952. Dave's Insanity
Mountainbiking • Terme di Comano - Dolomiti di Brenta
952. Dave's Insanity
Beautiful all-mountain tour at the top of Monte Casale. Steep climb from Ponte Arche via Poia and Comano till the top of Monte Casale. Crossing on the path towards Malga Valbona to the San Pietro Refuge and back along the Val Lomasona.
One of the most panoramic bike tours in the whole Trentino is the route up to Monte Casale and along the crest line of Monte Brento. Northwards you can admire the stately Brenta Dolomites, while to the west the wide snow-covered flanks of the Adamello and Presanella glaciers. <p> </p>
recommended route
Mountainbiking
· Garda Trentino
Open
Monte Casale Trail-Tour
Garda Trentino Verified partner
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First section of the ascent to Monte CasalePhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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.
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.
Author’s recommendation
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.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Rifugio Malga San GiovanniSafety 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
Picked your route? Now find the right experts to go with it. Make the most of every ride with support from local MTB specialists – from guides and rentals to shuttle services and workshops.Roadbook
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.
Rifugio Don Zio Pisoni
Monte Casale
Rifugio Malga San Giovanni
Bike/E-Bike Stop Malga S. Giovanni - Arco
Rifugio San Pietro
Bike/E-Bike Stop Rifugio San Pietro
Rifugio Monte Calino " San Pietro"
Agriturismo Maso Pertener
Azienda Agricola Agrilife
Azienda Agricola Casariga
E-Bike Stop Info Point Ponte Arche
Public transport
The area around Comano is connected by the intercity bus lines 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche) and 201 (Trento - Ponte Arche - Campiglio – Tione) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking in Piazza Mercato in Ponte Arche and near the thermal park (Via Cesare Battisti).
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.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
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