Dolomites by bike: the best itineraries to enjoy the wonders of Belluno on to wheels

For those who ask for a paradise for cyclists, the right answer is The Dolomites. With their breathtaking natural areas,  the delicious savours of their culinary tradition, and their historical and cultural heritage of great value, The Dolomites perfectly meet the expectations of cycling enthusiasts, no matter what their level of preparation is.

 

From the road racer to the mountain-bike: fascinating open air and scent of the woods near the city.

 

The Dolomites, UNESCO world heritage site since 2009, are one of the most fascinating mountains in the world and play for decades a major role for athletes of every kind, for mountains lovers and for hiking beginners.

The Alta Badia, in particular, is famous for the “Maratona dles Dolomites“ that involves over 9.000 cycling enthusiasts every year. The morphology is one of the most appreciated aspect of Alta Badia: it attracts professional cyclists for its typical winding roads that allow them for an efficient but also pleasant and stimulating workout.

Many itineraries with natural surroundings are perfect for a sport training. You can go from Tofane to Marmarole, then go down the bottom of the Sorapis and Antelao Mountains, where some pinnacles arise from dense woods and make reflections in the water, creating a real breathtaking splendour.

Cycling through these mountains is a unique experience that let people discover and appreciate the architectural beauty of small villages, which are often unknown but, for this reason, more interesting to visit. They are filled with interesting local traditions and have a huge historical background.

Both for beginners and professional cyclists, The Dolomites have varied areas suitable for every kind of activity. There are several scenic routes at high altitude, slopes in the woods for the free-ride enthusiasts, and also itineraries suitable for families or for those who just want to unwind and savour the traditional dishes in some mountain huts.

 

The Long Way of The Dolomites: more than just a simple cycle track.

 

The Long Way of The Dolomites is one of the most famous Italian cycle routes and follows the old railway tracks between Calalzo di Cadore, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco. Here you can visit The Natural Park of Ampezzo Dolomites where the competition “Dolomiti Superbike“takes place in the summer. It is a cycling tour that involves a lot of two wheels enthusiasts.

For those who prefer the road bike there are some itineraries known as part of the Giro d’Italia, like Tour dei Passi; they are 700 km long and give a huge amount of emotions.

The lovers of downhill must try the new Bike Park. For youngsters the new skill parks are useful to take the first steps on MTB routes, under the supervision of specialised instructors.

On the way to Valbolite, named after its mountain creek, you can see  countless natural wonders and some typical late-Gothic small houses rich in ancient frescoes, like the Chiesa della Difesa in San Vito or the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Vodo, that are a good view for those who love art.

Pieve di Cadore is the historical capital of Valboite, where the great painter Tiziano Vecellio was born, in 1477. His house, safe from devastation and reprisals by the German troops during the wars of the XV century, is now open to the public. Pieve di Cadore is also known as the home of glasses. Here you can visit the  Museo dell’Occhiale, with a large collection of glasses, lenses, cases and other optical instruments since 1965.

The end point of the Long Way of The Dolomites is generally Calalzo, the most ancient town in Pieve di Cadore. A must-see location is Lagole for its amazing lake surrounded by nature. Calalzo is also the starting point for other pleasant excursions in the close towns Auronzo, Comelico and Sappada.

 

Take your time, jump on the saddle, go cycling  and discover one of the greatest italian wonders.