Mountain biking in Lake Garda

This is our flagship holiday where you will join a small group of 8 riders for 6 days of trail riding on incredible single-track while enjoying one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in Ita

This is our flagship holiday where you will join a small group of 8 riders for 6 days of trail riding on incredible single-track while enjoying one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in Italy. The high mountains of the Alto Garda region hide seemingly endless perfect trails and mind blowing views, and at the end of every day you can wash the dust off with a refreshing dip in the crystal clear lake, we really believe that this is one of the best riding holidays available! From the ancient trails clinging to high buttresses over the charming town of Limone, to massive 1800m technical descents from Monte Altissimo, our guides know where to find the best riding and will ensure you have an incredible time.

The riding

Our riding predominantly focuses on the Alto Garda (or High Garda) where densely packed towering summits drop steeply to the lake below. You will ride trails in the craggy peaks of Corno de Pichea and Mazza di Pichea, to the imposing peak of Mont Altissimo. There will be an option to ride the legendary 601 trail for those that like to challenge their skill on one of the most technical trail descents in the region, or enjoy the flowing single-track and fire road for those that prefer things a little less rocky. We will ride in the beautiful western spires where exciting descents lead to the charming town of Limone, where you can enjoy fantastic ice cream before a cooling dip in the lake. We will head to the open forests of Monte Velo, where fast flowing ancient trails cut through old mountain villages. Any trip to Garda would not be complete without riding the flanks of Mont Tremalzo, where after a short uplift you will enjoy a simply massive descent. Fantastic alpine vistas open up on both sides as we cross long ridges and stop in some charming refuges serving great food. A final stunning descent through the legendary tunnels of Riva bring us back to the lake shore. Throughout the week we will also uplift to some of our guides favourite riding spots, such as the serpents trail dropping sinuously over a 1000m vertical.

With the amazing variety of riding in the area offering amazing trails for riders of any ability, we believe that Lake Garda is one of the finest mountain bike riding locations in Europe. Due to the changeable mountain environment we do not restrict ourselves to a rigid itinerary, giving us the flexibility to choose the best trails on any given day. You can expect to ride for 6 – 8 steady hours each day with plenty of breaks for photos and ice cream, you will probably average around 2000 – 3000m daily vertical descent each day. We use our minibus to uplift into the mountains every morning and link up trails when required. Most of the riding will be AM/trail orientated, if you enjoy Red and Black trail centre loops, you will love this. If you would like to know more about the level of ability suited to our holidays please read this. If there are particular trails that you would like to ride, please contact us for a chat.

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Itinerary / Highlights

We will transfer you and your bike from and to Verona airport in our custom minibus and bike trailer. When you arrive we will transfer you to your accommodation and after you have had time to unpack and meet the rest of the group we will build up the bikes and head out for a short ride to familiarise yourself with the area, check bikes and get to know everyone. We will then head out for a meal where your guides will talk about the riding in the area. You will then have 3 days of guided riding, starting at around 9am we will be out on the bikes until 4pm with plenty of stops to take in the scenery and have a breather, using our uplift van to take the sting out of the hills. When you get back there will be ample time to wash off the dust in the lake, chill on the beaches or head into town to soak up some of the Italian atmosphere. Wednesday is a day off from riding, where you can enjoy some of the other great activities in the area such as wind surfing on the lake, walking in the hills, lounging by the lake or if you are very keen you could always go for more riding (your guides will be happy to point out some routes that are easy to navigate from Riva). We will then have another 2 days guided riding, and the possibility of visiting some further off locations such as some of the dolomite trails or bike parks for a day (weather permitting). On the last morning we will help you break down your bikes and transfer you back to the airport, and hope you will leave with a huge smile on your face after a fantastic week.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

You will stay in the beautiful Eco Hotel Zanella offering both stunning surroundings and an eco friendly atmosphere, furnished with both comfort and environmental issues in mind. The hotel offers all the usual luxuries you would expect from a hotel in Italy, fantastic food, a swimming pool and well-appointed rooms and also boasts a private beach area on Lake Garda with changing cabins, toilets, umbrellas and lounge chairs, so you don’t need to battle for space on the beach. We know that one of the most important features for you is the safety of your bike, Eco Hotel Zanella has a secure bike wash and storage area. You will also have access to our mobile workshop to keep your bike in perfect working order. Each morning you will be provided with a fantastic locally sourced breakfast and in the evening a 3 course dinner with vegetarian option. The hotel offers a haven of calm and stunning views over the lake whilst still allowing you to enjoy the vitality of life around the lake. The main town of Torbole is only 1mile away and has many bars and restaurants, Torbole is the hub of the sporting community around the lake, giving you a massive choice of food and drink and the opportunity to meet other bikers or windsurfers enjoying the sunshine. A short trip down the road is Riva del Garda, a bike friendly bustling Italian town, with many eating and drinking establishments amid the narrow cobbled streets.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

August 11th – 17th 2012 (£600 pp)

October 27th – November 2nd 2012 (£600 pp)

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