Ride the Brenner Pass to Lake Garda Picture 1
Next departure:
Please Call for Details
Best Time of Year: April - September
Ride the Brenner Pass to Lake Garda
Bike Adventure
Imagine a ride so perfect in every detail, that we almost burst when we discovered it! Starting amongst the towering giant mountains of the Inntal, Austria - in Innsbruck, we shall pedal the historic Brenner Pass - the scene of migrations, battles and crusades across the centuries, and down the sumptuous Adige Valley Cycle Trail. Finally, compressed into this awesome short break, is the crescendo - along the quiet shore of Lake Garda and into the ancient Roman City of Verona..... you'll do well to find a better ride - we'll put money on it!
A challenging climb out of Innsbruck will bring us to the top of the Brenner Pass. The good news is that Innsbruck is already raised up to an altitude of 580m - meaning an overall descent of 500m for the trip. Over the Brenner (1372m) we meet a sustained descent down into Italy - this part of Italy has historically been a part of Austria, German is predominant, and it has the true feel of Alpine Austria, not Italy. The wonderful Gasthof for our overnight will make you glad of this quirky crossover as it combines the best of both Italy and Austria. We shall ride down into Italy through the forgotten Adige Valley in Sudtirol - along a wonderfully scenic cycle trail past the Germanic towns of Bolzano and Trento, before reaching the valley floor. The valley itself is stupendous - with imposing vertical rockfaces on either side of us as we descend. We ride throught the beautiful old town of Calliano where a distinctly more Italian flavour awaits us. Each day on this trip brings forth greater treasures - day 3 begins with a moderately challenging climb up and over into Torpoleno - with a staggering view of Lake Garda as we cruise down to the fresh waters of one of Italy's most beautiful corners. Our route skirts the shore now for most of the day before arriving in Verona. Now you can tell us - is this the best bike ride in Europe?
Itinerary
Day 0 - Fly to Innsbruck. Meet your support crew, prepare your bikes, and get ready for your adventure!
Day 1 - Ride Innsbruck to Brixen, 91km, 1370m ascent.
Day 2 - Ride Brixen to Trento, 108km, 475m ascent.
Day 3 - Ride Trento to Verona, 118km, 850m ascent.
Day 4 - Return home.
Accommodation
We will be in a hotels for 4 nights (including buffet breakfasts). You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
What is a Level 3.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenge rides are either longer, with more ascent, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be a keen cyclist for these events, and to enjoy training, and to ride regularly. If the ride is outside the EU, it is likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to more basic living conditions (in the case of Asia / Africa especially)
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 6 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be at least 22-24 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader.
Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic.
Pre-event briefing.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route.
Optional Reservation of Verona accommodation.
Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
International Flights.
Transfers to airport if staying on in Verona for final day (taxi ride required).
Lunches and dinners.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Although it will be summer, expect possible showers. It is wise to prepare for all weather types, you never know we may be pleasantly surprised!
Hat and gloves are essential for this trip. Warm tracksuit trousers are recommended. It is advisable to bring suncream.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events