Into the Dolomites

From Treviso, the hometown of Pinarello, a short ride brings you to the beautiful Pinarello flagship store located just outside of town. The route then reaches the edge of the Montello where there is the option to stretch the legs on the climb that featured in the 1985 World Championship road race. After passing over the Piave river at Ponte della Priula it's time to enter the Prosecco Hills via a climb up to the beautiful Collalto castle. The more ambitious can take in the Ca' del Poggio climb before reaching the charming village of Soligo.

From Soligo, the ride starts with a beautiful, mostly flat stretch that hugs the Prosecco Hills. The climbing starts as we approach Valdobbiadene, the most important town in the region and home to numerous well-known vintners.

The more ambitious can head up the challenging Pianezze climb before looping into the vineyards; the less mountainous route follows the ridge road through Guia, which also affords wonderful views of the vineyards below. The last optional challenge of the day, the Passo San Boldo, comes a bit further on after passing the imposing hilltop Castelbrando castle.

The Passo San Boldo climb is not the hardest or the steepest, but its uniqueness becomes clear as you hit the last switchbacks. The road is actually carved into the hillside and makes for an unforgettable riding experience.

After breakfast, a short van transfer touches you down in the small town of Pieve di Cadore. From here there are three ways to get to our base in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Chill, Challenging, and Epic.

-The Chill option follows the dedicated bike path created from the old train route. There is climbing to be done, but it's fairly harmless. This is the perfect option for those wanting to have an easy day and spend the afternoon exploring Cortina.

-The Challenging option heads up the Cadore Valley through Auronzo and climbs steadily up to the highest point at the Tre Croci climb, before concluding with a spectacular downhill into Cortina.

-The Epic option starts easily enough on the same bike path as the chill option but then heads into the hills, tackling first the Passo Cibiana, followed by the Passo Staulanza, and finally the infamous Passo Giau before descending into Cortina. This is a beautiful but challenging route with over 3000 m of climbing.

Whichever route is chosen, the quaint chic of Cortina’s town center will offer a variety of options for an evening Aperitivo and dinner.

This day offers a wonderful loop that allows a lot of flexibility depending on ambition level. Leaving Cortina, all options head North on undulating terrain towards the Pustertal valley. 

The first decision comes at the intersection in Carbonin. You can head directly uphill towards Lake Misurina, or first continue further downhill to the valley town of Toblach (Dobbiacco), where the distinctly Austrian feel reminds visitors that there are only 13 more mostly flat kilometers to the Austrian border. 

After the uphill to Lake Misurina, a harder choice presents itself. Return directly to Cortina, or muster all your remaining strength for an attempt at the mythical Tre Cime di Lavaredo climb, which starts tamely enough, before heading skyward with gradients well into the two digits.

Whichever option is chosen, only one relatively minor climb to the Tre Croci pass remains, and it's a wonderful final downhill back to where you started in Cortina.

Leaving Cortina, it's time to head into the heart of the Dolomites. The climbing starts shortly after leaving town as the route heads in the direction of the Passo Falzarego. The mountain goats soon have the option of taking a detour up the ‘easier’ side of the Passo Giau before ascending the Passo Falzarego via Cernadoi-Andraz.

Both options then climb a bit more to the Passo Valparola, before descending into La Villa for the last gentle uphill stretch into Corvara. For the bucket list hunters, an option that takes in the Passo Giau, the Passo Fedaia, and the Passo Pordoi is possible. You will not arrive in Corvara feeling climbing deprived!

Called the “Most Beautiful Bike Ride in the World”, the SellaRonda is the perfect way to round out a wonderful week of riding. Starting in Corvara, the first climb tackled is the Passo Gardena, which rewards with fantastic views of both the Alta Badia and Gardena valleys. A stepped descent down to Plan de Gralba and it's time for the Passo Sella, which winds its way past the “Città dei Sassi” or “City of Boulders” on its way to the top. After descending back down in the direction of Canazei, the route once again turns towards the skies for the third challenge, the Passo Pordoi, before a 33 switchback roller-coaster descent to Arabba. 

Those with relaxation on their minds can head over the last climb of the day, the Campolongo, and return to Corvara. Those wanting to stay out longer can continue down the valley to Andraz to take on the Falzarego climb, followed by the short but punchy “Mur de Giat” in La Villa before returning to Corvara. Those who want to leave it ‘all on the road’ can add on the Passo Giau before doing the Falzarego and returning to Corvara.

Head into town for a last taste of the hearty regional cuisine. You’ve earned it!

After a last breakfast, it’s time for the transfer back to Venice for your trip home or further explorations in the area.