in its 10th edition in the Dolomites with a Honda CB1000R

The desire to explore has always been an intimate part of a person's very nature, accompanied by their inexhaustible thirst for knowledge. Traveling by motorbike is perhaps the most stimulating and exciting way to do it.
The 20.000 Pieghe is perhaps one of the most suitable events to combine this desire with a pinch of competitiveness and competitiveness, always respecting the rules of good behavior and observance of the highway code. It is considered the most prestigious and well-known Motorcycle Raid in Italy and takes place entirely on asphalt roads. Every year a new itinerary, full of "folds", excellently organized by the Motoclub Motolampeggio, which this year took us to the magnificent mountain scenery of Trentino, with departure and arrival of each of the three scheduled stages, from Stava, Tesero (TN ).

We at Motorionline had the pleasure of participating in the Official Honda Italia Team riding the brand new and beautiful Honda CB1000R, in the company of the well-known blogger Gianclaudio Aiossa and the already two-time winner of the 20.000 Pieghe Emanuele Macaluso.

In the heart of the "competition": the first stage
The departure of our Team, with bib numbers 14-15-16, is scheduled for 07:38; It's quite cool but the hearty breakfast at the hotel gives us the calories needed to face the over 300 km that await us full of energy. Let's check if we haven't forgotten something: rain jacket ok, double gloves ok, full tank ok. It seems like we're missing nothing. OK LET'S GO! We scrupulously follow the road book of the stage which was given to us the evening before and which indicates the route to follow, the steering wheel time controls, the stamp control points and the special stages with the relative times to be respected to the second! Do you cross the finish line before the scheduled time? You get penalized. Do you cross the finish line after the appointed time? You get penalized.

Accuracy is key! With this tantalizing apprehension of mind, we set off towards Campitello di Fassa and then go on to reel off the Sella, Gardena, Falzarego, Giau, Pordoi, Fedaia, Cereda and Rolle passes one after the other: eight passes on roads with beautiful scenery from the bottom road traffic almost always more than good. Due to some difficulties in reaching a location indicated in the road book, we crossed the finish line late, thus concluding the first stage halfway in the overall ranking. Patience, we don't have to worry. It's true that competitions always get you, even if they are based mainly on the clock and not on speed.

Second and third stage

Departure always at 07, always cool but always full of enthusiasm, ready to enjoy the countless steps that await us, the spectacular mountain scenery offered by this splendid area with its lakes, primarily Lake Carezza, with its waters crystal clear surrounded by very tall lush pine trees and, not to forget, the main delight of us motorcyclists: curves, many curves, many beautiful curves and hairpin bends to brush in an endless dance!

And when the lady who accompanies you in the dance is one HondaCB1000R, rest assured that enjoyment is guaranteed: elegant, beautiful to look at and gratifying to hug your hips in the infinite mountain ballet.

Our excellent travel companion

It is small, compact but with a correct driving setting that does not tire when driving at medium-low speeds; above 110 km/h the lack of aerodynamic protection begins to make itself felt and causes fatigue on the head and shoulders. However, we know well that the CB was not created for long distances at high average speeds; it is the ideal companion for pure fun. It is easy to handle to say the least, with its 145 hp and a very short gear ratio, it ensures burning acceleration when exiting corners until braking for the next corner, which is supported by a braking system that is up to par: powerful and modular with ABS that is never intrusive. Only after pushing it hard does the travel of the front brake lever increase slightly but without ever losing its notable braking effectiveness.

The adventure is over and we are partly sorry for not being able to win this edition, but we are particularly reluctant to leave the magnificent mount that accompanied us on this beautiful adventure that lasted three days, admiring wonderful views between one bend and another. and the other and the other …………

Edited by Roberto Ferrari