744. San Giovanni - Bondiga (Cross Country)
Mountainbiking • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
744. San Giovanni - Bondiga (Cross Country)
Quite a considerable elevation gain without any particular technical difficulties to take you to one of the classic destinations for cyclists in the area: San Giovanni.
<p>If you don’t mind long ascents on the road, this tour offers a bird’s eye view of the Sarca Valley and the chance to earn yourself a meal with a view of the lake. The descent is for the most part on easy forest roads towards the Tenno area through marvellous woodland which means the scenery changes dramatically from one season to another.</p> <p>With minor variations you can also easily reach points of interest like Lake Tenno, the medieval village of Canale, the mountain hut Rifugio San Pietro, and more. This route can be done from early spring to late autumn. In recent years, it has also become possible to do it even during the winter period, especially if you go with a pedal assist bike.</p>
San Giovanni Variant
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Variant of the 743. Bocca di Tovo Trail-Tour. Makes the route 4.7 kilometres longer, but easier.
Signage: 743a. Variante San Giovanni
At Doss del Clef, continue on the road and cycle up to the village of San Giovanni al Monte, where a mountain hut, fountain and view make for an ideal break. The descent follows forest tracks in a south-westerly direction until you rejoin the main route shortly before Croce di Bondiga.
Author’s recommendation
Malga San Giovanni, with its typical Trento cuisine, is a stop-off point no biker can afford to miss.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
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 fall
Discover 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 and suggestions
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From the Doss del Cléf continue on tarmac to San Giovanni al Monte, where you can stop at the pasture of the same name to have something to eat in the mountain setting. It is a classic stop-off point for cyclists in the area, but you have to continue another hundred metres or so to reach the highest point on the route. Follow signposts for the tour in the direction of Prai da Gom as you begin to run downhill, finally on a dirt road. Continue along easy forestry trails through lovely woodland as you pass Gorghi en route to Malga Tovo, where you'll rejoin the main tour.
Public transport
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking at the starting point of the 743. Bocca di Tovo Trail-Tour.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino BIKE Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
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 whistle
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.