The former shortest route of the famous Bike Marathon, part of the Riva del Garda Bike Festival is aimed at well prepared cyclists or e-bikers who enjoy climbing.
The climbs are considerable reaching over 20% in some sections. The terrain varies quite frequently: from asphalt and concrete to forest roads and gravel sections. You will find a little bit of everything!
Regarding the race start and finish points the first section takes you along the main road between Riva and Arco, towards Varignano. There are a couple of options to avoid this however by following the signposted routes 749 (starting from Riva or Torbole) OR route 745 (starting from Arco instead). As described, the climbs and descents are very demanding and the type of terrain must always be taken in to consideration.
Safety Tips
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
The route starts in Riva Del Garda near to the car park of the Garda Trentino tourist information centre. Riders will start in a northerly direction toward the nearby roundabout, following the directions for Arco. After passing the bus station continue over the two subsequent roundabouts. Along this quite busy stretch of road it is possibile to use the cycle path that runs parallel to the road on the right-hand side. At the next roundabout, just over 3 km from our starting point, turn left following the signs for Tenno. At the end of the long road, at the next roundabout, take the second exit - this time following the road signs for Varignano. Follow the road for about 550m, then turn left. Here you will see the first sign for route 771: now you can relax and leave the traffic behind. Continuing through the small town streets, you will reach the church of Varignano. From here, the route is clearly marked and the climbing begins! You will need a good amount of energy to get up the first steep climb towards Volta di No. (Pace yourself - this climb is the first in a long series). The steeper section is cement, then there is a short off-road section, then asphalt. When you reach the junction of the main road to Tenno, keep right, then immediately left to the beautiful road Via di Pil. The gradients here are a bit more forgiving, and recent works have further improved the terrain. Whilst climbing you are rewarded with an impressive panorama of Riva and Alto Garda which should keep you going! At the end of this climb, you will meet a secondary asphalt road on the right: Strada di Fontanelle. As indicated by the directional signs follow this road, continuing to climb, until you reach a hairpin bend on the main road for Tenno. Continue on to this hairpin bend for a few meters on the right then cross and take the unpaved road on your left. When you reach the church of Ville al Monte continue on the provincial road, keeping to the left, until you reach the nearby crossroads. Not supported here by the signage of the route, turn right following the road signs to Rifugio San Pietro and Monte Calino. Remaining on this paved road, go past the Croce di Calino (Cross of Calino), where the route directions will recommence. Continue towards Rancion, where the route returns to being off-road and then continue in the direction of Treni. This part of the route allows for a short recovery before tackling another challenging climb toward a great panoramic view point - Croce di Bondiga.
Continue onwards to Gorghi and Prai da Gom - where the gradient finally eases off. Following the clear directions, next you will find a rather steep descent that leads into the woods below the Rifugio/Malga San Giovanni. However, before reaching the mountain refuge there is short, sharp climb to tackle. If racing is not your cup of tea, then after that you’ll have earned a rest stop! Continuing on, you will arrive at an asphalt road and, keeping to the right at all times - begin to descend. Pay attention to the signs, which after a few hundred meters indicate that the route forks left to join the forest road. Here you will enjoy a good stretch of descent, immersed in the woods. However be aware there are still a few steep ups and downs on this section. Once you reach the paved road again follow it to Mandrea, where you must take the left fork to join an old mule track. Using the directional signs follow the route to back down to Varignano, retracing it to the last roundabout encountered in the first leg - take the first exit. At the next roundabout a short distance away take the second exit and continue straight through the locality of Pasina. Upon reaching a pedestrian crossing and a stream running through Varone you will see our bike path signage. Here you should turn left to join the bike path which follows the river until you reach a large industrial complex/factory - you’re nearly done! Here the route turns right on to Viale Cattoni, then after a few streets left onto Via Vannetti. After crossing the main road - Viale Rovereto you can make a sprint for the finish, located in the park near to the Garda Trentino tourist information centre. If nobody awaits your arrival, it may be an idea to just continue on the cycle path heading straight for the beach to reward your efforts!
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini) or the former cemetery (Viale Damiano Chiesa).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti), Area ex-Cattoi (Viale Rovereto).
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
