Trans Dolomiti 2023

Looking for the ultimate mountain biking area? Stop searching, because the Italian Dolomites offers the experienced mountain biker everything you expect from a mountain biking trip. Cycle Travel is offering a fully catered one-week group trip (6 biking days) in September 2023.

Continuous fantastic views of the unique rock formations, which glow white by day and red each time in the evening. Beautiful trails on ancient hiking trails, sometimes over lovely alpine meadows, sometimes over technically challenging rock paths.
Then again on historic trading trails or military gravel paths winding over the ridges, often at high altitude.
But sometimes over trails specially built for mountain bikers with a high flow content.
In our humble opinion, there is no mountain range in Europe with a more beautiful combination of such overwhelming scenery and accessibility for mountain bikers.

Sometimes the cycling day ends with a steep climb, where in the afternoon sun the marmots stare at us pityingly. But what they may not know is that the reward awaits us on top: on the terrace of the mountain hut, enjoying a drink, we enjoy a magnificent view of the Marmolada glacier and the setting sun. It doesn't get any more beautiful than this.

And what makes it completely "complete" is that in the evening we can enjoy the famous Italian cuisine, combined with typical Tyrolean specialties from the mountains. After all, we are in South Tyrol, the German-speaking region of the Dolomites. After all these impressions, the silence and e darkness that sets in is a completely de-stressing experience. With a clear sky only the light of the stars.

This Cycle Travel round trip starts and ends at the hospitable Melodia Del Bosco in Alta Badia and consists of 6 cycling days and 7 overnight stays. If you would like additional stages before or after the trip, we can discuss what is possible. The trip will be ridden in a group with a maximum of 8 people. An experienced guide will accompany the group. If level and experience allows, one can continue independently, if desired, without a guide, using the gpx route.

The special thing about this trip is the alternation between luxury hotel accommodations and simple mountain huts where you feel (almost) alone in the world. It is this special contrast that participants really appreciate.

Of all the Cycle Travel mountain bike tours, this is probably the toughest in terms of the altimeters to overcome. On some days, however, it is possible to take one of the many ski elevators. One day (day 4) this is a prerequisite for doing the route, but on the other days it is only an option and there is a rideable (though steep) gravel path. In contrast, the^2nd and 6th days have no elevator option at all. On those two days we cycle in natural areas, where hitchhiking is simply not allowed.

What also makes the trip special is the contrast between the busy, touristy Sella area, with its many hiking trails and ski elevators, and the quiet Fanes and Sennes mountains, where nature is almost undisturbed and the next mountain hut is hours away by bike.
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We spend the first and last day in a luxury hotel Melodia Del Bosco.
On day 2, 4 and 5 we will spend the night in a real mountain hut. So that also means sleeping in a dormitory (max 8 people) which of course is "part of the adventure".

On days 1 and 3 we spend the night in a hotel in the valley. One is a simple hotel without much embellishment, the other is more luxurious with the necessary amenities.

Level required

This mountain bike journey is not the easiest or lightest . To say that is an understatement. Experience with mountain biking is a must!
The stages are not particularly long (from 40 on day 1 to almost 70 km on day 4), but do have the necessary altimeters. Mostly between 1500 and 2000 meters, with one peak of over 2600 meters.

In addition to heaviness, there is the technical component. Some trails are level S2 which means you will encounter trails consisting of looser ground, with lots of tree roots and rocks. Furthermore, you can expect narrow turns and steeper slopes. Occasionally, we also have a class S3 descent, but it only occurs sporadically. S3 means: most of the trail consists of loose rubble and slippery terrain. Good bike control, excellent balance, concentration and controlled braking skills are required.

Requirements for your mountain bike

It goes without saying that the required bicycle is suitable for the above description. It is recommended to use a full suspension bicycle. Spring travel 100 mm is sufficient. A dropper seatpost is highly recommended and actually a must. A 46/32 gear is certainly necessary, but a 50/32 is certainly not a luxury. In addition, of course, wide tires (at least 2.25) and wall protection against cutting the tire.

Option to rent mountain bike available at additional services

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Additional travel conditions

We see it as our job to give you an unforgettable multi-day trip through the Dolomites. Of course, we like to do this, which is why we have a few simple points that are our guide. This works nicely for us and it gives you clarity.

• Morning has gold in its mouth. Therefore, we start on time. Usually around 8:30. If the stage and weather conditions permit, we may deviate from this in some cases.
• Around noon we will stop on the route for lunch.
• 'Out together, home together' is our moto. However, in consultation with the group, we may choose to split the group in two so that everyone can cycle more at his or her level.
• Our guides always look for the best solutions in case of unexpected events, putting the interest and safety of the participants first. In particular, changing weather conditions can have a major impact on the course of the schedule. All guides are trained to minimize the risk of injuries, emergencies and/or accidents.
• Our guides are experienced in cycling in mountainous areas and have great responsibility towards the participants. The guide is also the one in charge and makes decisions that everyone is supposed to follow.
• It is wise to purchase travel insurance with coverage for extreme sports. Illness and injury should also be within the coverage.
• Cycle Travel and its guides cannot be held liable for accidents, illnesses and other inconveniences.
• Participation in this Trans Dolomiti trip is entirely at your own risk. Cycle Travel, its guides and any third parties involved cannot be held liable for any consequences caused before, during or after the trip by the participant himself or any third party
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The Trans Dolomiti program is as follows:

Day 1: Saturday, September 2
Arrival day, reception, briefing, dinner and overnight in Alta Badia

Day 2: Sunday, September 3
Biking day 1: Alta Badia - Arabba

Day 3: Monday, Sept. 4
Bike day 2: Arabba - Cinque Torri (mountain hut)

Day 4: Tuesday, Sept. 5
Bike day 3: Cinque Torri - Marmolada

Day 5: Wednesday, Sept. 6
Bike day 4: Marmolada - Arabba

Day 6: Thursday, Sept. 7
Bike day 5: Arabba - Fanes area (mountain hut)

Day 7: Friday, Sept. 8
Bike day 6: Fanes area - Alta Badia

Day 8: Saturday, Sept. 9
Return Day.

The trip begins Saturday, September 2 at 6 p.m. and ends Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. In consultation, it is possible to book an extra day or arrive a day earlier on a half-board basis.

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What is included?

The following items are part of the booking:

• 7 nights on half board basis (see also under accommodations for description of accommodations). The hotel rooms are basically double rooms (single room is an option), the cabins are on a dormitory basis (max 8 people).
• Accommodations provide bed linen, towels, etc.
• The trip includes VAT.
• An experienced guide throughout the trip. The same guide stays the whole trip the group with a maximum of 8 participants.
• Sophisticated routes with a high experiential content.
• A comprehensive briefing with route presentation each evening.
• Luggage transport between the overnight stops with the exception of the days we spend the night in a mountain hut. Those days we ride with a daypack.
• Elevator pass for the ski elevators in the Sella Ronda area and ski elevator Padon 2 (day 4)

What is not included in the price:

• Travel costs and transportation bicycles NL-Italy vice versa
• Lunches and refreshments
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Cost of ski elevators, except on day 4
• Mechanical support. An experienced mechanic of our own will join us. He can fix almost all repairs. For more complex support, we will cooperate with local bike shops.
• Tourist tax p.p.p.n. (payable locally)

Extra services can be booked

• Sports massage (only possible on the 1st, 2nd and 6th day) at hotel Melodia del Bosco for only €49.
• Bike clothing laundry service; on day 4 there is an opportunity to have your bike clothing washed. We make sure your laundry is returned quickly and nice and clean the next morning at breakfast. Price is €9,95
• Single room supplement; if you want a single room, this is possible at an additional cost. This is only possible in the hotels. There are no single rooms available in the mountain huts.
• Transportation to and from Innsbruck or Verona airport.
• Rent mountain bike for this week

Payment

How can I register?
-Directly at Cycle Travel

Payment options
-Directlyvia Ideal, Credit Card, Bankcontact or pay later via Klarna, among others.
-Oninvoice/account; when choosing this option you will receive the final invoice within 3 working days with a down payment of 20% within 7 days and the remainder at least 4 weeks before the start of the trip.
-Voucher; do you still have a voucher from a previous trip? Then pay by invoice/account and receive your corrected invoice within 5 working days.
-Business; would you like to book this trip for business please choose the option on invoice/account and receive a customized invoice.

General Terms and Conditions
https://cycle-travel.cc/algemene-voorwaarden

As soon as you make a booking, you will receive a non-binding booking confirmation by e-mail with an advance invoice of 50% of the total amount. Only after payment of this advance the booking is final. Should this payment not be made, we consider this a cancellation without charge and are free to offer these vacant spot(s) to other interested parties.

The remaining amount must be paid no later than 14 days before the start of the trip. Once the booking has been made, you will receive a number of documents from us. Should you, after reading these documents, wish to cancel the Trans Dolomiti, this is possible within 14 days of sending the documents.

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Your Travel Guidance

Jos Kaal

Jos is a very experienced mountain biker and road cyclist. As ex Dutch marathon champion at the Masters, Jos can completely familiarize you with the world of mountain biking, the techniques and convey his experience as a trainer very well.
With Jos you are guaranteed great stories and his travel experiences and looking up adventures make him a very complete tour guide for this trip.

Jurre is a true all-rounder. A very gifted mechanic, technically excellent and ensures that all bikes and materials are kept in top condition. Cycling is his great passion;
gravel, mountain biking and racing are all hobbies for him.
He will combine his studies with Cycle Travel cycling vacations and also works at a specialty bike store on the weekends.

photos by: Jos Kaal & Yorit Kluitman