- Brief description
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Long circular tour with everything mountain bikers could possibly wish for, along the panoramic ridge of Monte Casale and through the quiet of Val Lomasona.
- Difficulty
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difficult
- Rating
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- Starting point
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Ponte Arche
- Route
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Ponte ArchePoia1.4 kmOsteria Fiore1.4 kmComano3.3 kmRifugio Don Zio Pisoni12.4 kmMonte Casale (1,630 m)12.6 kmLe Quadre (1,481 m)13.7 kmDuson (1,370 m)14.5 kmMalga Val Bona17.4 kmCadregoni (1,230 m)18.5 kmMarcarie21.2 kmPrà de Vespana (791 m)32.1 kmCostelonghe (650 m)33.7 kmBivio dei Molinei (600 m)34.7 kmVigo Lomaso40.3 kmOsteria Fiore42.5 kmPoia42.5 kmPonte Arche43.8 km
- Best season
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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Description
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Signage: 952. Monte Casale Trail-Tour
Starting at Ponte Arche, pass through the villages of Godenzo and Comano. There is a very long climb towards Monte Casale. Most of it is along a gravelled road through the forest. The last part crosses alpine meadows and leads to the top with its iron summit cross. The view is phenomenal: you can see right out to Lake Garda, right down to Lago di Cavedine and the bizarre landscape of the Marocche, and on the other side into the lofty mountains of the Brenta Group. You now have a long, rapid descent ahead of you – partly on forest tracks, partly on trails – before tackling another short climb around Sella di Calino (don’t miss out on a detour to the Rifugio di San Pietro). Ride through the magnificent scenery of Val Lomasona and then, at the very end, take a short trail right back to the starting point in Ponte Arche.
- Directions
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The first part of the tour is a long and at times steep climb on an asphalted forest road, from Ponte Arche through the villages of Poia and Comano to the wide plateau on the top of Monte Casale. This section of about 12 kilometers has an average gradient of 10 percent and a difference in altitude of about 1200 meters. From Monte Casale you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree panorama which encompasses seven lakes (Lake Garda, Lake Cavedine, Lake Toblino, Lake Santa Massenza, Lake Molveno, Lake Terlago and Lake Nembia).
At the end of the climb, after you've taken in the wonderful panorama, continue on a technically interesting trail on the southern ridge. Alternating between trails and forest roads ride past Monte Brento and Malga Valbona before taking the fun Sentiero dei Russi towards San Giovanni.
Once you've reached Treni keep on the asphalt road and go round Monte Calino to the Sella di Monte Calino, that starting point of a rather demanding trail that leads downhill into Val Lomasona. Once you reach the valley floor, the rest of the ride back to Ponte Arche is on a gentle slope.
- Highest point
- 1,625 m
- Endpoint
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Monte Casale
- Height profile
- © outdooractive.com
- Equipment
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Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route) Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars) Waterproof / Windproof jacket A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold). Suncream Sunglasses Bike gloves/mitts Map or GPS device Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared) Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns First aid kit Emergency whistleIt is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
- Safety instructions
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ITRS - International Trail Rating System
The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:
Technical Difficulty: riding skill level needed Endurance: combined effect of length, uphill and downhill Wilderness: amount of planning required based on mobile phone reception, rescue options, water supply and wildlife Exposure: consequences of a fallDiscover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.
Safety Tips
Always wear your helmet. Plan your ride. You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers. Let your speed be determined by your experience. Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect. Cycle only on authorized and open trails. Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further. Respect public and private property. Always be self-sufficient. Do not cycle solo in remote areas.This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
- Tips
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Rifugio San Pietro is an ideal place to enjoy a well earned break with a view over Lake Garda before tackling the last stretch on the way down.
- Additional information
- Arrival
- Public transportation
- Parking
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Parking in Piazza Mercato in Ponte Arche and near the thermal park (Via Cesare Battisti).
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AuthorThe tour Monte Casale Trail-Tour is used by outdooractive.com provided.