Ponale - Passo Guil

It starts from Riva del Garda. The approach is via the famous Ponale road, a former military road now converted into a scenic bicycle path. The first 8 km allow for an excellent warm-up: the gradient is constant, the roadbed compact and the scenery of absolute value. Reaching 400 meters of elevation gain, turn right onto a secondary road that marks the beginning of the real ascent to Passo Guil.

The climb is about 6 km long, with an elevation gain of 800 meters and gradients that reach and exceed 20 percent. The terrain alternates between dirt and cemented segments, always providing good traction but testing muscular endurance. It is essential to maintain a steady pace and to know how to manage one's energy: there is a real risk of having to make frequent stops if one starts too hard. At the end of the driveway, the last stretch to reach the ridge is a short but intense grassy ramp, just over 200 meters, with significant gradients that close the ascent in the most selective way.

The descent begins soon after, with a flowing single track, devoid of technical obstacles but fast enough to be fun even for the most experienced. The surface is smooth, visibility excellent, and the slope of the trail allows you to maintain a good pace without requiring special riding skills. At the end of the trail you return to a main dirt road, where you can alternate riding with sections of side trail, until reconnecting again with the Ponale for the return to the valley.

This is a tour recommended for bikers with a good level of training but also for those just getting into trail riding. The climbs are challenging but entirely rideable. The descents, while not technical, are rewarding and provide a good introduction to alpine trails.