Zurich to Milan via Stelvio Bike Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: March - October
Ride Zurich to Milan via Stelvio
Bike Adventure
Join us in Zurich, not for watches and chocolate, but for one of the most epic rides of your life. Cycling all the way to Milan via the famously gorgeous Lago di Como, we not only visit the internationally renowned lake, we also make our way there via the most iconic of Italian Climbs, the Passo dello Stelvio. We will ascend twice; first from the Swiss side and then from the classic Northern Italian approach. Time to get the legs spinning in preparation for the ride of your life!
Departing from Zurich we follow the shores of Lake Zurich as we make our way to the ski resort town of Davos. Expect breathtaking mountain scenery as we head into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Day two will have us continuing through the heart-stopping scenery of the Swiss Alps until we reach the bottom of the Stelvio (Swiss side). We wind our way to the top and the Italian border before a monster of a descent into Prato Allo Stelvio for our nights accommodation.
Our second ascent of the Stelvio takes place on the morning of day three, attacking the climb from the classic North Italian direction. Our morning triumph will be rewarded with a fantastic descent all the way to the shores of Lake Como and the town of Domasso. After a night on the shores of Como, we make our final journey toward Milan. We have two options for the final day. We can either continue along the shores of Lake Como, through the town of Como itself, then onto Milan. Option two would see us take a short ferry across to Bellagio before tackling a few more climbs as we pay homage to the patron saint of cycling, Madonna del Ghisalo, before heading onwards and downwards to the fashion capital Milan!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Zurich, Meet your Adventure Cafe support crew.
Day 2 - Cycle from Zurich to Davos.
155km / 2500m
Along the shores of Lake Zurich and into the heart of the Alps.
Day 3 - Cycle from Davos to Prato Allo Stelvio.
110km / 3250m
Ride the Stelvio from the Swiss side.
Day 4 - Cycle from Prato Allo Stelvio to Lake Como.
165km / 2250m
Cycle to the shores of Lake Como, but not before completing the Passo dello Stelvio from the North Itallian approach.
Day 5 - Lake Como to Milan.
100km / 1600
Cycle the shores of Lake Como or take an optional ferry across to Bellagio and visit the chapel of Ghissallo del Madonna, the patron saint of cycling.
Day 6 - Return Journeys from Milan.
Accommodation
We will be accomodated in comfortable hotels in twin and triple rooms.
Medical Issues
Please ensure you disclose any relevant medical information (Injuries, Allergies, pre existing mediacl conditions, Medication)
Special Notes
Return bike transfer to UK may be included for corporate groups. Please enquire for more details.
Visas / Redtape
Non EU citizens should seek advice.
Included In Trip
Pre event support (training plans and guidance).
5 nights comfortable hotel accommodation in twin / triple rooms.
5 breakfasts.
Adventure Cafe cycle leader (mechanic + first aid).
Adventure Cafe support vehicle.
Adventure Cafe support driver (mechanic + first aid).
4 picnic-style lunches.
Baggage transfers between hotels.
Excluded From Trip
Evening meals (we will reserve a table for the group each night).
Flights.
Airport transfers (dependant on flight times Adventure Cafe will be able to collect your bike from the airport).
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
Helmets are compulsory.
Please ensure you have had your bike serviced before departure.
Weather
We can expect calm and clear weather; make sure you pack sunscreen and sunglasses. As with any trip, we always hope for the best but plan for the worst. Particularly in the Alps the weather can change quickly; make sure you bring waterproofs and a warm layer for the descents. We may even have a sprinkle of snow on the summits.
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