When Bill Rigler began planning his 50th birthday—a full year in advance—he knew one thing for certain: this wouldn’t be a party with cake and candles. It would be something bigger. Bolder. A celebration written in dust and sweat and deep laughter, shared with the people who had shaped him over the decades.
What emerged was a six-day gravel cycling adventure just outside Girona, Spain. Eight friends. One private villa. Miles of rolling champagne gravel. And a custom-designed Cuore kit that told the story of their journey before the first pedal stroke.
Working with Girona Bespoke, led by the Nicole Millar, Bill curated a trip that was both soulful and adrenaline-filled. Their villa, nestled in the countryside, offered easy access to Girona’s famed gravel ribbons—quiet, rhythmic roads that rolled like poetry through olive groves and vineyard hills. Rides ranged from 40 to 80 kilometers a day, and for those who needed it, a little electric assist helped keep the group spinning together.
To make sure everyone arrived ready, Bill partnered with FasCat Coaching, gifting each rider a three-month training plan. But the real surprise came at the start of the trip: a custom Cuore kit designed by Bill and Cuore’s own Scott Tietzel, brimming with personal detail and inside jokes.
The kit’s logo—BR50—was cheekily styled to read “BRO” across the chest, quickly earning the nickname The Bro Kit. The back of each jersey mapped the states where each friend lived. And stitched into the fabric, subtle but unmistakable, was a small “AMF”—a nod to bold friendship and the kind of ride that always ends with a story. (Adios Mother F---er, in case you were wondering.)
Days found their rhythm: strong coffee, stronger legs, and long gravel rides led by Nicole herself. Afternoons meant massages at the villa and evenings filled with laughter and local fare, from Michelin stars to Girona staples (Bill swears by Amber and Christian’s La Fabrica—don’t miss it).
For most of the group, it was their first time riding together. For several, it was a long-overdue celebration of turning 50. And for all of them, it became something bigger than expected—proof that shared miles can turn acquaintances into brothers.
The week was bookended by magic: on one side, the Traka Gravel Race; on the other, Girona’s legendary Temps de Flors flower festival. It rained nearly every day, but spirits never dipped. Anyone who's ridden long enough knows: rain isn’t a spoiler—it’s seasoning.
“I just loved being able to create something small, bespoke, and unforgettable,” Bill said. “The Cuore kits were a game-changer—especially the cargo bibs. It was an experience we’ll remember for a long time. And one I hope we get to repeat.”
Turns out, fifty doesn’t just look good—it rides even better.
