Alta Badia launches summer fun for cycling fans
Part 1
Cycling and Alta Badia go together like Schüttelbrot and cheese. There is nothing quite as harmonious and rewarding as a summer’s day bike ride through the heart of the spectacular South Tyrolean Dolomites. With its grand peaks, meandering mountain passes and sun-filled valleys, it’s no wonder this UNESCO natural heritage site is a mecca for cyclists. Even the true pros love Badia and flock to the birthplace of Maria Canins, twice-winner of the Grande Boucle. It’s time to get on your bike and discover the beauty of Alta Badia on two wheels.
BIKE FRIENDLY
Thanks to a brand new initiative called Bike Friendly, enjoying cycling in Alta Badia has never been easier. This summer the Tourist Board is providing maps and route guides to suit both road and mountain bike cyclists. A partnership with the specialist Dolomite Biking school means there are group departures every day, including an exciting mountain bike outing accompanied by an expert guide. There is also a wide range of discounts available on accommodation, bike rental, parts and clothing, as well as at restaurants and refuges that specialise in catering especially for two-wheeled travellers. Bike Friendly hotels, meanwhile, provide everything a cyclist could need: storage with the possibility to wash and repair your bike, a special tool box, a laundry service, a generous, balanced breakfast and an afternoon snack for that extra energy boost. Best of all, ski lifts will transport bikes free of charge. For more information visit www.altabadia.org/bike and www.dolomitebiking.com
LA PERLA AWAITS
Welcome to cyclists’ heaven, Hotel La Perla! Enjoy all the luxuries and comforts of a world-class hotel, with the added benefit of a bespoke service catering especially for cycling fans. La Perla boasts its very own cycle repair shop, with experts on hand to give technical advice and support so that each bike is in perfect working order. There is also a secure storage facility, a bike wash and laundry service. There are guided tours every day and dedicated staff are trained to ensure everyone will be mentally and physically prepared before setting off – including a chef whose dishes are created with particular attention to healthy eating for cyclists from a nutritional aspect
A particularly popular highlight of La Perla is its Dogma Pinarello Passionate Lounge, where you can view some of the legendary bikes that have been stars in the history of cycling opportunity to view just some of the bikes that have been pivotal in the history of cycling, over the past 60 years. There is even the chance to test ride Pinarello’s innovative new bikes, follow in the footsteps of Team Sky and Movistar.Hotel La Perla makes sure, too, that guests accompanying cyclists are not left out and offers an activity-packed programme that takes place in tandem with or around the cyclists. For more information visit www.hotel-laperla.it/en
ELECTRIC DREAMS
This year Alta Badia is pioneering Bike Sharing at 2000m, which means there is the opportunity to now rent an electric bicycle (E-Bike) to ferry you comfortably to your destination without having to take it back. It is the first mountain resort to offer such a service. Thanks to the electric motor, even the less sporty can get in the saddle . . . and the only thing to take their breath away will be the incredible views of the Dolomites.
On the upland plain above the villages of Alta Badia, where skiers test their skills on the curves of the slopes in the winter, there are four bike rental points: at Col Alto, Piz La Villa, Piz Sorega and Pralongiá. Every bike is linked to a power point where batteries can be recharged and users have a card that allows them to take a bike and use it in the whole local area. The card can be used at every rental point to recharge the bike, or for rental and deposit. This is an ultra-modern system with a server for communication between rental points and a GPRS system that localises each bike.
You can also buy a package for your electric bike tour that includes a delicious Gourmet Picnic from one of nine participating refuges served in a lovely picnic hamper.
The E-Bikes can be used by children from 14 years old and over up to 18 years old with an accompanying adult) at a price of €20 for a half day and €31 for a whole day. Children aged 14-18: €13 a half day and €22 the whole day. For additional days the daily rate is €20 for adults and €14 for children.
