Imagine flying halfway around the world, just to spend ten hours in the Black Forest. You throw a leg over the fastest race bike of the year, ride side by side with the people who built it and suddenly, youre the product manager for the next model. Between town sign sprints and espresso stops, youre deep in conversation about geometry, components and the question: what kind of story would you tell from a day like this? Thats exactly what happened at our reader event with the BMC Teammachine R01. A once-in-a-lifetime experience the cycling world hasnt seen before.Whether pedalling 900 km across Europe, or flying from Los Angeles over the Atlantic for one epic ride; it might sound crazy. Maybe it is. But as the grand finale to the biggest group test of the year, we had an idea that made it all worthwhile: we wanted our readers to have the chance to ride the fastest bike of the year themselves together with the GRAN FONDO test crew, and the team behind the bike. To experience the development process first-hand, give feedback for the next generation, and step into our shoes for a day, crafting a story in front of the camera and notepad to capture and share this one-off experience.Heres what led up to it: just under a year ago, we stood on a closed mountain pass in the Dolomites, decked out in team kits, with the eight hottest race bikes of the coming season. Oh, and a Ferrari 348 in rosso corsa, because why not?. We were there to do what we do best test bikes, tease out their differences, and create a group test that not only crowns the fastest bike of the year, but sparks dreams and tells it like it is.The experience blew us away, and we knew we had to share it. So our simple idea snowballed into something bigger. We expanded the Rari Racing Team to include ten of you, and invited everyone to join us and the BMC crew for a ride on our favourite home loop through the Black Forest. Each of you riding your own Teammachine R01, with full-on style points: the red team car with the prancing horse on the bonnet, and everything the Rari Racing Team does best pizza, Rari, amore!It was an event that not only gave a few lucky riders a rare behind-the-scenes look, a chance to meet the minds behind the designs at BMC, and enjoy an unforgettable ride but also reminded us all what really matters.The New Faces of the Rari Racing Team 2025Dana Ultra-endurance racer. Of course she rode 900 km of the route from Barcelona to Leonberg by bike.Diego Swapped his mountain bike for gravel, and then made his way to the road. For him, its the perfect counterbalance to daily life in the car industry.Hanna A racer from Stuttgart who only speaks one language across road, gravel and mountain biking: full gas. And when shes not wearing a race number, shes pedalling her bikepacking setup across the continent.Jane Owns five bikes, climbs like a mountain goat, casually snagging QOMs on the side.Julian Usually at home on an enduro bike, but will ride road bikes for pizza.Dan Flew in from Los Angeles, bringing road, XC and motorbike experience along for the ride.Olaf Rides anything with wheels. From cargo bike to aero machine as long as theres no motor, hes in.Ruben A triathlete from the Netherlands who has to ride pretty far to find 1,500 metres of elevation.Runar All-rounder from Iceland. From road to gravel, track to motorbikes as long as it has two wheels and goes fast, hes on board.A crew that could have come straight out of a casting call for the colourful face of modern cycling: sharp-eyed female racers with an instinct for performance, road veterans who know every move by heart, enthusiast riders with that unmistakable sparkle of a seasons first big ride in their eyes, and bike nerds who can identify a freehub just by its sound. Different riding styles, different preferences, aged between 25 and 50, from every corner of the map all brought together by one passion and one bike.The plan: 100 km, 1,500 metres of climbing, Black Forest views worthy of a frame, 33C heat, and not a cloud in sight.The risk? None of them had ever ridden the Teammachine R01. None of them knew each other. And judging by the first conversations, there were more than a few jetlagged faces.So, could this really work?Hot Day, Cool People and Badass BikesEveryones dialled in their setup, stuffed gels into jersey pockets and topped up the tanks with espresso and cinnamon buns. The sun is already beating down on the tarmac, and somewhere behind us, the Ferrari is purring. Theres that electric buzz in the air the kind you feel just before something big kicks off, when no one knows how its going to turn out. Fourteen riders from around the globe, none of whom have ever ridden together. All riding bikes theyve never touched before, bikes built for the pro peloton. Exciting? Absolutely.We roll out, and any nerves disappear as fast as the scent of espresso back at the start. Strangers turn into a gruppetto, gliding in pairs towards the Black Forest. The first few kilometres are easy-going, then we hit some fast descents, a spontaneous town sign sprint, and the days first proper climb. The group finds its rhythm. Hows the bike? Like its riding itself.The lines dropped mid-ride, half-laughing, half in disbelief. And its not the only one. Everywhere, the same grin. The same short but clear answer: Fast! And more than that? Agile, precise, confidence-inspiring and so comfortable you almost forget how many watts youre putting out.Strange, isnt it? Arent we riding the most uncompromising race bike of the year? The machine built to win WorldTour stages? Shouldnt it feel a bit overwhelming? And yet the confidence this bike gives you feels almost like breaking the rules.Turns out, fast doesnt have to be hard.The BMC Teammachine R01 Pros Only?If we were talking motorsport, the Teammachine R01 would be a Formula 1 car: built for pros, built to win. And thats no metaphor BMC actually worked with Red Bull Advanced Technologies on the bikes aerodynamic optimisation. Thats the same team that usually designs wings for F1 cars, hulls for offshore racing yachts, and components for aircraft.But today, were not interested in wind tunnel graphs or flashy fact sheet figures. What matters is how the bike feels on the road, with real people behind the bars. That cant be measured in watts or seconds. And lets be honest none of us here are pros, and our only goal is to have as much fun as possible.So, are we riding the wrong bike? Wouldnt a more relaxed all-road bike like the Roadmachine have been the sensible choice for a cruise through the Black Forest? Probably. But fun isnt always sensible. And whats more fun than a fast, precise bike that urges you to push harder and rewards you with pure riding joy? Its that mix of confidence and speed that becomes addictive.Of course, the Teammachine R01 isnt built for everyday riding. Its not a long-distance workhorse for ultra-endurance events. Its more like a sports car you dont buy it for the commute: you buy it for sunny weekends and empty backroads. A bike that doesnt compromise, doesnt ask if its practical, only if youre ready to go full gas.And thats exactly what were about to do. At the top of the days biggest climb, the Rari Racing support crew is waiting, with espresso, cake and a stunning view. Lets go!Party Pace & V8 soundWe chase each other up the climb. At the summit, were greeted with caffeine, sugar, breathtaking views and a much-needed cool breeze.From here on its all downhill!. Of course, thats a blatant lie. But the rolling return route invites one last big push. The sun casts the Black Forest in golden light, with long shadows dancing across the tarmac. What a great day of riding. We burn our final matches on the long straight into town and roll back to our starting point, cooked but grinning; legs heavy, minds light.Waiting for us? Piping hot pizza, ice cold beer and a shower that feels like a full-body reset. We share our stories, relive the ride and wonder how everything ran so perfectly. Not even a single puncture shout out to Pirelli If we had to sum up the day in one word? Harmony. Not just between rider and bike, but between total strangers brought together by a shared passion for riding bikes.Were already plotting the next reader event, with one goal: to make the things we love real and tangible for you. Big thanks to BMC for teaming up with us, and to everyone who joined the ride. Until next time!Speaking of next timeGot any ideas or wishes for what our next reader event should look like?Take part in our short survey and help us plan an unforgettable experience and with a bit of luck, you might even bag yourself a spot!Der Beitrag The Ride of the Year A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event with GRAN FONDO and BMC erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.