Scaling Dreams: Cycling with Purpose Beyond Limits

Cycling means more to some than just turning pedals. It can be about connection, resilience, and purpose. Every so often, you come across someone whose story captures that spirit in a way that deserves to be shared.

I want to introduce Ettore Campana from Italy, and his amazing project Scalo Sogni (“Scaling Dreams”). When he reached out to me, I had to share his story. What began as a personal challenge has grown into a mission to inspire others while supporting the Pediatric Oncohematology Department in Brescia. His words and his photos speak for themselves, so I’ll hand it over to him to tell his story.

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Scalo Sogni (Scaling Dreams): A Journey Beyond Limits

In leadership, we often speak of resilience, vision, and the courage to step into the unknown. Yet these qualities are not abstract concepts — they are lived experiences. They are tested when the path is steep, when the destination feels distant, and when giving up would be easier than moving forward.

This is the essence of Scalo Sogni — “Scaling Dreams.” What began as a personal challenge soon became a mission: to dedicate every journey, every summit, and every climb to the children of the Pediatric Oncohematology Department of Brescia. Children who face battles far greater than any mountain range, and whose courage redefines the meaning of strength.

Over time, Scalo Sogni has grown into four great adventures, each carrying a message of resilience, hope, and the power of dreaming beyond limits.

The Alps – The Origin of the Dream

The journey began at home in Brescia, with a traverse of the Alps by bicycle, skis, and climbing gear. It was a test of body and spirit, culminating in the ascent of Mont Blanc. Here, Scalo Sogni found its voice: proving that an ordinary person, guided by a purpose greater than themselves, can achieve what once seemed impossible.

South Africa – Crossing a Continent of Contrasts

Next came South Africa — a land of vast distances and powerful encounters. Cycling from coast to mountain and climbing the highest peak of Southern Africa, I experienced not just the intensity of the landscape, but also the warmth and resilience of the people. This journey reminded me that leadership is not only about reaching goals — it is about listening, connecting, and finding strength in diversity.

The Caucasus – Where the Mountains Are Still Wild

The Caucasus expedition, with bicycle and skis, brought me to one of the world’s most rugged and culturally rich regions. With every pedal stroke through remote valleys and every step on its peaks, I was reminded that growth comes from venturing into the unknown. True innovation — whether in business or in life — requires the courage to explore new frontiers, even when the path is uncertain.

The Karakorum – The Ultimate Challenge

Finally, the Karakorum. Among the world’s highest mountains, the journey demanded everything — endurance, patience, and humility. Surrounded by giants of stone and ice, I understood more clearly than ever that success is never an individual achievement. It is built on collaboration, trust, and the ability to draw strength from others when our own seems insufficient.

Each of these journeys was a story of challenge, but also of discovery. They showed me that the most powerful summits are not measured in meters or miles — they are measured in the hope we inspire in others.

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Huge thanks to Ettore for sharing his story and images. If it inspires you as it did me, please consider supporting Scalo Sogni by following and spreading the word. Stories like this remind us of what people can achieve — and why cycling so often takes us beyond the bike.

👉 Follow the journey on Instagram: @etto_vololibero