1st Moretto Motoraduno: Brazilians Conquer the Stelvio Pass with a BBQ in the Alps
The sun was still low when the first motorcycles began arriving at the café in Cantù. Eight in the morning. Espresso in hand, helmets on the table, and that unique mix of excitement and mountain cold that no other setting can quite replicate. Something special was about to begin — the first Moretto Moto Rental Motoraduno, a gathering created to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts around one of the most legendary roads in the world: the Passo dello Stelvio.
An Idea That Became a Real Adventure
The concept was straightforward: invite anyone with a motorcycle, a love for the open road, and the desire to explore Italy the right way — and do it together. Moretto Moto Rental, in partnership with Gil Brasil, organized the ride and put out an open invitation. The response was immediate.
On the day of the event, twelve motorcycles gathered to climb one of the most famous mountain passes in the world. The group was wonderfully diverse, as riding groups tend to be: a crew of friends bonded by their passion for two wheels, a group from Milan, another from Florence, and even an Italian from Mora, near Genoa, married to a Brazilian woman, who wasn't about to miss out. That mix of cultures and stories gave the whole day an extra layer of warmth.
Cantù, Coffee, and the Road North
The first meeting point was Cantù, a town just a few kilometres from Milan, at eight o'clock sharp. Breakfast together, talk of routes and motorcycles, and the kind of punctuality that sets the tone for a well-run group ride. By eight on the dot, the convoy was moving.
The second group joined on the road connecting Milan to Lecco — that classic northern Lombardy route that already tastes like adventure before the mountains even appear. With both groups united, twelve bikes formed a convoy heading straight for the Stelvio.
A fuel stop along the way, a quick check on the bikes, making sure everyone was comfortable. Small details that matter a lot when riding in a group.
The Passo dello Stelvio: The Most Famous Road in the Italian Alps
If you've ever researched motorcycle travel in Italy, the name Passo dello Stelvio has certainly come up. And for good reason. At 2,757 metres above sea level, with more than 48 hairpin bends on the ascent, the Stelvio is widely considered one of the greatest riding roads in the world — a reputation cemented by a famous Top Gear episode in which Jeremy Clarkson called it 'the greatest driving road in the world'.
But no description quite prepares you for the moment you're actually there — throttle steady, corner after corner, the valley opening up beneath your wheels and the grey asphalt snaking all the way to the sky. That morning, with twelve motorcycles in convoy, it was simply unforgettable.
Lunch at the Summit: Tibet Hütte at 2,800 Metres
After the climb, the group reached the highest point accessible by motorcycle on the Stelvio: the Alpengasthof Tibet Hütte, a restaurant and guesthouse perched at over 2,800 metres. The view from up there is one of those that silences everyone for a few seconds — the kind of landscape you try to photograph knowing the photo will never do it justice.
Lunch was long, in the best possible way. A full table, stories being exchanged, motorcycles parked outside in the snow. Yes, snow. At the top of the Stelvio, even in summer, snow lingers on the edges of the road and across the surrounding slopes. For several members of the group, it was their first time touching snow — and nobody could resist going to take a closer look.
Snow, a Chapel, and a Moment Nobody Wanted to End
After lunch, the group explored the area. Photos, videos, and a visit to the small chapel that sits at the summit — a detail many tourists walk past without noticing, but one that carries a particular energy when you stop and take in what's around you: mountains in every direction, silence, and the feeling of being somewhere outside of ordinary time.
The motorcycles had their moment in the spotlight too. The upper section of the Stelvio allows riding, and the group made the most of it — bikes posed against that impossible backdrop of snow, blue sky, and the spiralling road they had just climbed.
The Return and One More Rider Along the Way
At half past one, the convoy began its descent back toward Cantù, where the second half of the day awaited: the Brazilian BBQ.
Along the way, in Sondrio, another Brazilian motorcyclist joined the group heading to the cookout. The Motoraduno story was growing — and so was the group.
A Brazilian Churrasco in the Italian Alps — Why Not?
The gathering ended in the best possible way: glowing embers, grilled meat, and plenty of birra alla spina — draught beer, Italian style. The churrasco in Cantù brought together all the riders from the day plus a few extra guests, totalling somewhere between 25 and 30 people around the grill.
Conversations about roads, plans for the next trip, new friendships being formed. That's the spirit of motorcycle touring: the road is the destination, but the people are what make the memory last.
The 1st Moretto Moto Rental Motoraduno was far more than a group ride. It was proof that the Brazilian motorcycle community in Italy is real, growing, and increasingly eager to explore these roads together.
Practical Tips: If You Want to Ride the Stelvio
• Best time to visit: June to September. The pass is closed in winter, typically from November to May.
• Fuel: fill up before the climb. Fuel is available near the summit but at a premium.
• Clothing: even in summer, bring a warm jacket and gloves. Temperatures at the top can drop sharply even in August.
• Traffic: avoid weekends in July and August — the pass gets very busy. Early mornings are best.
• Motorcycle capability: the Stelvio has gradients of up to 15%. A well-prepared touring or adventure motorcycle handles it comfortably.
• Tolls: no tolls on the pass itself, but some access roads may have charges depending on your route.
Want to Experience This for Yourself?
Moretto Moto Rental is based near Milan's Malpensa Airport — the main gateway to the Italian Alps for international travellers. You land in Milan, pick up a long-distance motorcycle already prepared for the journey, and within a few hours you're in the mountains.
The team speaks Portuguese and is specifically set up to support Brazilian and Latin American riders who want to explore Italy by motorcycle without the hassle. And if you want to follow a route like the Motoraduno — Stelvio, breathtaking scenery, and maybe a BBQ at the end — we can help you plan it.
📍 www.morettomoto.com | ✉️ rent@morettomoto.com | 📞 +39 345 159 6259
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Passo dello Stelvio difficult for beginner riders?
The Stelvio's hairpins require focus and steady throttle control, but the road is well-paved and maintained. Riders with basic mountain road experience can complete the route without issues. The key is taking it at your own pace and respecting the road.
When is the Stelvio open for motorcycles?
Generally from June to October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the current status of the pass before setting out.
Can I rent a motorcycle near Milan to ride the Stelvio?
Yes. Moretto Moto Rental offers long-distance motorcycles departing from near Milan's Malpensa Airport, with Portuguese-speaking staff and full support for Brazilian riders.
How long does it take to ride from Milan to the Stelvio?
Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from Milan to the summit, depending on pace and stops. The ideal plan is to leave early, have lunch at the top, and ride back in the afternoon.
