The Dolomites Unplugged! 26th July- 3rd August

If you like climbing... with your bike... then you have come to the right place!

As a natural continuation of this years success in the Eastern Dolomites, we have decided to initiate our program in Seefeld, Austria. The first, somewhat less demanding, ride will take you to breathtaking Neuschwarstein - the castle that served as inspiration for Disney's Cindarella castle - one of the most enchanting castles in the world! Then, we will be taking on the Western Dolomites (Ortles-group) on our way into Northern Italy where we will be challenged by some of the highest and the most spectacular mountain passes in Europe: Passo Rombo (9th) (Timmelsjoch), Passo dello Stelvio (2nd) and Passo Gavia (7th)! Nothing less that 47 racer-sharp hairpin bends are waiting for us on the way to legendary Passo dello Stelvio (2.758 meters)!

The worlds best, twenty years ago, Maurizio Fondriest, will be leading our way over the most monstrous and inaccessible mountains of Northern Italy... let's hope, this will somehow ease the pain!? Maurizio grew up in the area, that we are going to explore, and will place his vast experience (and workshop) at our disposal during the week.

After a well-deserved free day, where we will do an excursion to two of Northern Italy's most characteristic medieval towns: Bassano del Grappa and Marostica, we will participate in the fifth stage of the Giro delle Dolomiti together with up to a thousand other cyclist from all over Europe with whom we will do the most popular and probably the most beautiful ride of them all: The Four Passes - but not with start from Canazei or Val Badia, no from... Bolzano!!! It will be a true challenge to even the strongest riders! Thank God, they have a reputation of taking good care of the riders underway! Check out the altitude curves of week 31 here.

Price for week 31 (8 nights)-------------------> $ 1,195.-

Program for The Dolomites Unplugged (week 31):

• Saturday 26/7: Arrival Munich, Germany. Transport to Seefeld (Austria).
• Sunday 27/7: Seefeld - Fernpas (1.209 m) - Neuschwanstein. Eventual thermal baths in the afternoon.
• Monday 28/7: Seefeld - Sölden - Timmelsjoch (Passo Rombo) (2.491 m) - Merano, Italy.
• Tuesday 29/7: Merano - Passo dello Stelvio (2.758 m) - Bormio. With Maurizio Fondriest.
• Wednesday 30/7: Bormio - Passo Gavia (2.621 m) - Passo Tonale (1.883 m) - Cles - Ronzone. With Maurizio Fondriest.
• Thursday 31/7: Free day: Sightseeing in Bassano del Grappa and Marostica.
• Friday 1/8: Race: Giro delle Dolomitti. Bolzano - Passo Sella (2.244 m) - Passo Pordoi (2.239 m) - Passo Campolungo (1.875 m) - Passo Gardena (2.121 m) - Bolzano.
• Saturday 2/8: Passo Palade (1.512 m) – Merano – Méltina – San Genesio (1.054 m) – a)* Bressanone. b)** Passo delle Mendola (1.363 m) - Ronzone.
• Sunday 3/8: a) Transport to airport in Munich. b) Free day with sightseeing.

* Home-going participants after week 31. ** Participants, who will come for both weeks.

Comments: The chosen stages will vary a lot in length and difficulty (altitude). The hardest stage will probably be the race to the The Four Passes. Here you can count on 160 km and about 3.000 altitude meters!

The cycling week will include 8 nights: Two travel days, 6 stages, and one free day. Week 31 can be combined with week 32 at an advantageous price: Two travel days, 11 stages and 3 free days with sightseeing and relaxation.

Price for week 31 + 32----------------------->$ 2,095.-

The participant will fly to and from Munich. The hotels will be three stars with half pension (excl. drinks). We'll ride in two groups for every stage - both groups led by experienced guides with knowledge of the locality. Maurizio Fondriest will be leading our way at least two days.

Double-rooms with separable beds will be the standard for all participants unless you want a single-room which can be ordered at a surcharge (see prices).

The Italian kitchen:
Do we have to say more? For breakfast we will ensure a buffet with fresh bread, cakes, yogurt, cereals, eggs, tea, coffee and orange juice a.o. For dinner we'll have a three meal course with classical Italian dishes and specialities from Trentino plus a salatbar with fresh vegetables. We'll eat lunch and drink cappuccino during the daily stages in small local places.

The stages:
The single stages will be performed in two groups with different level of ambition. As a rule of thump, the two groups will part together and go to the first ascent as one group. But the single group will leave the various passes together. Bike Italien will outline a list of rules for safe driving which will be presented during the welcome-meeting.

On every stage, we will enjoy the luxury of having a follow-vehicle where extra clothing can be placed. The vehicle will contain the most essential tools and spare parts and have the possibility of buying drinks, sweets and energy bars. A doctor will be available during the week if needed.   

Briefing
Every evening will include a short meeting with information about the following stage, weather reports and time of departure which can vary from day to day. Each participant will chose which team he/she wishes to follow the next day.

As a normal condition we inform you that the roads, we will be using, will be open for traffic and that all participant are subject to the Italien traffic regulation in force.

If you have further questions, you are more than welcome to contact Joachim Jerichow on e-mail address:

joachim.jerichow@bikeitalien.com

Mobile phone: 0039-3496576683
Home phone: 0039-0457580515

Skype-name: Joachim Jerichow