Alps Riding Academy - 6AA2603
The first day of our Riding Academy started with some theory. Christian explained the different physical forces that act on the tyres and therefore on traction, and how they change depending on your riding style, speed, and riding line. Of course, we didn't just want to know it in theory, so afterwards we headed out to put it into practice. We rode to a closed training area where we could do different exercises. Even on the way there we had a chance to practice our riding technique, because here in South Tyrol you basically only find amazing roads, and from our hotel to the training area we already got to enjoy some really nice corners. Which, after the theory lesson about the Blue Edelweiss Line, we of course all rode perfectly. At the training area we worked on different exercises, from slalom riding to braking drills. We started with the easier exercises, and by the end everyone managed to ride the very tight course between the white lines. As a little reward for all the training we had done, we wanted to practice our new riding technique again, this time with a bit more speed. For that, we were allowed to use a closed go-kart track. Christian first rode a few laps to show us the correct line, and afterwards we all got to do a few laps ourselves. It was a great way to really put the riding techniques into practice without having to worry about oncoming traffic. Lena also showed us today that it's not only the Edelweiss tour guides who can really ride a motorcycle. She represented the Edelweiss office team really well and showed us all how to do both the exercises and the laps around the track properly. Tomorrow we'll take everything we've learned onto the road, riding through this beautiful area while continuing to improve our riding technique.
After practicing extensively on the training ground yesterday, today it was time to put it into practice on the road. We rode east from the hotel and explored some parts of the Dolomiti National Park. Super beautiful and very twisty roads, always offering amazing views of the Dolomites. For lunch, some of us treated ourselves to a pizza or lasagna because when you’re already in Italy, you might as well make the most of it! The whole day was filled with great roads to ride and impressive scenery. We finished it all off with a very cozy dinner outside on the terrace in the perfect temperature. There was a little confusion with the choices we had written down on the menu in the morning, but because of that we ended up with extra portions, so we’re pretty sure no one went hungry today. And we definitely needed that energy after a full day of proper riding training.
Today, we’re once again taking advantage of the network of small roads around Bolzano to further hone our riding skills. We’ll start with a short loop around the Ritten plateau, then head through the Sarntal Valley and up to Monte Penegal for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to the hotel in Klobenstein via the Lavazé Pass and a few other spectacular roads.
After spending the last few days honing our riding skills, it’s time for a proper tour. We’re heading from Bolzano to Lake Garda—but not via the shortest route on the motorway; instead, we’re taking the winding mountain roads to really enjoy the thrill of cornering with our newfound skills.
Today marks the final day of our tour, and we are heading back to Bolzano. But once again, we aren't taking the fastest route; instead, we’re choosing the most scenic path through the mountains full of twists and turns.