Segment 3: August 3rd, 2024

With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening now, it is fitting that the Carolina Outdoors covers some of the many other wonderful events that are happening in Europe. Coming onto this episode of the Show, we have Tom Blocker – adventurer extraordinaire and Storyteller’s Night alum – to give insight into these colorful events and his experience with some of them!

In fact, the recent Tour De France started in Florence, Italy and didn’t finish in Paris for the FIRST time in its 111 years (due to the Olympic preparation that was occurring)! This event drew attention to the roadways between Bormio to Passo dello Stelvio, which contains beautiful switchback roads fantastic for all types of bicyclists and motorcyclists. Tom has spent over 40 years in the moto and auto business. and is a motorcycle enthusiast with recent time spent time in Italy. Tom speaks about this adventure in the Italian Alps!

And fun fact: the Stelvio Pass is a 13.3 mile climb with an average gradient of 7.3% and a maximum gradient of 14%. It has 42 hairpin bends, a starting altitude of 3986ft., and an arrival altitude of 9049ft. The final 2.5 miles of the climb are the most difficult, with a gradient of over 8%! The road is in excellent condition and the views are stunning, but is is smart to be careful when the motorbikes are descending.

So, for adventures like these, make sure to GEAR UP at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors which is located in the SouthPark Shopping District of Charlotte. For example, Patagonia’s Torrentshell line of waterproof and windproof wear is essential for conditions such as those found in the Italian Alps! CLICK HERE NOW to explore the Men’s and Women’s products from this line.