In winter, when the freedom of summer holidays is allowed to be coloured in, the random search area formed by Google, the ANWB booklet (out of nostalgia), that one colleague and that active family is narrowed down. Entire countries fall off, as well as coastlines and the most beautiful mountain ranges. Then suddenly things move fast and become concrete. Pay attention now. "Caldonazzo, sweet? Is that nice (question), oh I used to holiday there with my parents (answer!)?" Before I know it, it has become a cycling adventure around Lago di Caldonazzo. On the camping photos, I scanned over the facilities to the horizon. Not flat, that's a start. Hey, there behind the pool, that just looks like a mountain. No white peaks, rocks, that work. But they are mountains! A little later. The confirmation from the campsite, we're going to Caldonazzo!
Text and photos: Erwin Reijneveld - MountainHighChasers
Read more about cycling in Trentino:
- https://cyclingdestination.cc/verhalen/classic-rides-sella-ronda
- https://cyclingdestination.cc/verhalen/fietsen-in-trentino-lago-di-molveno
New names
So the destination is fixed. The signal for the next phase. Even before packing lists and camping shops come into the picture, a small route library around the holiday destination is carefully built. More than fun for now and indispensable for later. Because when a moment of opportunity suddenly arises during the holiday, dive in! Our friends are along for the ride in the chosen destination and let him also love route making. It soon becomes clear that Karma is on our side. Where family interests came before those of the altimeter addict, the destination turns out to be a drop in the bucket. The Monte Bondone near Trento in Trentino, the Passo Manghen eastbound and Kaiserjägerstrasse already in front of the tent. They are unfamiliar names that are going to be memories. The rejoicing has begun.
Kaiserjägerstrasse as a warm-up
Caldonazzo out, always tricky. Especially when that exit is Kaiserjägerstrasse. The cycling exit of the town. That you must have done it is rarely as much of an obligation as here. On the campsite, you are quickly recognised as a cyclist. Not only at the swimming pool, where you can never really take off your cycling clothes, but the bike itself is spotted sooner or later. Chances are that the chat with the unknown fellow holidaymaker afterwards is no longer about the weather, describing the car journey here (why is that such an important topic among Dutch campers?) or the entertainment programme. Hands casually in the swimming trunks, sunglasses on the nose and a nod towards the Kaiser; "have you been up there yet?".
Toiling to the top
So every cyclist makes his way up the steep road, which, with draped curves, each time gives a beautiful view of the two peaceful lakes, those of Caldonazzo and Levico. Views down below, further and further down. Where the towels are spread out, coolers slowly emptied, pale skin fried and phones read empty (or what does a holidaymaker do on the beach anyway?). You may be cycling in a picturesque postcard, but this gorgeous little road does everything to break the holiday mood. Eight kilometres, almost 10 per cent average with a kilometre at 12 per cent. Then keep your attention while enjoying yourself. Yet it stops, at the top you cycle into a little anticlimax. Just about the only stretch on the route with no views is at the summit, where conifers block the view.
Beautiful tours around Lago di Caldonazzo
So at the top of the climb you have a choice, back or further into the hinterland. We do the latter. Because what could be better than cycling a lap? Away from the billboards, campsites and restaurants. To the area where the real Italy is tasted. Up and down quiet roads with versatile panoramas. Along the way a perfect doppio, to roll blissfully back onto the campsite after three hours. There, where the children dressed in swimming costumes explain the day's programme just for form's sake. Isn't that enjoyment?
Choice stress?
Choice in rounds like this is plentiful here. Highly recommended is the Passo Manghen. A magnificent climb and can be conquered in a hefty 110-kilometre round trip. Or as the final destination of the bike tour and starting point of the (family) hike. With the nicely located restaurant at the summit, it requires little creativity to cobble together a summit day with this mountain as its theme. A more manageable round trip on the Passo Redebus (45 km) can also be made. Or, in the same distance, the Panarotta climb (therein a tiny out-and-back).
Golden hour(s)
As the baking oven was stoked considerably during the summer, rides were soon desired towards the edges of the day. And so, more than once, at two tents the alarm went off a little before six. Two cyclists snuck out, where everything was already ready for the ride. To be the first customer to sit on the terrace at the bakery, with fresh sweet and caffeine. Followed by a cool start, past a virgin lake and golden glow on the peaks. Holiday in optima forma. This dream destination may be stored like Pavlov in the upper chamber. A cycling adventure around Lago di Caldonazzo is a guarantee of cycling fun.
Routes Cycling adventure around Lago di Caldonazzo
Check out our collection, created by our own Erwin Reijneveld
