Three passes Tour: Valparola, Falzarego and Campolongo

The route is simply fantastic. As expected, there were an incredible number of people out there, but it was still very harmonious.

The anti-clockwise variant of the "Valparola up, Falzarego down loop". Simply because this tour is easy to do compared to many other tours in the Dolomites. From Badia you first cross the Passo Campolongo. A not too long climb with a beautiful view of the Sassongher, the gigantic rock that rises above the village of Corvara. After descending to Arabba, a relatively flat road follows to the foot of the Passo Falzarego. For a long time this climb winds its way up through the forest. The nicest part is at the top. As soon as you come out of the forest, there is a gallery and a number of hairpin bends. You get the whole Giro d'Italia feeling here. If you think you are at the top when you reach the Passo Falzarego, you are wrong. The route sends you to the left, after which another 1.5 km of steep asphalt follows to the top of the Passo Valparola. Augh! Here is a restaurant where they have delicious apple strudel (tip!). And then: descend to Badia!

One of our favorite circuits in the Dolomites. Normally not as crowded as the Sella Circuit. Unless you get into the Tour Transalp, the second stage of which went along our route today - but in the opposite direction.

After the fall last week, this week I recovered a bit, but today I had to take advantage of the great weather again

From the campsite down to La Villa, then on to Corvara. From there up to the Campolongo Pass. Behind me the sky is already starting to darken and I hope the weather holds. Down to Arabba and further down the Cordevole valley to the turnoff to the ascent to the Falzarego Pass. Almost 800m up and unfortunately light rain sets in, but then it subsides again and I don't put on any rain gear. It's fresh at the Falzarego Pass and the last 90m to the Valparola Pass are always particularly strenuous without much of an incline but with a nasty cold headwind. At the top of the pass I put on my wind jacket for the descent and the rapid ride continues downhill (almost 70 km/h on very different surfaces) to the turnoff to the campsite. On the last 2km it starts to rain again and I have to slow down because the road is wet. The route corresponds to the regular round for the Dolomites Bike Day at the end of June on a closed route but without the big festival like at the Sella Ronda Bike Day.

Experience breathtaking passes car-free 2 times a year. Well organized, breathtaking scenery, great atmosphere and many happy people on wheels. Simply terrific. You can start at any point on the circuit. Better to park a little outside. The starting point of this tour was a super suitable parking lot. In all the villages or at the passes there is ample opportunity to enjoy the view, to get an espresso or something to eat. It's about nothing but ENJOY ⛰️⛰️⛰️ Of course, if the weather plays along so perfectly... Speaking of which: at least one jacket for Have the descents/summits with you

Campolongo Pass (1875m) - Campolongopass Falzarego Pass (2105m) -Falzaregopass Valparola Pass (2192m) - Valparolapass

In perfect climatic conditions (at least for those who like it warm), what felt like 100,000 cyclists, both male and female, ventured out onto the Dolometes BikeDay route. From toddlers in bike trailers to handicapped bikers on recumbent bikes to 100-year-olds on pedal mopeds, everyone was represented. There was even a group of ladies celebrating their hen party. Hopefully, the bride-to-be can keep up.