Italian photographer cycles 1,000 kilometers to Barcelona to cook carbonara for a friend

Giulio Ballardini stopped in Girona to gather authentic ingredients after a viral ten-day journey from Como.

Generic image of a touring bicycle parked in front of a grocery store.
IA

Generic image of a touring bicycle parked in front of a grocery store.

Italian photographer Giulio Ballardini has completed a 1,000-kilometer bicycle journey from Como to Barcelona to fulfill a promise: cooking an authentic carbonara for his friend Giorgia.

The adventure began as a joke but turned into a viral challenge. Ballardini spent ten days on the road, enduring snow, rain, and harsh winds. His journey included a strategic stop in Girona, where local business owners from Bottega Toscana provided him with essential ingredients and a place to rest.

"I did this trip to keep a promise that was born as a joke; since she moved to Barcelona she told me to visit her and I, laughing, said: 'yes, but I'll come by bike'."

Giulio Ballardini · Photographer and adventurer
During his trip, Ballardini documented his progress on Instagram, where his following grew from 34,000 to nearly 58,000. After camping in spots like La Jonquera, he finally reached his destination to deliver the promised meal, highlighting the importance of making unforgettable memories.