{"id":2436,"date":"2021-10-22T18:44:26","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T18:44:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=2436"},"modified":"2021-10-22T18:44:26","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T18:44:26","slug":"cycling-in-the-majestic-dolomites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-de-majestueuze-dolomieten","title":{"rendered":"The majestic Dolomites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Time for a comprehensive account of my experience cycling in the majestic Dolomites. Together with Rik, I went on a week-long exploration trip in the summer. For me, this was the very first time I ventured among the rocky peaks in this cycling paradise. It was a journey to never forget, for several reasons\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the Netherlands to Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having a companion with whom you can chat easily is a plus when you take the car. From central Holland, it\u2019s already about a good 14 hours of driving (including about 2 hours of rest time). Fortunately, in our case that\u2019s more than good, and we drove through Germany and Austria to Italy in comfort. On the way, we stopped for a smoothie bowl in Heidelberg, because good and healthy food is of course important when you\u2019re practically hunched over in the car for almost the entire day. In itself, the road to Tyrol is a feast. At the height of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the high mountain begins, and the views are even magnificent from the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A warm welcome at Hotel Melodia del Bosco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the end, we arrived in the dark at 20:00 in the evening. Hotel Melodia del Bosco<\/a>. A first impression is always special, but we were immediately very enthusiastic about the accommodation we found. And the extremely warm welcome only strengthened our enthusiasm even more. The hotel is luxurious and comfortably equipped, and at a particularly reasonable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Rik de Voogd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Rik de Voogd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About the food\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After arriving, we could immediately join the queue for dinner. And with that, we were in for a treat! First of all, a big compliment to the service. Throughout the week, we were superbly taken care of during breakfast and dinner. The breakfast buffet was extensive and provided everything you need, even for dietary requirements. And the dinner was a feast every day. You could choose from two menus: a meat or fish menu, and a vegetarian menu. The portions were perfect, and the range was very diverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fully equipped with all comforts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The hotel is fully equipped with everything you need. A spacious storage shed, of course with a lock, for the bikes including tools, lubricants and a drying area. In addition, the hotel is equipped with a sauna, and you can even dry your shoes in the storage area with a machine that is used for ski boots in the winter. In addition, the sauna and wellness area are a very welcome addition. You can book a massage in the early morning so that you can prepare your muscles for your next challenge that day. In short: Hotel Melodia del Bosco is a paradise for the sporty cyclist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 \u2013 Good preparation is half the work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a wonderful night of sleep and breakfast, it was time for the first ride. A moment we had of course looked forward to with great anticipation. The bikes were completely ready, the sun was shining, and the focus was entirely on enjoying the first day. We planned the routes in the morning itself, or the day before we went to bed. This first day led us over the Campolongo Pass, the Passo di Giau, and finally over the Passo di Falzarego. The Campolongo Pass was a great starter. A gradual climb, with not too crazy elevation percentages. But then for me the misery began\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Passo di Giau: what a monster it is! It\u2019s good to briefly outline some context. My experience with climbing has so far been limited to the Alps, the Central Massif, and the Vosges. And for climbing rates in double digits, I have never hesitated. The Eyserbosweg, the Muur van Huy, or La Redoute are no problem for my strong Dutch build and sprint talent. But to have to face climbing rates of around 10-11% kilometers for my entire body for long stretches was not something I was used to. And so I had not taken into account that I would end up coming in poorly with a 36-28 as my lowest resistance. In my worst moments, I would pedal at a pace of around 40, causing the acidity to build up so quickly that I had to stop about ten times. Oh, I wasn\u2019t prepared for that\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, I had already got it right at the second bike shop that afternoon, and I was able to install an 11-32 cassette that afternoon. And that turned out to be a good thing, because the first day was enough to conclude that the narrow, winding trails in the Dolomites are by no means an exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But what a beautiful environment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Giving up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This route starts with the Campolongo. In this capacity, a delicious amuse-bouche that sets the tone for what is to come. Feel free to write it down: the Passo di Giau from Selva di Cadore and the Passo di Falzarego from Pocol are definitely on your bucket list. The Passo di Giau is tough, but it rewards you with stunning views and a mind-blowing descent. The Passo di Falzarego, however, is quite doable, especially if you take the Passo di Giau as a reference point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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