In 2023, for the first time as part of the BIKE Festival on Lake Garda, there will be a Gravel Challenge. Everyone starts in an open time slot on Sunday between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. directly on Lake Garda in Riva del Garda.
The Specialized Lake Bash is designed as a challenge with enjoyment factor, but what does that mean exactly?
At the Lake Bash, everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to do it as a race or as a tour. The majority of the course is ridden without timing. On the 100km course, time is only taken on three sections. Everything that happens in between does not count towards the classification. So there's plenty of time to chat, gravel together and enjoy the breathtaking nature of Lake Garda. Of course, you don't have to ride fast on the stages. Only those who want to move up in the rankings or test themselves, give full throttle here. All those who 100km are too much, we offer a short round of 65km.
There was also something about enjoyment? Exactly, because the catering on the route will not consist of classic Iso, bananas and bars. We don't let ourselves down and serve regional specialties - and of course "un cappuccino".
There are two distances to choose from:
Lake Bash - epic: approx. 100 kilometers, approx. 1750 vertical meters (see route).
Lake Bash - juicy: approx. 65 kilometers, approx. 480 vertical meters (see route).
Price for pre-registration: 29,00 € per participant
Price for late registration on site: 39,00 € per participant
You can choose between two, completely signposted routes at Lake Bash. "Epic" offers the full program of panorama and trails (see route), but is also demanding and should rather be chosen by those experienced in training. "Juicy" is shorter, much flatter and flowier - it is also suitable for beginners and less trained (see route). The route is varied to the maximum! Asphalt serpentines and gravel climbs, but also flat passages with great views, rough trail descents and the flowy finale are waiting for you. Each passage has its own special charm. The tremendous view over Lake Garda on the first climb. The turquoise blue of Lake Tenno. The high plateau with a view that stretches for miles at Fiavé. The lovely Sarca valley with the trail to the idyllic Lago di Cavedine. For experienced gravel bikers, the route is pleasant to ride and requires no special riding skills. Only the downhill into the Sarca valley requires courage and an extra portion of skills.
On the long route, the time is taken on the following sections:
1. Lake Tenno from kilometer 12 for 3.77 km long, 248 m altitude difference
2. Comano from km 40 per 4.5 km long, 230 m altitude difference
3. Dro from kilometer 77 per 1.93 km long, 20 m altitude difference
On the short short course there is a timing from kilometer 43 in Dro (1.93 km long, 20 Hm).
