Forty years of Ciclonatura: a tradition that continues to unite generations

Forty years of history, participation and shared commitment. Sunday 31 May sees the return of Ciclonatura, the historic non-competitive cycle ride promoted by the municipal Avis and the Pro Loco Sabaudia Association, which this year celebrates its 40th edition. An appointment - the organisers note - that over the years has become 'an identifying symbol of the area, capable of crossing generations united by the spirit of sharing, respect for the environment, and social commitment'. Founded in 1982 thanks to the intuition of the then forester and former Avis president Ettore De Villa, and grown through the commitment of the local blood donor association and the passion of Tonino Prili, forester and former president of the Pro Loco Sabaudia, Ciclonatura continues to attract over 1,500 participants of all ages, "confirming itself as one of the most heartfelt and popular events in the area and succeeding in combining appreciation of places and commitment to solidarity. Also for this 40th edition, organised in collaboration with the City of Sabaudia and the Circeo National Park, with the support of the Fogliano Carabinieri Biodiversity Department and the Croce Azzurra Sabaudia Association, the roughly 25-kilometre route - constantly manned to guarantee medical and mechanical assistance - will run through some of the most representative scenery of the Circeo National Park and the city. Starting at 9.30 a.m. from the town centre in Piazza del Comune, the route will run between the seafront, the dune belt and wetlands to reach the forest where the two refreshment stops will also be held: the first in the Cerasella wildlife area and the final one at the Park Visitor Centre. The conclusion of the event will coincide with lunch and the traditional drawing of prizes provided by local businesses that, year after year, continue to support the initiative together with the contribution of volunteers. As per tradition, the proceeds of the 10-euro registration fee will be donated to the Kenya Community Mission represented by Sister Zita Mazzucco, a Combonian missionary originally from Sabaudia. Part of the profits will also be used to support 'Pasta a modo nostro', a social and work inclusion project for young people with disabilities that next June will celebrate one year since the opening of its workshop and shop in Sabaudia. "A simple gesture like donating blood can make a difference in the lives of many," observes Sabaudia Municipal Avis President Armando Bianchet. It is an event in which to rediscover a sense of community through contact with nature and care for others, remembering how even small gestures can have great value for the community'. "Forty years represent an extraordinary milestone that recounts the strength of a simple but authentic idea: being together, rediscovering what surrounds us, and transforming a moment of sharing into a concrete opportunity for solidarity,' says Gennaro Di Leva, president of the Pro Loco Sabaudia Association. 'Ciclonatura has become part of our community, an opportunity to look and do good even beyond this, promoting a closeness towards those who are more distant, but no less close, and renewing an event capable of crossing generations while keeping its values intact. Moreover, as of this year, Ciclonatura is officially a registered trademark: a choice to tie this experience even more closely to the territory where it was born and grew up. But it is also a concrete invitation to rethink the relationship with these places, imagining different ways of experiencing and crossing them'.