733. Riva del Garda - Prè - Passo Guil - Pregasina
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/ The old Ponale road, a must-do in Garda TrentinoPhoto: APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino -
/ An uphill stretch of the tour between Leano and Passo GuilPhoto: M. Giacomello, Garda Trentino -
/ Bocca LariciPhoto: M. Giacomello, Garda Trentino -
/ The view from Punta LariciPhoto: M. Giacomello, Garda Trentino -
/ The old Ponale road: a must-do in Garda TrentinoVideo: Garda Trentino - Lago di Garda
A tour with a breathtaking panorama but very challenging, also from a technical point of view. The ascent as proposed here, without the aid of pedal assist, is virtually impossible
Current information
As already mentioned, the tour as it is proposed here is mainly intended for e-mountain bikes, given the uphill gradients involved. This however does not at all mean that it is a tour for everyone, especially in the downhill stretch from Passo Rocchetta to Malga Palaer, where good steering technique is a must on several parts. The panoramas which can be enjoyed are truly spectacular and, if you are riding a traditional mountain bike, you can consider taking an alternative ascent route. For example, the routes in Val di Ledro, which can also be found on this portal, include the tour “Bocca dei Fortini – Passo Guil”. The ascent is challenging here too, but more accessible without the help of a motor. In this case, once you reach Pre, follow directions for Lake Ledro. When you come to the lake, keep to the left and you will come to the starting point for the alternative ascent suggested. From the Guil Pass you can pick up directions for the 733.
Author’s recommendation
WARNING! Steep gradient at Leano
Safety information
Should you decide to go to visit the panoramic viewing point Punta Larici, especially in the busiest period, bear in mind that it is extremely exposed and there is very little space to move. For this reason you are advised to leave your bike in the meadow nearby.
BIKER’S CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Plan your ride
- Share the trail with other users
- Yield right of way to hikers
- Let your speed be determined by your experience
- Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect
- Cycle only on authorized and open trails
- Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further
- Respect nature, plants, animals and the trail
- Do not frighten animals
- Take your rubbish home with you
- Respect public and private property
- Always be selfsufficient
- Do not cycle solo in remote areas
- Take back home only good pics
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET!
Suggestions taken from NORBA and IMBA codes of conduct.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the 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, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Equipment
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 drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!
Remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do, the locations you plan 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
Tips, hints and links
- This is an official route of the Garda Trentino Provincial Network of MTB routes, regularly maintained and accompanied by specific signage. A summary of the legislation is available on our website: www.gardatrentino.it
- For more information on routes and bike services: rentals, workshops, shops and cycling friendly accommodation:
APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it - The texts relating to the route described in this sheet have been produced by Marco Giacomello, mountain bike guide.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The trail starts out on the lake front in Riva del Garda, in front of the Garda Trentino tourist information office. Take the cycle path which leads along Viale della Liberazione towards the centre of Riva. Pass the imposing structure of the Rocca and Piazza 3 Novembre, coming to the main road Gardesana Occidentale at the harbour. From here, follow the main road to the south for a few hundred metres. Before you reach the first tunnel on the Gardesana, keep to the right and take a steep cobbled ramp which leads to the start of the famous “Ponale” trail. This stretch of the route, on a dirt road, has spectacular views.
Without any alternative trail suitable for a bike we come to the end of the dirt road at the Ponale Alto Belvedere snack bar. At the nearby junction, keep right in the direction of Lake Ledro. You come to the main road at the exit of the tunnel and follow it uphill for a few hundred metres, then turning left in the direction of Pregasina. Immediately after you cross the bridge, take the dirt road on your right. Following the clear signposting you soon come to Pre. The signposting tells you to take a sharp left, but before continuing on the ascent, you can fill up on water at the cool fountain at the entrance to the town. From here on, the going gets really tough: as far as Leano the gradient is around 20%, on a cemented or cobbled surface, and there is no let up. Once you come to the small village, keep to the main road which then becomes a dirt road leading in the direction of Passo Guil. Once you go over the pass, the worst is behind you. Keep to the left, always sticking to the main track until you come to Passo Rocchetta. There are some rather exposed stretches here but the track is always fairly wide and easy. The final few metres of ascent which take you the gap of Passo Rocchetta are steep and quite technical, even with the help of pedal assist, and require a certain amount of commitment and technique. Otherwise, you can always push the bike the short distance. Once you have passed the bar, there are two possible ways down to Malga Palaer. Follow directions and take the trail on the left, the other one is exclusively for hikers. This section is the most technical part of the trail, you will come across lots of roots, steps, rocks and some narrow bends. When you get to the forest road, keep to the right until you come to Malga Palaer. Signposting on this trail sends you downward on the forest road as far as Bocca Larici. Here you are in one of the loveliest panoramic spots in all of Lake Garda: Punta Larici.
The trail is still following the forest road, downhill as far as the town of Pregasina. Cross the centre where there are other places to stop off for refreshments, and then continue on downhill along the main road. On this downhill stretch of paved road there are a number of blind bends, the road is rather narrow, and apart from pedestrians and bikes, you might also come across some cars. Shortly after you pass the panoramic viewing point with the big statue of Regina Mundi near the start of the tunnel to Val di ledro, turn right and take the old road, now closed to traffic. This takes you straight back to the junction you came to at the start of the ascent near the snack bar. Follow your tracks back along the spectacular Vecchia Ponale trail to Riva and the point where you started from.
Public transport
Public transport friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Nago and Arco – are connected by a number of urban and intercity bus lines. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Info about bike public transport: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking in Riva del Garda at the old hospital (via Rosmini) and the old cemetery (Viale D. Chiesa).
Pay parking at the Public Gardens Porta Orientale, Roman Baths, Viale Lutti (Ex Agraria), Monte Oro, shopping center Blue Garden.
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino BIKE Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
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