Durone - Valle del Chiese - Valle di Ledro
Race cycling • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
Durone - Valle del Chiese - Valle di Ledro
<p>A long, demanding tour, without a single metre of flat terrain. A continuous series of ups and downs where the climbs are quite tough. Quiet roads and very characteristic landscapes.</p>
<p>This itinerary proposes the climb to the Ballino Pass and the Durone Pass, then passing through Tione and the Valle del Chiese, before riding back up towards the Valle di Ledro.</p> <p>A fantastic tour characterised by <strong>roads with little traffic</strong> and amazing landscapes. Along the route we encounter <strong>no less than five lakes</strong> (Garda, Tenno, Roncone, Ampola and Ledro). From a technical viewpoint, this route is quite demanding. In cycling terms, this route could be defined as a “<strong>roller coaster</strong>”, that is, a continuous series of ups and downs without even a metre of flat land, on an uneven terrain that stretches for over <strong>2000 metres</strong>.</p> <p>Once we reach Biacesa, we can return towards Riva del Garda using public transport, or along the Ponale for those with gravel bikes. Those arriving from the Ledro Valley can reach Riva del Garda in the same way, and begin the tour.</p>
Durone - Valle del Chiese - Valle di Ledro

Garda Trentino Verified partner
A long, demanding tour, without a single metre of flat terrain. A continuous series of ups and downs where the climbs are quite tough. Quiet roads and very characteristic landscapes.
This itinerary proposes the climb to the Ballino Pass and the Durone Pass, then passing through Tione and the Valle del Chiese, before riding back up towards the Valle di Ledro.
A fantastic tour characterised by roads with little traffic and amazing landscapes. Along the route we encounter no less than five lakes (Garda, Tenno, Roncone, Ampola and Ledro). From a technical viewpoint, this route is quite demanding. In cycling terms, this route could be defined as a “roller coaster”, that is, a continuous series of ups and downs without even a metre of flat land, on an uneven terrain that stretches for over 2000 metres.
Once we reach Biacesa, we can return towards Riva del Garda using public transport, or along the Ponale for those with gravel bikes. Those arriving from the Ledro Valley can reach Riva del Garda in the same way, and begin the tour.
Author’s recommendation
Don’t forget to bring your camera: the five lakes we encounter along this route are well worth capturing on film.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Give your bike a regular checkup, especially if you've had it for years.
- Be seen: you must wear a high vis jacket (or sash) in tunnels and on country roads after sunset.
- Always wear your helmet.
- Make sure your front and rear lights are working.
- Put out your arm to give advance warning of your intention to change position and before you do anything, check there are no vehicles coming up behind you.
- Don't use headphones or your mobile phone handsfree kit: you need all your concentration on the road!
- Obey the road signs: stop at traffic lights and don't ride on the wrong side of the road.
- If you are cycling in a group, always go in single file.
- You've got a bell: use it to let pedestrians know you're there. Don't ride on footpaths. If you have to then get off and push your bike.
- If there are cycle paths use them. It's your safety that's at stake and the rules of the road say you must.
Tips and suggestions
From epic climbs to fast descents, every detail matters. Ride worry-free with help from our road cycling specialists: rentals, mechanics and guides who speak your language – the language of smooth tarmac and two wheels.Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago, Ledro and Comano – 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
Free parking in Riva del Garda at the old hospital (via Rosmini) and the old cemetery (Viale D. Chiesa).
Pay parking at the Public Gardens Porta Orientale, Roman Baths, Viale Lutti (Ex Agraria), Monte Oro, shopping center Blue Garden.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino BIKE Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole
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 drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!
Do not compare a road bike with a mountain bike. They are very different, especially in technical terms, and facing a hill with a road bike could be much more difficult than facing the same hill with a MTB. Therefore, remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do and the locations you plan to cross. Do not forget to consider the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: the paint of the crosswalk could be very slick.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
- Bike helmet
- Bike gloves
- Bike glasses
- Waterproof/Windproof jacket
- Headlights and rearlights
- Reflecting suspenders
- Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
- Water Bottle
- Bike repair kit (tire levers, mini bike pump, bike tube)
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.