Bikepacking the World: Interview with Stefano Latorre

Stefano Latorre has cycled from southern Italy to Istanbul, from Cape Town to Japan, and through an Alaskan winter at -30°C. Known online as @Stefano_MyFriend, the Foggia, Italy-born rider has spent the last several years crossing 35 countries by bike. Now on the American leg of his bikepacking journey, he sat down with Ritchey to talk gravel routes, gear, and what keeps him pedaling.

Ritchey:
Can you introduce yourself—who you are, where you’re from, and what you’re doing?

Stefano:
Sure. I’m Stefano Latorre, known on social media as @Stefano_MyFriend. I’m proudly from Foggia, a city in Apulia in the southeast of Italy. That’s where my first bicycle journey started.

My first route was from Foggia to Istanbul, cycling all the way from southern Italy to Turkey. I went through northern Italy and then crossed all the Balkan countries until reaching Istanbul. It was about 2,000 miles (3219 kilometers). Instead of feeling tired afterward, I actually felt more energized, so I decided that after Europe, I wanted to ride the world.

I flew to Cape Town and cycled from Cape Town to Japan over three years, across 35 countries, covering Europe, Africa, and Asia. Now I’m here for the American chapter.

Ritchey:
What has been the most memorable gravel route you’ve ridden in North America, and why?

Stefano:
The craziest experience was cycling through Alaska during the winter. It was extremely challenging, with temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F) and camping every night outdoors. That was definitely the toughest adventure so far in the US.

But one of the most memorable gravel rides was in Redwood National Park in Northern California. Riding from the forest to the coast was incredible. From Crescent City to Eureka, the mix of beautiful views, climbs, descents, tall trees, and dramatic cliffs made it an unforgettable experience.

So, Alaska was the hardest and most extreme, while Redwood was one of the most beautiful.

Ritchey:
What gear setup are you using, and what would you change if you started again?

Stefano:
For winter, my setup was heavy, but it was exactly what I needed to stay warm. I had a large sleeping bag that allowed me to sleep outside even at -40°C (-40°F). I carried spare items like hats and scarves so I could change them when they got wet or frozen. Good gloves are essential—especially mittens, which are much better than regular gloves in extreme cold.

I would definitely improve my boots. At the start, mine were only good to about -25°C (-13F). Later, someone I met gave me military boots, which made a huge difference.

In cold conditions, it’s critical to protect your body—especially your hands and feet, as they get cold very quickly.

Overall, my winter setup worked well. Now, in summer, I’m getting lighter and lighter, and I feel great.

Ritchey:
What’s the biggest misconception about long-distance gravel bike touring?

Stefano:
People think it’s very hard, but once you get into it, everything becomes smoother. The biggest barrier is mental. Once you “break the ice,” both physically and mentally, you start to understand the value of the bicycle. With your own legs, you can go anywhere.

Cycling allows you to travel faster than walking, but without the isolation of a car or motorcycle. You’re in the open air—you can feel everything around you. It becomes a full sensory experience, something that reaches deep into your soul. For me, the bicycle is the best way to travel—it gives you the right rhythm for your body.

Ritchey:
What are the three most important things for someone planning their first multi-day gravel adventure?

Stefano:
First, stay hydrated and nourished—food and water are your fuel.

Second, feel comfortable with your bicycle. Build a connection with it, because it’s what carries you through the journey.

Third, be ready to embrace everything—the beauty and the challenges. No matter how well you plan, unexpected things will happen. You need to adapt and learn from every situation.

So, prepare your body, your bike, and your mindset.

Ritchey:
What question do people ask you most often?

Stefano:
Surprisingly, people always ask, “How do you charge your phone?”

I think it shows how dependent we are on phones today. I’ve also traveled without one, and that’s a completely different experience. But to answer: I carry a power bank, and I used to have one with a solar panel. I recharge whenever I can—at petrol stations or wherever I stop.

Ritchey:
What has surprised you most about gravel cycling culture in North America?

Stefano:
In Alaska, people were very surprised I was riding in winter, but they were incredibly kind and welcoming. I felt a similar hospitality to what I experienced in Arabic countries. In rural areas especially, people are very open and helpful.

Through Warmshowers.org, I met many other gravel cyclists, and every time there was a genuine connection. There’s a strong sense of community here.

Across the world, the bicycle connects people. In Africa, for example, many people ride simple bikes for daily life, sometimes 40–50 km (25-31 miles) just to work. The bicycle may seem simple, but it can truly change lives. It’s good for the environment, for the body, and for the soul. And everywhere, you’ll find someone who can help you fix it.

Ritchey:
What’s the most useful advice you’ve received from another cyclist?

Stefano:
Always carry a spare derailleur hanger. On my first trip, I broke mine in the desert in Kenya and got completely stuck. I had no spare and couldn’t continue. Later, another cyclist told me: always bring one, because you never know what can happen. With the right tools, you can fix it and keep going. That’s something I’ll never forget.

Ritchey:
How has your approach to bikepacking changed over time?

Stefano:
I’ve learned that minimalism is key. Now I always ask myself: “Do I really need this?” If not, I leave it behind. I’ve become lighter, and that has made a big difference.

Also, I realized that sharing the journey makes it more meaningful. I started traveling alone, then began sharing online, and now I’m traveling with my partner. Experiences, emotions, and memories become deeper when they are shared.

Ritchey:
That’s fantastic. Thank you.