Touring Center Dolomites - DTC2502 - Ride the heart of the Dolomites
The first day of the tour starts early in Klobenstein – the weather is perfect, and spirits are high. We head north over the Penser Joch, a thrilling ride with winding curves and breathtaking alpine views. In Sterzing – or Vipiteno, as it’s known in Italian – we enjoy our first coffee break. Back in Roman times, the town was called Vipitenum and served as a key crossing point through the Alps, adding a rich historical layer to the experience. Then it's on to the Jaufen Pass, where we capture some great action shots – perfect lighting and dynamic riding. Lunch is at the Brückenwirt in St. Leonhard – a true local gem where mostly workers eat, simple and delicious. Later, we stop for coffee at a charming, secluded guesthouse near Meran before heading back. The evening brought a special surprise: it was Bruce’s birthday – and the tour guides celebrated with a cheerful “Happy Birthday” and a thoughtful gift from Edelweiss. A long, eventful day with the perfect ending – a fantastic start to our journey.
Day two turns up the drama with a spectacular sequence of Dolomite passes—each more stunning than the last. We kick things off with the legendary Sella and Pordoi Passes, where the road twists through towering limestone spires and wide-open valleys. The riding is pure joy, a dance of lean and throttle. At Passo Falzarego, we trade bikes for a cable car (or was it a tram?) and ascend to Lagazuoi. Over lunch, we soak in the sweeping panoramic views and reflect on the haunting history beneath our feet—this was the site of fierce World War I battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. Deep inside the mountain, soldiers once tunneled and fought in the dark, a stark contrast to the peace and beauty we experience today. We continue on to Passo di Giau, one of the most photogenic spots of the tour, with its perfect curves and cinematic vistas. A quick descent leads us to the Lago di Fedaia, shimmering under the Marmolada glacier. Film lovers might recognize the dam here from The Italian Job (2003) with Mark Wahlberg—it appears in the dramatic opening scene, where the armored van plunges into the lake. Riding over it gives us a chill of cinematic déjà vu. From there, it’s over the Karerpass and back to the hotel. We arrive late, tired but exhilarated. A long, unforgettable day filled with riding, history, and awe-inspiring views—Dolomites at their finest.
Day 3 took us on a shorter loop, but it delivered in every way. Starting from Klobenstein, we rode through Blumau and climbed up to Steinegg—tight switchbacks and flowing curves made it a fun morning. Along the way, we caught a clear view of the Rosengarten massif, calm and majestic in the distance. It’s easy to see why legends like that of dwarf king Laurin were born here—his hidden rose garden, the stuff of alpine fairytales, feels somehow close in this landscape. After a relaxed coffee stop in Aldein, the road led us up the Mendelpass—a fantastic ride with just the right mix of rhythm and scenery. We continued to the Panorama Hotel Penegal for lunch, rewarded with wide open views over the valley. In the afternoon, we split up—some riders took a shorter route home, while others explored a little more. Back early at the hotel, we had time to enjoy the pool, unwind, and let the day settle in.
Riding day four starts with a twist—quite literally. Morning roadblocks force us to improvise our route, but as so often happens on tours, the unexpected becomes a highlight. We end up in the peaceful village of Gufidaun for a quiet coffee stop. Though it sits right along the road, the place is serene, almost meditative—a hidden gem we would’ve missed without the detour. From there, we point our bikes toward the Würzjoch, but not before entering what felt like the animal kingdom. The road narrows dramatically, winding through meadows where cows roam freely and donkeys greet us later during lunch. It’s a scene straight from a pastoral postcard, with just enough unpredictability to keep us smiling in our helmets. After lunch, the road climbs steeply toward the Würzjoch, offering up one of the best photo spots of the trip so far. With the dramatic Peitlerkofel and the jagged Geisler group behind us, it’s easy to see why this area inspired a young Reinhold Messner to take up climbing. At the top, one group turns back the way we came, while the other continues down the eastern side, adding an extra scenic loop through the wild beauty of the Dolomites. The descent toward Lüsen features impossibly narrow lanes, wooden bridges crossing the stream from side to side, and a peaceful, storybook landscape that’s a joy to ride. Back at the hotel, we’re greeted with a relaxed dinner—and crêpes for dessert, the final sweet highlight of a day full of nature, detours, and unforgettable mountain roads.
From the early morning on, the heat was on—literally. We left under a blazing sun and took the highway to Riva del Garda to make some distance, but not without treating ourselves to some beautiful roads along the way. As it should be. After some parking chaos and a short walk, we found the perfect lakeside spot for lunch. Sitting right by Lake Garda, feeling the breeze on our faces, it felt like a reward in itself. But the heat didn’t let up. Beneath our riding gear, it felt like we were being slow-cooked. So when we found a crystal-clear alpine lake, we didn’t hesitate. A quick jump in—pure refreshment, a moment of joy and laughter. Just watch out for those Dolomite crocodiles! (Or don’t.) From there, it was a relaxed ride back to the hotel. We handed in the bikes, exchanged looks that said more than words ever could, and sat down together one last time for our gala dinner. What a ride. Different cultures, one passion. Five days, countless memories. And in the end, it wasn’t just a tour—it was a story we’ll all keep telling.