top of page
GPTempDownload-106.JPEG

ALPENCROSS
GRAVEL BIKE EDITION

JULY 2024

TEARS, SWEAT AND SOME FUN MOMENTS

Crossing the Alps on our Gravel Bikes

If you live in Munich and love biking, there’s a good chance Lago di Garda is already on your bucket list. The question is: how do you get there? Some tackle it on a road bike in a single day, others brave the towering mountains with a mountain bike. But we chose a different path—a 3-day adventure on our gravel bikes.​

 

Our planning wasn’t exactly meticulous (okay, it was almost nonexistent), so we had no idea what to expect. Our only goal? To reach the lake just in time for a well-deserved beer at sunset. Did we make it? Let’s find out.

GPTempDownload-210.JPEG
GPTempDownload-112.JPEG
GPTempDownload-79.JPEG

Preparation

How to (not) plan an Alpencross.

The idea of biking from Munich to Lake Garda first popped into our heads a year before we actually set out. You’d think that’s plenty of time to prepare, right? Well, not quite.

Between sorting out our schedule, picking the perfect route, and fine-tuning our packing list, we had our hands full. Oh, and then there was the tiny matter of training. Considering the plan was to cover about 100km a day, you’d think we’d hop right on that. Let’s just say it was a last-minute inspiration.

We spent hours on Komoot searching for the perfect route and, naturally, chose the more challenging option—crossing the majestic Timmelsjoch. We booked accommodations along the way, held weekly meetings at the gym, ordered what we thought we’d need online, and gave ourselves 3–4 days to make the trip down to the lake. It all seemed so organized... until we realized a few days before departure that we had completely forgotten to plan our trip back. Oops.

So with bikes packed, optimism soaring, and a vague hope that everything would work itself out, we hit the road.

 

What could possibly go wrong?​

GPTempDownload-232.JPEG

THE ROUTE

STAGE 01
MUNICH 🇩🇪 - RIETZ 🇦🇹

TIME: 7.:30h   |   DISTANCE: 142km   |   ALTITUDE: 1.460mh

The adventure began at Munich’s Bavaria statue with more than 400km to Lake Garda ahead of us. Day one promised 140km and plenty of elevation. What we didn’t expect? A steep gravel section so brutal we had to haul our bikes uphill. What a start.

Then came the rain. A torrential downpour had us seeking shelter in a cozy restaurant, where we refueled with warm food and regained some morale. Next up, Benzino’s bike drama: electric shifting he barely knew how to use. Turns out borrowing a bike days before an epic trip isn’t ideal. Cue impromptu roadside troubleshooting.

After more rain and soaked kilometers, we landed in a small village. The supermarket cashier, seeing our drenched state, kindly ordered pizza from her favorite spot. That pizza? A lifesaver.

Day one had it all: uphill battles, mechanical hiccups, rain-soaked rides, and the best small-town hospitality. Here’s to fewer surprises and more smooth pedaling ahead!

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rietzerhof - 135 EUR for a Double Room

More Details and Route
GPTempDownload-159.JPEG
GPTempDownload-29.JPEG

STAGE 02
RIETZ 🇦🇹 – MOOS 🇮🇹

TIME: 6:50h   |   DISTANCE: 114km   |   ALTITUDE: 2.400mh

Day two started with sore legs and the infamous Timmelsjoch ahead: 1400m of climbing over 23km. Feeling motivated (and slightly terrified), we hit the road.

After some hours in the flat and a quick pasta break in Sölden it was time for the

the way up. At the halfway mark Tuntke tried to hop on a bus (the last one, sadly missed) and blamed Benzino for the "ridiculous" route – conveniently forgetting his role in choosing it. 

After some hours of sweat, we made it to the top, celebrated with a quick high-five, and soared downhill into Moos in Passeier. The descent felt like flying – a perfect reward for the grueling climb.

Once in Moos, pizza saved the day again. Because when in doubt, carbs are the answer. Day two was tough but oh-so-rewarding. 

ACCOMMODATION

Pension Felseneck - 125 EUR for a Double Room

More Details and Route

STAGE 03
MOOS 🇮🇹 - RIVA 🇮🇹

TIME: 6:40h   |   DISTANCE: 155km   |   ALTITUDE: 327mh

With the toughest day behind us, we thought day three would be smooth sailing: mostly flat or downhill all the way to Lake Garda. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, not so fast. Checking the forecast revealed massive rain and thunderstorms ahead. 

The day started with pouring rain after just 10km. Merano train station became our first stop to see if we could cheat a little and escape the weather. No such luck – trains were out due to maintenance. So, soaked and resigned, we pedaled on.

Thankfully, the skies cleared by midday, and the final stretch was sunny and glorious. Rolling into Lake Garda felt like a triumph. The best part? Celebrating with a well-deserved beer by the lake. 

Three days, 400km, and countless stories later, we made it. Would we do it again? Ask us after another beer.

ACCOMMODATION

Club Hotel La Vela - 120 EUR for a Double Room​​

More Details and Route
GPTempDownload-203.JPEG

THE FULL STORY

IMPRESSIONS

bottom of page