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Terlago-Banale Gravel Experience

Valle dei Laghi, Comano

Category
Difficulty
Difficult
Duration
7:05
Duration in hours
Distance
64.1
Distance in km
Status
open
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

This is a beautiful and scenic loop trail that allows you to explore the upper part of the Vallie dei Laghi and the Banale and Comano Terme area

.

The starting point is in the village of Terlago, at the car park right by the lake.

The route takes you to Ranzo, a small isolated mountain village with a fantastic view of the Garda basin, accessible via a breathtaking road embedded in the rock. Then, you continue on a forest road to San Lorenzo in Banale, which was once a strategic crossing point.

Next, you descend to Comano Terme, a well-known location for thermal waters and a great opportunity for a mid-ride break.

From there, you ascend through small villages to Passo della Morte, then descend towards the village of Sarche along a particularly technical trail that is not suitable for everyone.

Continuing from Sarche, you ride along the lakes of Toblino and Santa Massenza towards Vezzano, following the cycle path. You then continue along the path until you reach Lake Terlago, the starting point of the ride.

Further information and useful links

For more information on routes, bike services (rentals, workshops, shops) and cycling friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444

 

Route info
Difficult
Route number
Distance
64,1 km
Duration
7 h 05 min
Altitude difference (+)
1.658 m
Altitude difference (-)
1.662 m
Technical skills
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
904 m
Lowest point
242 m
Suggestions

Take the opportunity to stop at one of the five distilleries (formerly 13) in Santa Massenza and get to know the history of Trentino grappa up close.

Safety guidelines

It is quite difficult to identify the suggested route without using a navigation system to follow the gpx track provided.

Safety Tips

  1. Always wear your helmet.
  2. Plan your ride.
  3. Obey the road signs, stop at traffic lights and do not ride on the wrong side of the road.
  4. You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
  5. Respect public and private property.
  6. Do not cycle solo in remote areas.
  7. Make sure your bike lights are working.

 

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.

Punto di partenza
Terlago
Directions

The first part is on asphalt. From the lake car park, you proceed towards the town centre, passing by Castèl Terlago and the church. Then, you take the narrow route that leads out of Terlago and continue towards Covelo and Ciago along a quiet asphalt road with minimal inclines, perfect for warming up before the scenic climb from the village of Lon to Ranzo.

After Ranzo, you start cycling on a dirt road with a stunning view of the Limarò canyon, passing through Moline until you reach the area below San Lorenzo in Banale, traversing a combination of rural and dirt roads.

From there, you continue towards the hamlets of Andogno and Tavodo, then descend towards Villa Banale and Ponte Arche, where you can stop for a break.

Here, you start ascending towards the villages of Poia, Godenzo, and finally Comano, returning on a long dirt road towards Passo della Morte, the highest point of the tour.

From the pass, you descend down a steep dirt trail that turns into a fairly technical mule track, until you reach the Limarò cycle path, which emerges onto the last four hairpin bends of the main road leading to Sarche.

From Sarche, you pass through the countryside on the left bank of Lake Toblino, through the Nosiola vineyards, then cross the main road to join the promenade along Lake Santa Massenza and the village of the same name.

Once you have circled the lake, you enter Padergnone, ready to face the penultimate challenging uphill section to Vezzano, along beautiful but demanding dirt roads.

From Vezzano, you take the cycle path to climb the final 80 metres of elevation and quickly descend towards Lake Terlago.

public transportation

Monte Terlago is connected by the intercity bus lines 205 (Riva del Garda – Sarche – Trento) and 261 (Vezzano - Ranzo - Terlago) to the other places in Garda Trentino.

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes here and on the website of Trentino Trasporti.

How to get there

From Riva del Garda follow SS45bis to Vezzano. Then follow SP18 in the direction of Terlago. 

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

 

Where to park

Free parking in Via al Lago in the village of Terlago. 

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?

  • An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
  • Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
  • Waterproof / Windproof jacket
  • A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
  • Suncream
  • Sunglasses
  • Bike gloves/mitts
  • Map or GPS device
  • Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
  • Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency whistle

 

It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.

Emergency telephone number 112.

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