Stage 16: From tourist towns to space: a journey between worlds
Michael Poepke | 25. March 2026
As the igus:bike journey continues heading south, a new chapter begins in Rio Grande do Sul.
Our first day in the state led us through landscapes that feel almost cinematic.
Gramado and Canela welcomed us with their unique charm — a region where European influence blends with Brazilian culture, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Between green hills, distinctive architecture, and winding roads, every stretch of the journey invited us to slow down… and observe.
More than tourist destinations, Gramado and Canela represent something built over time — where tradition and innovation coexist.
And it was right there that the journey gained a new perspective.
We closed the day at Space Adventure in Canela — the first NASA-themed park outside the United States, inaugurated in 2023.
An immersive experience into the universe of space exploration, featuring more than 300 original NASA items, rocket replicas, launch simulators, and a planetarium.
A contrast that stands out.
From tourist towns…
to space.
And even in such different environments, the challenges of engineering remain the same.
In aerospace applications, every detail matters: weight, reliability, performance.
This is where polymer-based solutions, like those developed by igus, play an important role — offering lightweight components, maintenance-free operation, and the ability to perform under extreme conditions.
Because whether on Earth…
or beyond it,
movement must be efficient, safe, and reliable.
And this journey continues to show us exactly that.
Our riders:
Beatriz Sebastiani
My name is Beatriz … and more info will follow later on!
Eliseu Dutra – Outside sales
My name is Eliseu Dutra, I am 24 years old, and I have been part of igus Brazil since 2023. I hold a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Strategic Business Management from the University of Caxias do Sul.
I am a DryTech Technical Consultant, responsible for the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul, a region of great relevance to the agricultural and automotive sectors, which has been showing steady growth and new development opportunities.
The igus:bike project motivates me because it brings together purpose, movement, and people, allowing me to actively contribute to an initiative that reflects innovation, sustainability, and passion for what we do.
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:
