Stage 18: Between vineyards, heritage, and timeless paths

Michael Poepke | 6. April 2026

In the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, the igus:bike journey led us through one of the most iconic regions in southern Brazil: Vale dos Vinhedos.

A place where time seems to move differently.

Between vineyards stretching across rolling hills and roads that invite you to slow down, every kilometer carried a sense of history, tradition, and care — values that, in many ways, mirror engineering itself.

Along the way, we passed through Parque da Ovelha (Sheep Park), where simplicity and connection to the land remind us that innovation doesn’t always mean complexity — sometimes, it’s about doing things better, with purpose.

Our riders even put on a hat and took the chance to enjoy themselves and interact a bit with the sheeps…

We continued through Caminhos de Pedra, a route that preserves the essence of Italian immigration in the region. Stone houses, handcrafted details, and stories passed down through generations created a powerful reminder: the foundations we build today shape what lasts tomorrow.

Later, we arrived at the Santuário de Caravaggio.

A place of reflection, silence, and meaning.

Moments like this bring a different perspective to the journey — a pause to reconnect not only with the path, but with the purpose behind it.

And as the day unfolded, we reached the historic center of Garibaldi.

A town that carries, in its architecture and atmosphere, the legacy of those who built their lives — and their craft — with dedication and vision.

Between vineyards, stone paths, and cultural landmarks, this stage was not about speed. It was about appreciation.

Of tradition. Of history. Of what is built to last.

Because whether in engineering or in life, true value is found in what endures over time.

And this journey continues to remind us of that.

Our riders:

Beatriz Sebastiani – Marketing Analyst

My name is Beatriz, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2024, when I began my journey as an assistant.

From the very beginning, I felt that igus would provide me with opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Today, one of my main responsibilities in marketing is managing online orders, which have been growing exponentially each year.

Being part of the igus bike tour is a great opportunity for me to get to know our customers up close and share their stories and values with the world.

I embraced this challenge with great enthusiasm, and we are excited to keep the world moving together.

Gabriel Volpato – Marketing analyst

My name is Gabriel, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2020, when I joined the company as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company and evolve within the marketing area.

Today, I work with graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing initiatives, helping transform ideas into visual experiences that communicate the igus purpose. I enjoy being hands-on, learning new skills, and taking on challenges with enthusiasm, whether behind a camera, at the computer, or on the road.

Accompanying the igus Bike Tour throughout its entire journey is a unique opportunity for me to tell real stories, capture meaningful moments, and showcase how our brand connects with people, places, and innovation.

I am truly excited to be part of this experience and to help ensure that every stage of the tour becomes a memorable chapter in our story.

Map of this stage: