Monte Carone

Monte Carone (Gardasee)

The heavily fortified Monte Carone on Lake Garda, which is steeped in history, not only offers an epic and fantastic southern descent, but the northern variant with its countless lost places also makes bikers' hearts beat faster.

Description

The start is in Riva del Garda. From here, the ascent up the old Ponale road is epic, exposed and panoramic. Passing the Ponale Kaffee Alto Belvedere, you pedal relaxed along the hairpin bends towards Lake Ledro and stay on the cycle path until Pré di Ledro. From Pré di Ledro, the route is relatively steep on cobblestones and a concrete, paved road towards Leano. At Leano, you can top up your water reserves and catch the first glimpses of the distant views. The route continues on asphalt along the former military road towards Passo Guil before turning right onto the path to the summit, which is already marked Monte Carone. Partly rideable, mostly pushing, the route climbs steadily up to the highest point of the tour. Once you reach almost 1600 meters above sea level, the panorama is magnificent, as is the huge infrastructure that was built here during the First World War. There is hardly a corner or ridge here that is not criss-crossed by countless paths.

One of them serves as a downhill. At difficulty levels S1 to S2, the route descends on countless hairpin bends, some of which are somewhat exposed, to the military road towards Tremalzo. Continue along this road towards Baita Bonaventera Segala and turn north at the Bocca dei Fortini crossing (1243 meters above sea level). At times you follow a cart track downhill for a few meters before finally joining a Mulitera cross-path. Difficulty S0 to S1 and from San Valentino on S1 to S2 to Leano. At Leano, take the historic or mulitiera trails on difficulty S1, in the lower section S2 to S3 to Biacesa di Ledro. Here you rejoin the ascent variant, the cycle path to Lake Ledro, and take this past the old hydroelectric power station towards Lago di Garda. Initially on asphalt, later on gravel and then a trail with a difficulty of S2 leads you to the next lost place, the old Ponale Hotel before the main road. On the last descent, it should be noted that some parts are exposed and very selective, so keep your eyes open and ride with foresight. It is also essential to stop before the main road, as there is a lot of traffic here. You should also take a light with you on the tour. The return to Riva is on the main road through the galleries and good lighting is essential here.

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