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Ballino - Durone - Stenico

Arco, Comano, Dro & Drena, Riva del Garda, Tenno, Valle dei Laghi

Category
Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
5:00
Duration in hours
Distance
87.6
Distance in km
Status
open
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

A taxing roller coaster of a tour, both in terms of distance and its high gradient. Low volume traffic and characteristic landscape. The cycle path that goes from Ponte Arche to Sarche is amazing.

This itinerary proposes the climbs to the Ballino and Duron passes. They are not exceptionally tough but require an effort that untrained cyclists might pay a high price for in the second part of the tour. In fact, after these two challenging elements, we remain at an altitude and head for Stenico, a location mostly famous for its castle.

The road flattens out again thanks to the Limarò cycle path, a spectacular descent overlooking the cliff where the river Sarca flows. The last challenges of the day are the short sections in the area of Lake Cavedine, after which the route is exclusively downhill.

 

Further information and useful links

For more information on routes and bike services: rentals, workshops, shops and cycling friendly accommodation - APT Garda Trentino  Tel. +39 0464 554444 

 

Route info
Intermediate
Route number
Distance
87,6 km
Duration
5 h 00 min
Altitude difference (+)
1.470 m
Altitude difference (-)
1.470 m
Technical skills
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
1.022 m
Lowest point
69 m
Suggestions

This loop can also be ridden in the opposite direction. But be warned: the gradients are more demanding, and the entire route will prove tougher.

Safety guidelines
  1. Give your bike a regular checkup, especially if you've had it for years.

  2. Be seen: you must wear a high vis jacket (or sash) in tunnels and on country roads after sunset.

  3. Always wear your helmet.

  4. Make sure your front and rear lights are working.

  5. Put out your arm to give advance warning of your intention to change position and before you do anything, check there are no vehicles coming up behind you.

  6. Don't use headphones or your mobile phone handsfree kit: you need all your concentration on the road!

  7. Obey the road signs: stop at traffic lights and don't ride on the wrong side of the road.

  8. If you are cycling in a group, always go in single file.

  9. You've got a bell: use it to let pedestrians know you're there. Don't ride on footpaths. If you have to then get off and push your bike.

  10. If there are cycle paths use them. It's your safety that's at stake and the rules of the road say you must.

Punto di partenza
Riva del Garda - Info office
Directions

Starting from Riva del Garda cycle up towards Pranzo, pass trough the village of Deva, until reaching the magnificent Lake Tenno.

Continue the uphill road to the Ballino Pass (750m) and then go downhill turning left at Fiavè and from here onwards take the direction of Bleggio Superiore. Once past the town of Cavrasto, start the uphill road to the Durone Pass (1000 mt). Take a fast downhill in the direction of Zuclo, from where you can admire the Brenta Massif. Turn right and lead for a short stretch into the provincial street.

At the first crossroad turn left passing the bridge over the river Sarca and afterwards turn right passing through Preore, Ragoli and Stenico. Continue in direction of Sclemo, Andogno and turn right descending until Villa Banale. Turn left, pass over the “Serbi” bridge and again take a left along the Limarò gorges up to Sarche.

Do not miss the amazing view over the wineyards, Lake Toblino with its fairy-like castle and Lake S. Massenza. Turn right, at the roundabout take toward Pergolese passing by Lake Cavedine, through the “Marocche” up to Dro where turning left you will reach Arco and afterwards the starting point Riva del Garda.

public transportation

The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda and Arco – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point or in the immediate surroundings.

For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes

You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.

How to get there
Where to park

Free parking in Riva del Garda at the old hospital (via Rosmini) and the old cemetery (Viale D. Chiesa).

Pay parking at the Public Gardens Porta Orientale, Roman Baths, Viale Lutti (Ex Agraria), Monte Oro, shopping center Blue Garden.

Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!

Do not compare a road bike with a mountain bike. They are very different, especially in technical terms, and facing a hill with a road bike could be much more difficult than facing the same hill with a MTB. Therefore, remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do and the locations you plan to cross. Do not forget to consider the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: the paint of the crosswalk could be very slick.

What do I need to bring on my bike tour?

  • Bike helmet
  • Bike gloves
  • Bike glasses
  • Waterproof/Windproof jacket
  • Headlights and rearlights
  • Reflecting suspenders
  • Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
  • Water Bottle
  • Bike repair kit (tire levers, mini bike pump, bike tube)

It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.

Emergency telephone number 112.

Dro & Drena
E-Bike Stop Pietramurata
bike stop
Riva del Garda
E-Bike Stop Info Point Riva del Garda
bike stop
Tenno
Bike Stop Pranzo
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Info Point Arco
bike stop
Tenno
Bike Stop Parking Lago di Tenno
bike stop
Dro & Drena
E-Bike Stop City Hall Dro
bike stop
Dro & Drena
E-Bike Stop Bicigrill Dro
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Parking Carmellini - Arco
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Bicigrill Moletta - Arco
bike stop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Carpentari Cycling Stories
open
closed
services
Riva del Garda
Energiabike
open
closed
bike shop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Garda Bike Shuttle
always open
services
Arco
Moser Sport Arco
open
closed
bike shop
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