Our first mission is about to begin. Are you coming with us to the Dolomites? Never ridden a horse? Never spent a night outdoors in the wild? Never driven a classic Porsche or Ferrari over legendary mountain passes? Perfect. Then it’s time.

5 days. A small crew and plenty of room to try something new. DOWNTOWN is always good for a surprise. We don’t just want to test the best products and broaden our own horizons – we want to take you with us. Create access. Make things possible that you can only experience with DOWNTOWN.

DOWNTOWN Master the New 1140x760

Want in? Apply now for MISSION No. 01. 🔥

From October 14–18, 2026, MISSION No. 01 kicks off a new, still-secret project by DOWNTOWN founder Robin Schmitt. And you can be part of it – while getting the chance to try products from our current DOWNTOWN tests yourself.

The idea is simple: We all have things we want to do someday. Learn a new skill. Try something we know nothing about. Make a dream happen that seems a little too crazy, expensive or far away. MISSION No. 01 turns a few of those “maybe one days” into “I did it.”

DOWNTOWN Master the New 3 1140x760
Finish your coffee – we’re doing this! No more excuses.

Five days. A small crew. Different characters and different worlds. A side of the Dolomites hardly anyone gets to see. And plenty of “I’ve never done this before” moments. We’ll travel on horseback, sleep outdoors and swap horsepower for horsepower along the way: classic Porsches and Ferraris, remote mountain passes and a pretty special way to experience the Dolomites.

Horse Trekking Dolimiti WEB L1102201 1140x759

You don’t need to know how to ride a horse or be an outdoor pro. And you don’t need to own a classic Porsche or Ferrari either. To us, luxury isn’t about owning the best things. It’s about having access to new worlds, truly experiencing them – and expanding your own skills along the way.

DOWNTOWN Master the New 2 1140x760

The principle: You bring one world. The others bring theirs. We share the experience. Maybe you know how to ride. Maybe you can still get a fire going at night in the rain. Maybe you own a classic Porsche or Ferrari. Maybe you’re a damn good cook. Or maybe you bring a skill, perspective or passion the rest of us know nothing about.

Exclusive? Yes. Impossible? No.

October 14–18, 2026, in the wildest parts of the Dolomites. We only have a handful of spots in the crew.

Want in? Apply now for MISSION No. 01. 🔥

Sometimes, all that stands between “maybe one day” and “I did it” is an application.

Can’t make MISSION No. 01? This is only the beginning.

MISSION No. 01 isn’t called No. 01 for nothing. The next missions and expeditions are already taking shape – Patagonia, California, Marrakesh. New places, new skills, new worlds. Sometimes it’ll be about bikes. Other times cars, horses, specialty coffee, the outdoors, craft or food.

If you want to be among the first to hear about the next mission, come aboard.

Sign up for the separate newsletter here.

We won’t send you crap. Promise.

Specialized Levo 4 X Test Review Electric overlanding 309 1140x761

Words & Photos: Robin Schmitt

About the Author

Robin Schmitt
CEO & Founder

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, loves classic cars, plays the cello, travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.

DOWNTOWN Magazine

DOWNTOWN is an independent digital magazine covering everything exciting happening in your life. Just like our readers, we’re confident, progressive, and curious. It’s all about the “good life” — from high-end bikes and pizza ovens to the coolest gadgets, from rooftop tents to espresso machines.

Our editorial team draws on the expertise of ENDURO, E-MOUNTAINBIKE, and GRAN FONDO, combining years of hands-on testing, market insight, and technical know-how. All product reviews are created transparently and based on clear, real-world criteria. Our in-house visuals place a strong focus on aesthetics — as early as 2012, we set new standards with a distinctive visual language in cities like Shanghai and St. Tropez.

DOWNTOWN stands for journalistic quality and authentic, honest buying advice — offering both orientation and inspiration. The magazine is published in German and English and reaches an international audience.