A carpenter’s workshop is unique. Often it can be uncomfortable and loud, other times it can be a place of tranquility – few things can inspire the senses like the smell of freshly cut wood. A carpenter’s workshop can be a metaphor for life – where inspiration and graft can create special memories.
Valentino’s story is a normal one.
As a child, he goes to school, does his homework, heads to football training in the afternoon. But whenever he can, he loves to spend time in his father’s workshop: «I learned how to drill by using spare wooden boards. That’s all I was allowed to do, but it was enough for me to have fun». Any time his father talks to customers, Valentino is to the side creating his own wooden sculptures.
As he ages, Valentino imagines a different future for himself – like any other teenager. If you live in the countryside, you might dream of a white-collar job in the city; if you were born downtown, you might think about escaping from the metropolis and finding a job in the mountains.
Life can differ from your expectations.
Valentino becomes a father at 19. Instead of chasing his dreams, he has the responsibility – and joy – of raising a child. The job he never expected to have is even more rewarding than he anticipated.
«It takes a lot of time before you can tell that you have become a good carpenter». Different types of wood and crafting processes: you need to spend an afternoon amongst the sawdust, milling cutters and carpenter’s tools to realise how much dedication is required to learn the craft.
«Cycling has become fundamental in my life – a sort of zen moment. Have I spent the morning going crazy working on small inlays? It’s time to go for a ride. Is a client asking for a particular piece of furniture and I have to come up with an idea? It’s no use thinking about it inside four walls – It’s time to go for a ride. Spruce or cherry? Mahogany or beech? The answer will come – it’s time to go for a ride. This job is too demanding and the quote is too low. But if I raise it, will the client accept it? It’s definitely time to go for a ride. »
Two hours. Your two hours.
Occasionally, Valentino heads out early in the morning and rides to work, even in polar temperatures: «I never wear a beanie under the helmet – I love to wake up with that blast of cold air». His hometown in Piedmont is close to the Alps and winter days are crisp, especially in the morning. One thing that all cyclists in the world have in common is daily rituals – from dawn until dusk. «Arriving at the workshop and having a coffee in the morning silence is a priceless feeling. I like to drink it while still dressed with my cycling gear – away from everyone and especially the phone. I only take off my gloves because I love to feel the burning heat of the cup».
Occasionally, Valentino heads out early in the morning and rides to work, even in polar temperatures: «I never wear a beanie under the helmet – I love to wake up with that blast of cold air». His hometown in Piedmont is close to the Alps and winter days are crisp, especially in the morning. One thing that all cyclists in the world have in common is daily rituals – from dawn until dusk. «Arriving at the workshop and having a coffee in the morning silence is a priceless feeling. I like to drink it while still dressed with my cycling gear – away from everyone and especially the phone. I only take off my gloves because I love to feel the burning heat of the cup».
Sometimes Valentino rides during his lunch break: «I prefer to enjoy two hours of cycling rather than a power nap. Sometimes I have a snack before the ride – though I’m never worried of starving». Lunch rides are perfect for gravel adventures in the surrounding landscape, routes that twist and turn through the vineyards. We are in the Roero region – where winemaking is a kind of religion. Nebbiolo, Barbera, Arneis, Dolcetto: Valentino is a local and knows everything about grapes and wineries. «As my grandmother used to say, I dress following the onion principle: when going uphill it’s always better to open up a bit and when going downhill it’s necessary to cover up just enough before going back up». «Every now and then, when the work lets me take it easy, I find a moment to stop for five minutes – to chat with someone, drink a coffee or relax on a bale of hay to help recharge my batteries».
Finally, there are post-work rides – with their own ritual: «I turn off all the lights in the workshop, so the atmosphere becomes more intimate, almost muffled. I choose the clothes, in silence and I dress up as my own superhero. It’s a strange feeling, but we all need to get away from Clark Kent and become Superman once in a while». All you need is a light to see and a light to be seen – but in this region it’s more likely to incur in an accident with a wild boar rather than a car. «Sometimes I take my tent with me and sleep on top of a hill. It’s only 30 km from home, but who says you have to go overseas to adventure? My son often joins and it’s an unforgettable experience every time».
This is the story of Valentino and the Pautasso carpenter’s workshop. A normal story, like many others – for those that hide an exceptional side.
We met Valentino during a two-hour ride on his hills.
His own two hours.