BAM! is the first European meeting for cycle-travelers. Group rides, workshops, meetings, speeches, contests, books, music, parties… the event for those who choose a horizon, a pair of wheels and the wind in their face.

When

Start: June 7 @ 4:00 pm

End: June 9 @ 4:00 pm

Details

Cost: Free

Event Website

Organizer: BAM!

Email: andrea.benesso@gmail.com

Countless bike travelers converging to the same place, the medieval town of Mantua, in Italy: from June 9 to 11, 2023, against the backdrop of the city’s enchanting lakes, BAM! returns, marking the tenth edition of the largest European gathering of cycle travelers.

For BAM!, simplicity meets engagement in its tenth edition, with a straightforward formula: set out from home by bicycle to collectively arrive at the same destination, sharing roads, tales, passions, and above all, the aspiration to journey far, one kilometer after another.

Established in 2014, BAM! has evolved beyond a mere event, swiftly transforming into a movement and cultural touchstone for those who view cycling not solely as a sport but as an immersive experience—a chance to connect with others and explore new horizons.

This remains true each year: at BAM!, a diverse array of people and cyclists on various bikes converge, all united by the shared desire to pedal, explore, and commune. No other event in Europe demonstrates a comparable ability to inspire people to saddle up, load their bags or backpacks, and embark on journeys, no matter the distance.

BAM!’s ethos aligns with sustainability; participants arrive by “pedal power”, either from their homes or, at the very least, the final kilometers, often utilizing public transport. In a rough estimate, it has been calculated that, during the last edition, participants covered at least 250,000 total kilometers by bike to reach Mantua, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of travelers.

What unfolds during BAM? A kaleidoscope of meetings, music, workshops, and bike rides: from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, the program unfolds along two distinct threads. For those eager to actively engage, the days are brimming with workshops and encounters with fellow travelers, artists, companies, and anyone with a travel story to share. Meanwhile, those opting for a more laid-back BAM! experience can relish music, savor a beer, explore the surroundings, or simply bask in the beauty of the place.

The international presence at BAM! is burgeoning, with travelers from abroad increasingly incorporating BAM! into their journeys through Italy.

This year, as always, BAM! promises to be a tapestry of extraordinary tales, often woven by ordinary individuals who have chosen the simple magic of pedaling into the distance: such is the enchantment of the bicycle.