Federico Bassis

The “mezzo e mezzo” – literally translated half & half – is a typical drink from Bassano del Grappa capable of taking the alcohol level of its tasters dangerously high without them realizing, despite its lighty flavor and  appearance. If you never went out on a ride with Fede, one of the team members who lives further from Bassano, it could sound  weird comparing him to this drink. However just like it would with the  mezzo e mezzo, in a bike ride with Fede you will find yourself at far-fetched rhythms before you’ll notice it. While chit-chatting he’ll do you a half-wheel that will make you go out of your mind first and then it will make you look at the numbers of your ride with  great satisfaction.

Truth is that one “mezzo” at a time, you will soon understand enough of the value of this character. Half cyclist, half mechanic, half route-setter, half (insert literally any kind of job, occupation or  activity that comes to mind). You get it: Federico Bassis is worth more than one when it comes to counting the Enough team members.

How long have you been cycling for? What pushed you to do it for the first time?
I have been riding since an afternoon of July ‘98. After a Tour de France stage watched with my grandpa, I went out in  the garden to hop on the bike. The push came from inside, trying to imitate the heroes I saw on TV. 

How would you describe your relationship with bikes?
Totalizing! I just love to live bike in every possible aspect. I like it as a tool to train and push your limits. I am fascinated by it as a mechanical object. But above all I see it as the best means of transportation, evasion and voyage. Finally I would say that cycling is aggregation because when you ride – through difficulties and happiness – you create bondings which can be nothing but true, 100%.

Tell us about your most beautiful ride.
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to go on rides that gave me the greatest satisfaction. The one I remember  the most was in July 2018, when I first climbed the Izoard: it’s been a chain of emotions as long as the miles I  climbed. However I must point out that I struggled a lot to pick the best ride of the bunch and I can tell already that if you ask me again in 5 mins I would probably give you a different answer already. 

Tell us about that time you felt challenged the most while riding.
Well, I had my bad times and I’m always happy when they come, ‘cause in the hardship you get it together, you do better and you grow. One particular time I remember is the one on the Colle della Fauniera, when people  walking were passing by and dropping me on the spot. To top it up, that competition was the main goal of my season so it was utterly  devastating. It’s been psychologically harsh but I somehow managed to cross the finish line. 

What object do you always carry with you on a ride?
My multi-tool: I feel safe and sound with it by my side. 

Complete this sentence: if you come on a bike ride with me be aware that…
… that it won’t be your average ride. You’ll be called to stay ready to change your plans and you will be not allowed to complain. Live the moment with loads of grit instead. 

What is your dream cycling event?
20k Ultratrail, gravel version: 600 km through the Alps on gravel roads sounds just like a dream to me.  

What are your plans for this season? Are there any events you look forward to more than others?
Luckily I’ve already planned the 20k Ultratrail so this is clearly the event I look forward to the most. Other than  that I really want to put myself out there and dig into every event/tour I can get my hands on – even better if it  is with friends. 

What did you say enough to in the past? What do you think you will never say enough to?
I said enough to a good liquor or a beer, to a climb when I was already KO. I said enough to too many things  in a time of my life in which I wasn’t pushed to do anything. Now things have changed and I don’t want to say enough to everything that lights up my soul and makes me feel alive and completely myself. 

Explain what Enough Cycling is to your grandma.
Hey grandma, Enough is a group of friends who like riding and living everything the bike brings: passion,  hardship, dreams, being a group of truthful friends. The best thing is having found each other randomly,  but at the perfect place and time – on a bike in the right time of life to dream with consciousness. 

Your ideal Saturday night? What if it was a weekend?
My type of Saturday night is spent having some brews with a few friends, talking about the happenings of the past days – most of it being our rides together – and thinking about what’s left for the upcoming Sunday. In case of a weekend things wouldn’t change much: we would be drinking our beers between Saturday and Sunday legs.

You have a gap year, how do you spend it?
I would utilize it undertaking new studies but I would also spend my time travelling by bike. I would do short trip of one or two weeks max, always to different places. 

Tell us a sentence that represents you.
Rethink yourself in ways you didn’t think possible.
Or in a way we use in Bergamo: “fa n’da i gambe mia la boca” (let your legs go, rather than your mouth).

Your favourite cyclist or athlete.
I gotta go for the classics… linking to the reason I first hopped on the bike: Marco Pantani. Recently  however… my favorite is Mattia De Marchi, might I say? 

If you are not out on the bike you are …
…working or planning the next adventure.