Cycling Weekly: Italian Alps & Northern lakes

I went to Italy last month to take part in the Maratona in the Dolomites - Alta Badia (Sud Tirol) - which is not too far from Lake Commo (was advised to avoid Lecco as its very industrial and dirty). Weather was brill

Pasta disappointing!

How fit is your GF? I've been cycling about two years now and would consider myself relatively fit. However, I was out of action for 6 months due to a knee injury and only got back into training about 6-8 weeks before the race, but I still managed to get round the short course (55km). The Passo Campolongo is a nice gradient of about 6% and between 4 - 6 miles depending on your starting point (La Villa or Corvara). Passo Pordoi is a bit of a toughie for the less fitter person as it is 6 miles at roughly 8% average. And it is also probably best to avoid Passo Falzerago and Passo Giau (10% for about 9 miles with no let up). At the top of the passes there is usually a bar or two where you can stop for a drink or some food.

It is very pretty in the area and there are a few campsites. Sorry can't recommend any as we stayed in an appartment. There is a website for the local Tourist Info www.altabadia.org.

We drove from England and stopped at a place called Lovere. This was situated on Lake Iseo. It was quite large and there was a road that went around it. We saw lots of cyclists from fully kitted up road racers to little old ladies and men on equally old bikes!

It is quite expensive over there are the moment due to the currency exchange of the Euro, so would advise to take as much food with you as possible or shop at large supermarkets.

Hope this info has been of some help