2011 "Tutto e Solo Dolomiti" (All and Only Dolomites)
August 22-September 1, featuring Stelvio Bike Day on August 27
Combine the cycling legends, challenge and breathtaking views in this ultimate tour. If you want to say, "I did it all," then this tour is for you. Cycle through four spectacular regions of northern Italy: Veneto, Trentino, Trentino alto Adige and Lombardia. After conquering the most challenging and famous passes in the Dolomites (the Sella Ronda loop, Passo Giau, Falzarego, Valparola and Marmolada). Then you will climb the Stelvio on a "traffic free" day when the pass is open only to cyclists and from the more difficult side where 48 switchbacks will take you to the top of this spectacular pass. The challenge continues, as you climb the Gavia and Mortirolo passes and cycle the Bernina loop, which crosses the border into Switzerland. This tour could not end better: your last ride is on picturesque Lake Como up to the Madonna di Ghisallo. This tiny "chiesa" is home to the patron saint of cyclists, and is a must see on any trip to the region.
Short Version: join only the last 5 days and ride the legendary climbs of Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo and Madonna di Ghisallo
We also offer a short trip that allows you to join the ride for last 5 days. This includes:
Length: 12 days including 2 days flight, 10 nights, 9 days of cycling Total Mileage: 900 km/560 miles Daily Avg. Mileage: 90 km/56 miles Terrain: From rolling to steep climbs (from 6% to 15% gradient, from 10 to 22 km distance) Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced Leave from USA: Sunday, August 21 Arrival: Milan Malpensa or Linate, Monday, August 22 Return to USA: from Milan Malpensa or Linate, Thursday, September 1 Full Trip Cost: U.S $4,190 Short Trip Cost: U.S $2,400
Cost Includes:
Pick-up and drop-off, Milan Malpensa or Linate airport
10 nights of lodging
10 breakfasts
10 dinners, water & wine included (usually ¼ L per person)
9 post-ride snacks
Daily laundry for cycling clothing
Power bars, fruit & water during the rides
Fully supported rides with van and designated driver
Cycling guide
All transportation during the tour
Davanti Bike jersey
Cost Does Not Include:
Bike rental (optional) = approximately Euro 30/day/bike
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Milan airport (Malpensa or Linate) and van transfer to our first destination in the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight in Moena.
Day 2: We ride from Val di Fiemme to Arabba, in the heart of the Dolomites, through passo Rolle, Vallles, coast through the valley of Falcade and Alleghe. Dinner and overnight in Arabba, where we stay for three nights.
Day 3: We ride the 65 km Sella Ronda loop that includes the four most famous passes of the Dolomites: Campagnolo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. Dinner and overnight in our hotel in Arabba.
Day 4: Today we ride the famous Dolomites passes, the Giau, Falzarego and Valparola (100 km loop). Dinner and overnight in our hotel in Arabba.
Day 5: We leave Arabba, climb the passo Fedaia (Marmolada glacier), descend to Canazei, ride the passo Costalunga and cycle through the town of Bolzano enroute to Merano, our intermediate destination towards the Stelvio. Dinner & overnight in Merano.
Day 6-9: Stelvio Bike Day: We ride the Stelvio loop from Prato allo Stelvio on a traffic-free day when the pass is open only to cyclists. Dinner and overnight at our beautiful hotel in Bormio or Livigno at 1800 meters. In the following days, we will ride the Bernina Loop, crossing the border into Switzerland. We will climb passo Gavia, from Ponte di Legno, the historical and tough side, where Andy Hampsten became the first American to win the Giro d'Italia (17 km of ascent with a few sections at 15-16%) and the Mortirolo.
Day 10: Today we leave Bormio and van-transfer to Lake Como. From there, we ride up to the Church of the Madonna di Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, a bestowance made in 1949 by Pope Pious XII. In the 50 years since, her hilltop chapel has become equal parts functional religious site and cycling museum, filled with artifacts and photos tracing the sport's 100+ year history. Dinner and overnight at Lake Como. Check details and climb profiles of these 5 rides
Day 11: Drop-off at Milan airport (Malpensa or Linate) and arrivederci Italia!
Note: Routes, riding options and daily itineraries will be based on the ability levels of the final group of participants.