Pietro and Caterina embarked on an extraordinary journey across South Africa, accompanied by their Palta bikes. Starting from Plettenberg Bay under relentless rain, they tackled 80 km of gravel roads in a landscape that felt more like a rainforest than the African desert. The Palta bikes, with their lightweight and responsive carbon frame, proved up to the challenge, offering flawless handling even on the toughest terrain.

The next leg of their journey took them to George, where they traversed a variety of landscapes, from vast ostrich farms to refreshing forests. The 700c wheels and wide tires of the Palta provided optimal grip on mixed terrain, allowing Pietro and Caterina to handle the changing conditions of the route with ease.

The true test came with the Swartberg Pass, one of South Africa’s most iconic passes. With a climb of 1000 meters on rugged terrain and in sweltering temperatures, the durability of the frame and the balanced geometry of the Palta allowed the riders to maintain control even on the steepest and roughest sections. The bike’s combination of comfort and performance made the climb challenging yet rewarding, offering a spectacular panoramic view from the top.

During the long transfer through the Karoo, the Palta excelled in versatility and reliability. With its hydraulic disc brakes, it provided excellent braking performance even on steep descents and tricky terrain. Pietro and Caterina covered 100 km of gravel roads and undulating landscapes, navigating expanses of bush and breathtaking scenery with the confidence of a bike designed to handle every challenge.

Montagu offered a strategic pause before the final long push towards Villiersdorp. The Palta made it easy to handle changes in gradient and long days of riding, ensuring excellent performance both uphill and downhill.

The epic finale of the journey saw Pietro and Caterina tackle the Franschhoek Pass, amidst clouds and rain. The robustness and comfort of their bikes proved crucial even in the harshest conditions. Concluding a route of 834 km and 12,170 meters of elevation gain, they celebrated not only the beauty and challenge of South Africa but also the extraordinary performance of their bikes, which proved to be reliable and resilient companions throughout the adventure.