dolomiti - riding guide

The Dolomites: Unesco World Heritage, Marmolada, Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, ... Famous for hikers, climbers, outdoor enthousiasts and ofcourse: cyclists.

So here's a guide to show you the whereabouts, what to expect, how to plan, must sees & bucketlist material.

Enjoy.

And maybe, the most important of all:

5 ROUTES TO DOWNLOAD

'The 30 most beautiful climbs in Europe'.

A book, gift from my son, made me do these climbs.

The Dolomites, chapter 4 in this book, is the guideline.

I decided I would see this book as my bucketlist indicator. Every climb described in this book, needs to be tackled before I'm... dead? Too much? Pardon me.

There's one simple rule: at each top of a col, I have to buy a typical tourist sticker as proof. And each sticker is taped in the book.

Ok, time to talk cycling.

Let's go. But where to go, where to start?

What's your base, the epicentre, where are the best climbs located? What's the most accessible point to do as much as possible?

I chose Corvara in Alta Badia. I think most riders do...

Corvara breaths sports, I love the feeling when discovering a new place, full of adrenaline, ready to start what you've been longing for. And probably training for, since a very long time! You'll be surrounded with: Valparola, Gardena, Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo, ...

For extra info, read below. But first things first: ROUTE 1

ROUTE 1: 3 classics, 1 ride

This is one of the best-known routes for all Dolomite cycling enthousisasts. A +50k ride with +1700m of gain, divided over 3 splurging names: Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi...

If you're on a trip for several days, this is your day 1 tour:

• 51k - 1750m ascent

• accessible: routing is easy

• beautiful: broad roads, high peaks

• not to hard: average gradient +-7%

• lots of stops: coffee, cake, stickers

• incredible views...

The Route:

CLICK HERE

WHICH WAY TO GO?

GARDENA / SELLA / PORDOI

If you start in Corvara, Gardena Pass is the first climb, also the hardest. So my advice is to take this one first. Your legs will be pretty warmed up, and ready for Sella and Pordoi.

PORDOI / SELLA / GARDENA

The climb towards Sella is probably the most beautiful one... So if you're in for the views, take this way. Otherwise, this is a descent and it will be all over before you know it. Your call:)

Resume after day 1:

Moral is up, legs should still feel OK,

ready for more!!

And most important:

you can already tick-off 3 bucketlisters.

So, do I have your intrest? Ready to tackle some more highlights?

5 routes

Route 1 was on the house.

3 in a row - a classic +-51k / 2000m ascent

4 others routes:

The long day in the saddle 135k / +4000m ascent

Out of direction: STELVIo - 48 virages

Not too shabby, not all-in 82k / +-2500m ascent

(ROUTE 1 + VALPAROLA)

Riding Trecime

BUY HERE - 10€

LET's get practical

Where to rent a bike?

Break Out Inspired

WHERE TO STAY?

Option A:

MIRAVAL HOTEL

If you're in for a treat.

Option B:

APARTMENTS PANORAMA

cosy apartment, on a hill near the centre.

Option C:

Step inside a hotel, ask for a last minute deal. It will be +20% cheaper than Booking.

When to go?

Not in winter..

from May to September - keep in mind, roads are busy in summer...

How to get there?

BY CAR

The Dolomites remain a bit of a hidden gem, because it isn't the most accessible mountain range there is. If you go by car, take your time. Once in 'Sud Tirol', there is some mileage to cover on small curvy roads.

BY PLANE

Fly to a nearby airport (Bolzano, Venice, Treviso, Verona, Innsbruck, Milan, or Munich). Rent a car, and drive to your base in the Dolomites. (1-4h).

And don't forget, you're in Italy, on holiday.

Salute, Johan.

Ps: shoutout to my 14-year old funlovin sporty son Jack, who did 'Day 1' with me.