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Monte Velo - Passo Santa Barbara - Bordala - Mori

Arco, Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda - Nago, Surroundings, Val di Gresta
Category
Difficulty
Difficult
Duration
4:00
Duration in hours
Distance
60.2
Distance in km
Status
open
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

An itinerary with a medium level of difficulty, centred on the climb up Mount Velo. Return towards the lake through the pretty Vallagarina.

Classed as one of the "Great climbs of Trentino", Mount Velo is a must for all cycling enthusiasts, especially the gradient mad. It stretches for almost 13 kilometres mostly in the shade, to reach the Santa Barbara Pass at an altitude of 1170 metres.

This route is a pleasant alternative to the classic Mount Velo - Loppio loop. In fact, those with any energy left at the end can also tackle the additional short climb to the Bordala Pass. The next long descent takes us into the Vallagarina Valley, renowned for its vineyards.

From a technical standpoint, the climb has a very constant gradient of around 8.5%, with a few short sections exceeding 12%. The descent is very pleasant, as the roadway is ultra-wide and the traffic extremely quiet.

Here it won’t take us long to drain our water bottles, especially in the summertime. No problem: there are fountains in the middle and on the top of the Velo climb.

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
Difficult
Route number
Distance
60,2 km
Duration
4 h 00 min
Altitude difference (+)
1.577 m
Altitude difference (-)
1.566 m
Technical skills
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
1.263 m
Lowest point
64 m
Suggestions

Here it won’t take us long to drain our water bottles, especially in the summertime. No problem: there are fountains in the middle and on the top of the Velo climb.

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
Arco - Sarca bridge
Directions

Cross the bridge of Arco and at the roundabout turn right in the direction of Bolognano. After other 2 roundabouts turn left where the Giro d'Italia race stage, as well a King of the Mountains climb, starts. Go uphill the Mount Velo for 12 km through woods enjoying the striking landscape of Garda Trentino, get over the hump at the Santa Barbara Pass, elevation 1130 m.

After a fast downhill road you reach the town of Ronzo Chienis, turn left and pass through the village. Here starts the climb that takes to the Bordala pass followed by a downhill road, initially narrow and steep, afterwards larger and overlooking on the Adige Valley. At the first crossroad turn right towards Villalagarina continuing past the villages of Castellano, Pedersano and Nogaredo. Once reached Villalagarina turn right and take the provincial road passing through Marano and Isera up to Mori. At this point take the cycle path in direction of Nago, passing through the nature reserve of the Lake Loppio and the S. Giovanni pass.

At the roundabout at the end of the town of Nago go left, go downhill towards Torbole sul Garda. Take the cycle path in order to avoid the tunnel and reach Riva del Garda. At the first roundabout turn right. After few meters take the cycle path, which brings you back to Arco.


All loop itineraries can be done in both ways

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 Caneve (5 min. walk from the town centre).

More Pay parking: Foro Boario parking, via Caproni Maini (Car park near the bridge), 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 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.

Arco
E-Bike Stop Malga Zanga - Monte Velo
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Info Point Arco
bike stop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
E-Bike Stop Via Matteotti - Torbole
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Parking Caneve - Arco
bike stop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
E-Bike Stop Parking Coel - Nago
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Parking Carmellini - 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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