Completing My Dream Ride - Was It Worth The 10 Year Wait?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Cycling Italy’s most beautiful lake, but was it worth the wait? Back in 2013, Alex visited Lake Garda and immediately put an epic ride around its shores on his bucket list. Now, ten years later, he has returned for what will be his longest ride since retiring as a pro. His route is a full loop of the lake and includes a stretch along the hanging Lake Garda cycle path.
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Where is top of your bike ride bucket list? 😍 Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Tour de France vitory!
I would take Italy or France…The history
Roman road Autissiodorum Aballo
Stelvio❤
I'm now 60, so realistic goals, but hoping to make it over to Europe and do one or more of the classic rides and climbs that GCN has showcased.
As someone that has ridden a lot in the Garda area, I can absolutely not recommend this route. You rode in the of season, so the amount of traffic was bearable, but in the summer there are often miles of traffic jams. I can much rather recommend to ride into the beautiful mountains surrounding the lake, wich is much more peaceful and the views are even better!
Can you recommend it in the off season though? Like shown?
The traffic in peak season is bumper to bumper around most of the lake. I find the best time to go is May or September when things are a bit quieter. I also use the ferries that go along and across the lake. If you can't manage a full round the lake, ride halfway around & then get the ferry from Maderno to Torri del Benaco for example, or get the boat to Riva del Garda and ride down either side of the lake.
Totally agree, I loved the area north of Riva del Garda, these 150 km of busy roads and claustrophobic galleries are not recommended, even in the off season
Most of traffic is tourists! One idea is to close the road off completely to traffic and substitute the road into trams. Will open up huge spaces for bikers and hikers. If you want to visit, bike, ferry or tram. I am afraid it’s my wishful thinking!
Went to Lago di Como back in the late 80's. It was horrible, and the Italian drivers were insane. Can't imagine how bad it must be 35 years later.
I absolutely love these videos. For many of us riding is not about racing, marginal gains, watts or power. It's about the mental therapy these types of rides provide for our souls no matter the length. Keep up the good work with these videos. I personally love them. Ride on my friends. 🚴🚴🚴
Thanks David. We certainly agree and that's why we'll continue to make this sort of content! It's great to hear our videos help to motivate you. 🙌
@@gcn Now just get Manon to do one. 😄🚴🚴
If you want to cycle around a beautiful lake without the risk of being hit by a crazy local or distracted tourist, (which is sadly always a risk around the Italian lakes through most of the nicer part of the cycling season), try Lake Annecy.
Easy to get to (just 45mins from Geneva airport), shorter (at 75km more manageable for most cyclists) and importantly has recently completed a two lane cycle path around its entire length. In sections (generally near Annecy town centre) you have to be cautious and avoid walkers, dog walkers, prams, toddlers on the loose, roller blazers and hire bike cyclists, but for 4/5ths it is almost empty and monopolised by sports cyclists.
Beautiful ride, with some stretches lifting you up high from the lake, for astounding distant vistas, and other stretches being literally centimetres from the gently lapping water. The path also connects to a disused railway with which you can cycle in almost complete safety, and through stunning mountains, to Albertville, doubling the total KM.
And head off path to a number of the TdF’s most famous climbs such as the Glieres, the Semnoz, Crest Voland, Aravis or Colombiere.
Should be only made in off-season, the amount of traffic grows exponentially as summer approaches!
Anyway, a epic loop indeed.
For more or less the same distance you can do 4 Lake Orta loops, way less trafficked!
As a person originary from Lake Garda (and a GCN+ subscriber, of course), what a honor to see home portrayed in your ride. Glad it has been a dream like it is every single time I go back home :)
Thanks Luca! Where else in Italy would you recommend riding?
I had the pleasure to also ride Lake Garda last year. It really was a pleasure. Did the whole Lake loop on a long slow day and two days later rode half of it and took a ferry over the lake... The mountains are also fantastic, absolutely beautiful
"I've got one and a half hours to spare, lets do a lap of lake garda" - Alex Paton.
Nice ride congratulation.
I did a tour of Lake Como in 2019. That’s exactly 100 miles. A few tunnels but it seemed less traffic. Both are amazing.
Do you have a gpx file of the route you did back then?
I go to Lake Garda every year and rode around it at least 5 times. Some tips, if you fancy doing it (I think it it's worth it). Pick your time of year - try and avoid late spring - late Autumn if you can, it's very full of tourists making the cycle / footpaths unridable and the roads busy. I normally ride it in late Spring but leave at 6am, which gives me a few hours before it gets too busy. Pick your direction - the reason Lake Garda is a kite surfing heaven is that there is always wind (northerly in the morning then southerly in the afternoon, if memory serves). If you get it wrong you will have head wind almost all day! Make sure you have great lights on your bike - the tunnels are really dangerous and very scary. Oh and learn some German so you can shout at German tourists getting in your way :D
Choose My Next Ride! 🚴
How would it be say... February? I like riding in cooler weather, so less tourists + cool breeze is total win in my opinion!
I’ve never ridden it so early in the year. The weather can be pretty bad - it’s northern Italy so not too mild. However, I don’t think you would have any problems The winds might also be less strong. Make sure you have great lights though - the tunnels will still be dangerous. Have fun 🚴♂️
I live 15 minutes south from Lake Garda. As a lot of people wrote before me, the lake is a nightmare from June to mid September and not a place for cyclists. Unfortunately ! It is absolutely packed with cars and tourists and cycling is a problem. All over. There are a few roads you can take from the lake and go in the mountains on the west side ( from Salo or La Fora road ) South west and South are way better ( Valtenesi and Morenic hils ) Talking about the suspended bridge, it is amazing but it is a walking path " allowed to cyclist !! In fact at minutes 6, the speed signal " 10 " is for cyclists ! At minutes 9, on the Est coast, now there is nobody but from June to September, the beaches are full and the cycling path too ! NO way you can ride there, you have. to take the road ! But nice video and hope you will be back again so I will show you other roads !!
Absolutely right . Same with every touristy location.
I did this route yesterday. It was ok. Some of the towns are busy (including Riva) but it is fine. It is very flat, with just rollers. The tunnels are a surprise too. They go on for 10 km on and off.
Albert did a good job of making this seem like a fun ride even on a dull day 😊 I think it’s great for us average riders to see that ex pro’s find it just as difficult to ride distances when you’re out of practice, I’m inspired for my Ride London 100 miles in 3 weeks thanks Albert 😃
It’s Alex, not Albert. 😉
All the best with RideLondon - it's a great event! From Albert & the GCN Team!!
@@justinbrown6558 long running joke
@@238949 ah, ok! 🤦♂️😂
Favorite part: reminding me of the bucket-list rides I just did in Italy [actually not in the north, but on the southern coast and also in Chianti ... on a Pinarello Prince rental]. Was seeing lots of clouds and even some drizzle, but hugely enjoyed the roads, the views, the food, and the riding regardless.
A great cafe stop is the paragliding landing strip on the edge of the lake between Malcesine & Campagnola.
You can watch people circling, landing and occasionally even ditching into the lake.
Great video - congrats on completing the ride 💪🏻
I’ve done a lot of riding around Garda Lake, and completing the full circle I agree is absolutely a bucket list ride 😎
I find local drivers to be very accomodating, both in and out of season, so I definitely recommend getting out and riding while in the area - it’s amazing 🤩
GCN's content is simply fantastic. Whenever I'm losing the love for cycling, it just takes one TH-cam session and I'm addicted again!
Thanks Sam - it's great to hear that we can help motivate and inspire!! 🙌
Great filming...capturing this beautiful part of Italy! I remember completing a Granfondo in 2009 (GF Lazise) around Garda back when I lived in Veneto. Most traffic was redirected away for a few hours which allowed the ride to be that much more enjoyable.
I also did it a few month back ! the tour is amazing but the tunnels are less cool !
i have been waiting for this on youtube channel!!!
thank you
Lake Garda is a fav along with Lake Maggoire to the west. Awesome riding from there past Lugano and up to the Balcony of Italia last June. Epic views from the top after a 15km climb with gradients up to 22%. The ride back to Maggiore was so fast from the buzz of making it up there.
Try a lake called Balaton in Hungary, its around 220 km and its quite a spectacular ride!
Excellent video Alex, great to see you so happy! What an awesome bike you have. Glad you got to realize a dream.
1:48 Should have been a Campy groupset on the Pinarello to make it a truly Italian experience. 🇮🇹 Thanks Alex for the awesome views and a great ride. I think my bucket list just got a little bit longer.
Where's the best place you've gone riding so far?
Coast of Lofoten were beautiful. Arriving the High Tatras... There is many spectacular places and routes worth remembering
Yes, I have visited Lake Garda, when driving in my own car, and it will forever stay in my memory as a stop I shouldn't have made as I was later rammed from behind at a toll stop on the autostrada near Bergamo. The following days were the most stressful of my life. Much fonder memories of Lake Como, which I would have loved to cycle round and was much closer to me. Beautiful part of Italy which I would love to return to (on a bike!).
I lived in those places. Divine beauty!!! Italy will always be in my heart ❤️
The proper road biking circuit of Lake Garda starts with a warm-up ride from Canterbury, over the Alps at the St Gotthard pass, around Lake Como and arriving at Riva del Garda (6 days). Then do your circuit of Lake Garda and return to Canterbury across the Alps and northern France. I did it as a favourite ride for three summers, and if you beat my record time of 14 days for the return ride, I'll buy you a beer! 🙂
I did Rotterdam to Riva in 3.5 weeks last year, so I think that means I owe you some beers!
I came very close to taking the route from Canterbury though. Did you follow that old pilgrim's route to Italy?
I rode the east coast from riva del Garda to peschiera del garda in August 2020 with wife and two kids (9 and 7years old). Absolutely great and not too much traffic (probably due to covid). However, I can't recommend it enough and would like to try the west coast one day. We are lucky to live in Bergamo and have a number of lakes on our doorstep in this splendid part of Italy. Thanks for the video and I hope it inspires some people to come and give it a try.
I live nearby the Lake....in 2020, during the pandemic, I bought an old 90's mtb frame and made myself a budget "gravel bike" with recycled components...this was my first post-lockdown long ride and my first ever over 100km..
Was one of the best day in my life!!!👍
Traffic is very intense during summer , so I suggest everyone else to do it in spring or fall.
I really want to do it again but during the night this time 👍👍
It's strange and exciting see you guys on my near-home roads 😂
I will be riding at lake garda in three weeks ,thanks for getting me even more excited !
Awesome ride, Alex! But hadn't Komoot warned you of that succession of tunnels on your route? I for one have ghastly memories of these "gallerie" (tunnels in Italian), esp. the single-lane ones with alternative traffic as featured at 5:15. A few years ago, cycling the Tyrrhenian coastline to the packed Amalfi Coast, I had booked a spot at a camping ground by the seaside which I could ONLY access through multiple tunnels such as these. I remember almost panicking when finding myself all alone in a seemingly endless single-lane tunnel: all the cars on my side had overtaken me, which meant that incoming traffic would soon be storming into my direction. I started really thrusting the pedals of my fully laden touring bike. My heart rate skyrocketed. The tunnel was so unbelievably narrow that I couldn't have avoided a truck even if I stuck myself to the side walls... Eventually, I reached the end of the tunnels unscathed (the traffic lights actually last a long time in that case to avoid such collisions with low-speed vehicles). Subsequently I realized that, contrary to Google Maps, Komoot had labelled this "a very dangerous section" and had advised me to avoid that part of the coast road by heading back into the mountainous hinterlands. In a nutshell, when in doubt, listen to Komoot!!
I loved this. I dream about Lake Garda since 1987 when I drove around. Maybe I’ll get back to ride. Thanks!
I cycled around Lake Garda in March within a day... could have lived without the hill climbs on the western side but the view was fascinating... can't wait to go back when they have the cycling road ready around the lake in couple of years time;)
It's going to be an awesome cycle path!
The problem with the cycling road ist that ist is narrow, twisty and full of pedastrians, so no sport there, just cruising for tourists. Even for commuiting it is unpractical. Actually a wasted opportunity that they did not go full in.
Trust me; don't do this ride during the summer, it's filled with tourists and cars...
just use a guide, they guide you into no busy roads all around the Lake and vineyards areas sourrounding the Lake.
That looks like a great ride, and perfect weather for it. I'd much rather ride on a cloudy foggy day like that than in the hot sun!
Agree but stay away in the weekends and in full summer. Heavy traffic and so dangerous.
Lago di Garda. An absolutely fantastic place to ride your bike. Epic climbs in the north part and flat to the south. Valpolicella with rolling hills to the east.
Monte Baldo is a grerat climb or a ride up the stunning road Via Benaco to Pieve to view the lake from an elevated point.
thanks! great inspiration! i will visit it when i visit my bro in florence. i've never been. my favorite parts were the tunnels and the bike path hanging off the cliffs! quite the ride!
This reminds me of Lake Tahoe loop in California, but the hanging bridge section is next level. 😍
It truly is something special!
I will do this rute this summer on my vacation tour around Lago di GArda 🙂
im in peschiera in august too..... planed a route then.... not arond the lake, but from there to the wilier HQ! ;-) bout 122km
love the lake and the city riva/torbole. in three days i visit it for start a bikepacking trip.
My favorite parts were those bike paths at the lake. Traffic in Italy can be hazardous. So it's very good that they invest in safer paths and when they come with an amazing view, it's even better.
Lago di Garda is amazing. For road and even better MTB. Windsurfing, climbing, hiking.....
Nice Visited Lake Garda in 2007 tis a lovely part of Italy!
Fantastic video! I'm at Lake Garda several times a year and do the tour around the lake quite often. After Gargnano, I recommend taking the climb to Tignale and the descent to Limone. It's very beautiful and you avoid the narrowest tunnels. A fantastic variant is also to include the "Via della Forra". A fantastic variant is also to include the "Via della Forra". The traffic in summer is really heavy, so spring and autumn are better. In good weather, however, you can also do the tour during the wintermonths.
And what about at the end of this super footbridge? had to carry the bike over the fence?
Of here in July and can’t wait 😊
As a member of a family where skin and other related cancers run rampant, that dry and clouded day are my perfect riding conditions.
A group of friends and I from Cape Town SA did this exact route in august last year and what a beautiful experience it was… know that feeling bro 👌🏻we went on to Bormio afterwards and did all the famous Giro Climbs n the area including Stelvio what a cycle holiday it was…
Rode round in 2018 just before the bike path opened. You should have stopped in Limone and Malcesine as amazing places and the chocolate in Limone is something very special indeed! I assume you stopped in Riva del Garda...just a huge shame on weather as views on a clear day are stunning up to Mount Baldo . Great ride though 👌
Spent a week based in Limone last September (having driven there from Edinburgh) and had some of the best cycling ever. Although the lake road got busy as the day wore on I do not recall a single punishment pass. And some of the climbs in the surrounding area are epic. In my opinion the cycling is far better than Lake Como which can get horrendously busy. This September it's time to try out Lake Maggiore and lake Orta.
What was your favourite climb in the area?
@@gcn Punta Veleno - with a notice at the summit claiming it to be the 2nd hardest climb in Italy. Rises straight off the lake road on the East side and is sheer torture !
I organize bike tours. I once took 16 cycle tourists through those lakeside tunnels. I was ok with it, but I had some clients who were really scared. I wouldn’t recommend going through those tunnels. They are dark, there is no shoulder, and the road surface isn’t great.
Congrats on achieving your dream ride. Very beautiful
I did the amalfi coast, few years back... HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! the western part is better, with the peninsula... and the path of gods hiking trail is a must do!
Curious when this was filmed. I was just there last weekend running an Ultra marathon with the US Army. We ran the whole Eastern side of the lake and it was beautiful the whole way.
Lake Como was a beautiful ride.
Looks so gorgeous. Lake and mountains grays on a great ride.
Still my favourite place in Italy!
Love the vid and Love the inspiration, especially when there was no obvious commercial plugs…Good job! Super jealous!
The hanging path was my fav.
It's a stunning bit of cycling infrastructure!
1:24 Shearer thinking should I just deck him out here?
I’ve done lake Como but like other comments, while the lake is nice the best bit was cycling on the roads away from the lake which were lovely and quiet. Roads around the lake were too busy with traffic and narrow. If you want great cycling, go to Majorca!
I love it that years ago you were like, oh cool I'll do a little ride around the ... oh crap it's massive!
Beautiful route in Verona!
I've only rode Lake Garda through Rouvy. Would love to do it in person.
Great video Alex. Love these types of rides. I prefer the bike paths as the automobile traffic takes away some of the enjoyment of scenic pleasures. Thanks again!
Looks amazing place to cycle that would be my dream ride
it's definitely on my list
Love that Abel thought about finishing 100 miles just because he's so close. I often opt for 100 whenever i'm that close sonce i rode that many miles already. (5 centuries ytd, 25 overall)
Was there last year - windsurfing though, amazing place, i did get a few days mountain biking which was awesome.
Thanks for the fantastic video sharing this journey! Gorgeous ride with a dream of a bike.
Yes, you did inspire me to get out on my bike and look for another fun route. Thank you GCN!
Nice one Robert! Where did you go?
@@gcn I extended my route from home to the Griffith Park Observatory and changed up the route to allow for more exploring.
A little more than a week ago I did the Peschiera - Mantua ride, on a rental without a lubricated chain.
It was nice, but I would suggest people to bring their own bike.. or lube.
The best place ive ever ridden a bike!!
Spend a lot of time there as a kid. Kinda magical 🧙♀️
Cycled around Lake Garda in 2017 when over for the Giro - an excellent days riding 😃🚴🏻
Which Giro stage are you most looking forward to this year?
@@gcn Stage 18 as it’s the standout of stages 15-18 that I’m in Italy to see and cycle part of the stages 😃🚴🏻
Absolutely stellar content again gcn! Thanks for teasing us with this bucket list ride Alex! Definitely worth the wait!! Going to try to ride around Manitoulin Island in June. Can't wait!
Ah nice - what a setting for your epic ride! We'd certainly love to go back to Canada at some point! 🇨🇦
One of my favorite rides on Rouvy, maybe some day I’ll get to do the area for real. Really enjoyed seeing more of area.
Awesome landscapes.
You should come also to Lake Maggiore. Full cycle around the lake is 160km with very exciting views.
On my next ride I'm gonna film it.
Love Garda, have spent about a month in total in Torbole. And plan to spend more time there
Thanks A.I. Arne...and crew...ok, who said "Bloody lovely " when you took the bike vault pic ? Sounded like Olaf.....
When in lake Garda ride to Lake Ledro ( who knew ….wow ).
I went on a short break to Garda last year and knew I'd not be able to do a full lap as my non cyclist wife obviously wanted to join in, my solution was to hire a pair of e-mtb's (never ridden a e-bike before or since), we were staying in Garda town and started riding north to the first ferry crossing at Torri, once over the lake we then had the lake on the right for the rest of the day. I was surprised by the amount of tunnels and was glad to be clear of them especially as the hire bikes had no lights, we then crossed back over the lake at Limone and rode back to Garda town, 55 miles. If I were to do it again I'd definitely avoid the tunnel section.
Ride around lake Michigan. Slightly longer ride but beautiful nonetheless.
Snickers are everywhere! Can't eat gummy-type bars anymore. Love the fact the Italians are building a bike loop entirely around the lake. I'm enjoying the loop built around our city.
Great to watch Giuseppe enjoing is long awaited ride on Garda's lake!
Another greate lake, more challenging to do is Como's lake. 160 km long with 1200 meters of elevation gain with absolute beauty all around you 👌
The Italian lakes are just stunning! 🇮🇹
I so want to do this ride!
Awesome, grats on the dream ride mate!
Four of us are cycling around lake geneva next week
Thanks for bringing back so many good memories of MTB holidays at Lake Garda. Such a relaxed place if you are away from the main road in the north. I also remember doing maybe my best TT performance ever trying to catch the last uplift in Malchesine - 1200g Enduro tires cost a lot of watts.
Where's the best place you've ever gone riding Christian?
@@gcn For MTB, Lake Garda and Austria, for road riding Girona.
I'm travelling here in End Of October - from the comments I hope it is okay - Just thinking of hiring a bike in desenzano de garda - Think it is a bucket list item but havent been above 110km
Best thing is to ride with sunset view on the Verona side of the lake ! Anyway, better to do it off season, May or September doing also strada della forra.
Try Lake Geneva under the shadow of the alps. Beautiful ride too!
loved it , top man!
Great video, love the bike path sections.
Stayed at Lake Garda on the way to Venice a few years ago, wasn't impressed. Stayed at Lake Como on the way back, much nicer and better to cycle round.
I cycled around Lago di Garda, Maggiore, Como. Fair rides to tick them from a bucket list, but not something I would recommend during the season. Especially west part of Garda with tunnels is dangerous with heavy traffic. Uber scenic but not at all relaxing.
I have never suffered from heat so much like at Lago di Garda in the summer.
What a coincidence.. just returned from Lazise / Lake Garda today and also did some nice rides there. It's a great place and a lot of cyclists there
Pity the sun wasn't out in its full Italian glory. Did a ride on the eastern side a few years ago and a foray into the adjacent mountains. Too much traffic in July. One of the most scenic places in Europe.