ITRS - International Trail Rating System

The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:

• Technical Difficulty: riding skill level needed
• Endurance: combined effect of length, uphill and downhill
• Wilderness: amount of planning required based on mobile phone reception, rescue options, water supply and wildlife
• Exposure: consequences of a fall

Discover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.

Safety Tips

1. Always wear your helmet.
2. Plan your ride.
3. You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
4. Let your speed be determined by your experience.
5. Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect.
6. Cycle only on authorized and open trails.
7. Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further.
8. Respect public and private property.
9. Always be self-sufficient.
10. Do not cycle solo in remote areas.

This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.

The route starts in Arco, more specifically on the cycle path near to Caneve car park. Follow the directions to head into Arco - please note that the town itself has no route signage. However, it is easy to locate and reach the church in the town centre.

Once at the church, cross Piazza 3 Novembre, leaving the building directly behind you. Then, at the far left of the square - where Via Vergolano begins, immediately keep to the right, taking Via del Dosso. Follow the characteristic alleyway through an older part of Arco, and follow it up onto Via Stranfora. After passing a splendid fountain, climb up for a few meters more, then turn left to pass through an archway of the town’s ancient walls. Keep right here to climb past the entrance of the Arboretum of Arco - formerly Archduke Park, then turn left.

From the subsequent junctures you will find the signage for route 769, which leads you to cross the Olivaia di Arco - (Olive groves of Arco). Upon reaching the asphalt road to Padaro, keep right following it for about 5.5km. At the entrance to the town of Padaro you’ll find the last source of water for this ascent.

Once in Dos del Clef, leave the paved road to take the forest track which continues to climb in the opposite direction. After passing a barrier, continue to climb for another 2.5km towards Bocca di Tovo. At the entrance of path 409B, to your left you’ll find the beginning of the descent which, to start with, offers no particular challenge. Quite quickly however, you’ll find yourself facing the first of a long series of steep, loose stretches. The route - indicated by the signs, leads you to cross the forest road several times. And, eventually, you will once again meet the paved road to Padaro, where you should keep left, following it a few dozen metres uphill, to turn right - descending through the olive groves. The route signs lead you to pass through the village of Chiarano, to the main road, near the ‘Eremo’ nursing home. Keep left here and then continue straight, arriving into the centre of Arco: the route starting point.

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

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

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).

Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).

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 sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!

Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.

What do I need to bring on my bike tour?

• An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
• Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
• Waterproof / Windproof jacket
• A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
• Suncream
• Sunglasses
• Bike gloves/mitts
• Map or GPS device
• Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
• Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
• First aid kit
• Emergency whistle

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

Emergency telephone number 112.