TRAVERSE Issue 23 - April 2021 | Page 102

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building a new one .
“ Before the accident I didn ’ t understand the profound meaning they could give to my life ,” Luca is speaking of slowing down , enjoying life , using a motorcycle as a means of adventure , to see the world . He says it was time to get back on his feet , so to speak , and try some touring and off-road .
“ Between rehabilitation and medical check-ups , I fed on stories of travels and adventures .” Luca continues . “ I bought an old BMW F650 GS and spent roughly one year sitting in a wheelchair in my garage with the aim of repairing it .
“ As soon as I felt strong enough for a short trip , I left for a tour of Corsica . It went very well , and I felt free and full of life again .”
In July 2018 Luca went on a ‘ personal ’ bachelor party , he rode from his home in Verona , Italy to Nordkapp , Norway . A solo journey of 10,000 kilometres , just he , his tent and bike , where he became lost in his thoughts between fjords and endless woods .
“ For me it was an incredible trip which , together with the memories , I keep the great satisfaction of having succeeded in my endeavour ,” a remarkable journey that Luca is rightly proud to speak of . “ After regaining confidence with the bike , I was delighted that Giulia didn ' t feel scared by the idea of getting back in the saddle with me , but that she was actually enthusiastic about it .”
This ride became the catalyst for Luca , with Giulia , to take on more and just six months after having his left leg amputated , they set off for Tunisia . An experience that would change the pair forever , realising that the situation they found themselves in after Luca ’ s accident was perhaps not as bad as many other people across the world .
“ His way of dealing with the accident was a great inspiration to everyone around him ,” says Giulia . “ It was clear now how much the motorbike helped him in the healing process !
“ We wanted to spread the message that those two wheels can prove to be an incredible symbol of solidarity , willpower and hope for the future ,” she continues . “ Luca and I felt the need to transform our shared passion into something more concrete , as if just traveling around wasn ' t the final goal after all .”
The pair started to look on the internet for rehabilitation centres they could visit , with the intention of sharing their experience with someone who could draw inspiration from it . They discovered Legs4Africa .
This British based organisation collects used prostheses in developed countries and sends them to various rehabilitation centres in Africa , to be readjusted and donated to those in need .
“ It all started from there ,” says Giulia . “ We got in touch explaining our idea for a fundraiser dedicated to them ,
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