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Cycling in Val Rendena: All-round bike and nature

 

Twenty six itineraries, with enough variety to satisfy the requirements of keen cyclists and the more modest needs of a holidaymaker who suddenly feels the urge to go for a spin on a bike. Mountain bikers will find a “network” of “ready-to-use” routes, set in a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.  With a little imagination, these can be woven together for even greater enjoyment.
This is already recognized throughout Europe as a heritage to be treasured. Last year even the famous TransAlp chose this zone for one of its stages. But here the passion for cycling has deep roots. Confirmation of this is the great success of the “Val Rendena 24 hour” endurance race, included in the national “24 Cup MTB” circuit, which takes place in the first weekend in September.

Services and facilities for bikers

The level of services available to tourists shows how strong the tradition for mountain sports is here. These services range from accommodation, for example with the quality of service of Trentino Mountain Bike Hotels, aimed specifically at bikers, to the lifts at Madonna di Campigilio and Pinzolo, which allow bikers to take their bikes to high altitudes for excursions in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. Also, let’s not forget the importance of bike rentals and mountain biking schools, which can help not just the beginner, but also experienced bikers who need advice on  cycling in the valley.

In the Park, today and tomorrow

In the charming Val Genova, for example, you can use the Sustainable Mobility Service made available by Adamello Brenta Nature Reserve: an efficient bike and ride service (including a rental service at the shuttle terminus) which allows you a stress-free way into a beautiful natural environment. In fact, cars are banned.
And right here, in the largest protected area in Trentino, it will soon be possible to go on a stunningly beautiful “bike tour”. The plan, which is now being carried out thanks to the combined efforts of the Park’s various tourist agencies, will allow cyclists to circumnavigate the Brenta mountain range.

New regulations

As from last year, bikers must respect a few simple new by-laws approved by the provincial government. All tracks with a slope of less than 20% and at least 1.1 metres wide (about the distance between hubs) can be used. There are signposted routes provided whenever none of these special tracks are available: the signs are red and white with “MTB” and the shape of a mountain in the centre.
The new law, which has been called the “bike-beater”, in actual fact aims to increase awareness of the mountain and its beauty, as well as promoting mutual respect between the many walkers and bikers who use Trentino’s 7,000 km. of dirt tracks every year.  But no restrictions have been placed on the use of forest roads.

Well-informed cycling

Before getting on the bike, it’s a good rule to find out as much as possible about your route. The “Guide to the Giudicarie Area” is a practical guide in English and Italian to these excursions in Val Rendana. Not forgetting, of course, the common-sense rules outlined in Trento Province’s handbook.

 

 

 

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