Munich to Venice Bike Ride Trans Alp Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: March - October
Munich to Venice Bike Ride Trans Alp
Bike Adventure
Imagine a ride so perfect in every detail, that we almost burst when we discovered it! Starting on the high plain of Southern Bavaria, and then heading towards the Alps. We shall then cycle amongst the towering giant mountains of the Inntal, Austria - via Innsbruck, we shall then pedal the historic Brenner Pass - the scene of migrations, battles and crusades across the centuries, and down the sumptuous Adige Valley Cycle Trail. Finally, compressed into this awesome ride, is the crescendo - along the quiet shore of Lake Garda and through the ancient Roman City of Verona and across to Venice..... you'll do well to find a better ride - we'll put money on it!
Leaving off from the Paris to Munich ride, we shall ride South from Munich, towards the beginnings of the Alps. We shall ride through the foothills, via lakes and valleys, and into the Inn Valley. A challenging climb out of Innsbruck will bring us to the top of the Brenner Pass. The good news is that Innsbruck is already raised up to an altitude of 580m - only just higher than Munich - and leaving a manageable climb to the top of the Brenner Pass. Over the Brenner (1372m) we meet a sustained descent down into Italy - this part of Italy has historically been a part of Austria, the German language is predominant, and it has the true feel of Alpine Austria, not Italy. The wonderful Gasthof for our overnight will make you glad of this quirky crossover as it combines the best of both Italy and Austria. We shall ride down into Italy through the forgotten Adige Valley in Sudtirol - along a wonderfully scenic cycle trail past the Germanic towns of Bolzano and Trento before reaching the valley floor. The valley itself is stupendous - with imposing vertical rockfaces on either side of us as we descend. Our next day's ride will bring us to the beautiful shores of Lake Garda. A distinctly more Italian flavour awaits us here. We shall ride through he centre of Verona in the early evening. Each day on this trip brings forth greater treasures - day 5 will bring us to the final gem - the historic floating city of Venice!
Now you can tell us - is this the best bike ride in Europe?
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Munich - you must arrive by 12:00 absolute latest - assemble bikes, and depart by 13:30 - ride out of the airport - all associated equipment to be carried by support vehicle. Afternoon ride approx 72km - expected arrival into overnight location - by 19:00. Our ride will take us via the centre of Munich (Altitude = approx 500m) - to pick up previous ride stage location! Overnight near to Bad Tolz (Spa Town). (Altitude = approx 680m)
Day 2 - Ride from Bad Tolz to Steinach am Brenner (Altitude 1000m) - Approx 135km - Our ride will take us from the plain of Upper Bavaria, and towards the Alps - we shall ride for approximately 25 km before we ride into the Isar Valley amongst the initial rumbling peaks of the mighty Alps! We shall then ride up into the mountains, and via the twin lakes of Sylvensteinsee and Achensee, before dropping down once again into the Inn Valley. We shall ride up the flat bottomed valley - and end our day with a stiff climb up into the final push up towards the Brenner Pass. We stay for the night in a small guesthouse part way up the climb - in time for some good food and refreshments!
Day 3 - Ride from Steinach am Brenner - Over The Brenner (1380m) and down to San Michele all Adige (240m) - today is a truly exciting day - crossing mountains, climbing high, crossing borders, discovering cultures, and enjoying wonderful downhills - But beware - we have a big day today - so we'll have to be focused - to get the ride complete!. By the time we shall be down in the wonderful Adige Valley. Distance 140km.
Day 4 - San Michele all Adige (240m) to Verona (90m) - beside Lake Garda (Distance 135km) - a beautiful cycle path will carry us down the Adige Valley - wonderful flat enjoyable riding - but flanked by high and stunning Dolomitic Peaks will be a day's ride to never forget. Then we shall climb a small range of hills over to picture postcard Lake Garda - which we ride beside for the middle of the day, before turning east to ride into Verona in the evening. Possibly the most complete day's riding you will ever experience!
Day 5 - Verona to Venezia - Distance Approx 138km - after the riches of landscape and culture that have spoiled us for the last 4 days, we are treated to the piece de resistance a ride across the Po flood plain - and to Venice - one of the meditrranean's oldest and most celebrated civilisations. Fortunately our last day's ride is a flat one - so we should make good progress - and speed along the causeway and on to the most famous islnd in the world! We shall stay just outside Venice - within a short bus ride (on the mainland).
Day 6 - Trip Ends - early morning bike transfer to the airport - note - individuals will need to transfer to the airport using taxi / public transport (not included - expect to pay around £7-8).
Accommodation
Will be in simple hotels throughout the event (including buffet breakfasts). The standard of accommodation will fluctuate throughout the trip - but is designed to be functional - and to enable us to get a good night's sleep - and continue with the challenge. You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
What is a Level 3.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenge rides are either longer, with more ascent, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be a keen cyclist for these events, and to enjoy training, and to ride regularly. If the ride is outside the EU, it is likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to more basic living conditions (in the case of Asia / Africa especially)
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 6 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be at least 22-24 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Challenge Pack, Pre-event briefing, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
International Flights to and from start and end of the ride, personal transfers to airport on final day (taxi ride required!) Lunches and dinners.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as first aid kits, our on hand support vehicle, and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. You will be issued with detailed safety guidance for riding safely. It is our primary focus to ensure you arrive safely at your journey's end without any crashes or accidents!
Weather
Although it will be the end of summer, expect possible showers. It is wise to prepare for all weather types, you never know we may be pleasantly surprised!
Hat and gloves are essential for this trip! Warm tracksuit trousers are recommended. It is advisable to bring suncream. As we cross the Alps - temperatures will drop - so be ready for a range of temperatures.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events