Passo Stelvio Cycling - Overnight Trip

Join Outdoor Recreation for this overnight cycling trip to Passo Stelvio and Passo Gavia, two truly spectacular passes that are a paradise for truly serious cyclists! This is not a trip for beginners or even intermediate riders.

What to Expect:

Stelvio climb from Bormio is “a serpent of asphalt, five tunnels, 21.5 kilometres and 1,541 metres of climbing.” The average gradient is 7% and the maximum is officially 14% but it’s rarely above 9% for long. Cycling Passo dello Stelvio is on most serious road cyclists’ bucket list. It’s the star of the Giro d’Italia, and is a ride you just have to experience for yourself. Cycling the Stelvio-Bormio side of the pass is the “easier”, less famous way to do it (the ascent from Prato is the “classic”). But don’t discount the Bormio side – it’s got a more varied beauty than the Prato side and it also has a good dollop of Giro d'Itlaia history.

Gavia's got the immense scenery and grandeur of the Passo dello Stelvio but less of the traffic. At 2,621m it’s not quite as high as the Stelvio, but it’s still the tenth highest paved mountain pass in Europe and with testing 8% average gradients the Gavia Pass profile is undoubtedly challenging. It’s difficult to pick a favorite in a region of legendary climbs, but if we had to, Passo Gavia (from Ponte di Legno in the south) would be it. It’s challenging, spectacular, tranquil and rewarding in equal measure. If you haven’t done it, get it on your must-do list!

We'll be departing from our lodging and after about 20 km we will find the town of Ponte di Legno. The Gavia climb begins just north of Ponte di Legno, where the road crosses the Torrente Frigidolfo. Though there’s the odd steeper section, the first five kilometers offer a bit of a warm up for what’s to come; the 6% average gradient will soon seem pretty chilled. You already start to get some views too; the snow-capped peaks in the distance give a sneak preview.

If you bring your own bike, you might want to bring:

• Bike box or bag
• Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Bike shoes with cleats
• Front and rear light with fresh (or spare) batteries
• 2 large (750ml) water bottles (plus 2 bottle cages!)
• Spare cycling shoe cleats and fixing bolts
• Cable ties
• Bike lock (optional – but highly recommended)

Saddle bag items:

• Pump (compressed gas canisters are likely to be confiscated if you’re flying)
• 3 or 4 inner tubes (and valve extenders if you ride deep section rims)
• 2 plastic tyre levers (we love these)
• Multi tool (bike specific)
• Pedal spanner/allen key for your pedal
• Any torx keys or bike specific tools you need
• Chain lube (we always use this)

What to Bring - Clothing Essentials:

• Clothing Essentials
• 3 bib shorts or padded shorts
• 3 short sleeve jerseys
• 1 long sleeve jersey
• 3 socks
• 3 moisture-wicking base layers
• Cycling gilet
• Arm warmers
• Leg warmers
• Overshoes
• Water/windproof cycling jacket for jersey pocket
• Short fingered gloves/mittsLong fingered gloves
• Cap/buff

Departs:

• Ederle Outdoor Recreation at 3:30 p.m. (Sept 1)
• Del Din Shoppette at 4 p.m. (Sept 1)

Returns (approximately):

• Del Din Shoppette at 7 p.m.
• Ederle Outdoor Recreation at 7:30 p.m.

Cost Includes:

• Lodging
• Transportation
• Trip Leader
• Van support (with mechanic for all bike rides)
• Meals

Not included: anything no mentioned above

Don't miss out!