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Trip at a Glance

Start:

Hanoi

Finish:

Saigon

Days Riding:

9

Group Size:

8 – 12

TACOS EATEN:

80 – 120

Total MILES:

1,352km

Total ElEV:

12,567m

Longest Day:

Day 6. Hue to Hoi An. 102km

MOST ELEV. Day:

Day 6. Hue to Hoi An. 2,492m

MOST ELEV. Day:

Day 6. Hue to Hoi An. 2,492m

Day by Day Breakdown

1

Tijuana

Our first day in South Tyrol involves a gentle spin, but there is no such thing as a flat road in this special part of the world, so expect some fun descending and a gentle climb to test your legs – and to make sure that your bike is working perfectly. If it isn't quite right, or you'd like to fine-tune something, now is the time to speak to your mechanic.

2

TECATE

This loop involves two long climbs, the first of which begins just as we leave the town of Bressanone, lasting just over six kilometers. A quick, curvaceous descent brings us down to the Isarco river, where the climbing begins in earnest, gaining around 1,200 meters in 17 kilometers as we head east, with the famous peak of Sass de Putia in front of us. Once we reach the Puez-Geisler nature reserve, it’s time to turn to home, with the final 15 kilometers all downhill on winding, quiet roads and plenty of stunning views.


3

CATAVINA

This route starts out by following the Isarco river for the opening 25 kilometers, passing through several picturesque towns. Keep an eye out and you’ll also spot the famous Castel Trostburg on the slopes above Ponte Gardena just after we cross the river. Shortly after, the day’s main climb begins, bringing us east for the next 15 kilometers, past the quaint town of Castelrotto. Once you reach the Church of San Michele, sitting on a bend in the road, you’re almost done climbing, but the ride is only halfway done so you’ll want some gas left in the tank to keep the pace up as we turn north for home. There is also a little climb in the final stretch to the hotel, which looks perfect for an attack if you’ve still got the energy.

4

MUGELE

The Passo delle Erbe isn’t one of the best-known climbs in the Dolomites, but we think it should be because it’s incredibly scenic and offers just the right mix of challenge and fun. It’s also a great climb for the racing cognoscenti, because this is where the legendary Marco Pantani won his first Giro d’Italia stage, obliterating the opposition with a dramatic long-range attack in woeful weather conditions. This is a point-to-point ride, bringing us into the Badia valley and on to our new home at the Hotel La Perla.

5

LORETO

The Quatro Passi – Italian for Four Passes – of the Sella Ronda loop is one of the most popular rides in the Dolomites because it manages to cover four well-known climbs without being too difficult. We’ll tackle the Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, and finally the Passo Campolongo in a loop that is jam-packed with beautiful roads and wonderful scenery.

6

LA PAZ

The stunning cliff faces of Cinque Torri have stood as sentinels looking over the switchbacks that climb to the summit of Passo Giau for centuries. During the First World War the Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers battled each other and the elements for control of the strategically important mountains. These slopes have witnessed grand battles between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, bore witness to the genius of Eddy Merckx and carried the late Marco Pantani to glory.

7

Departure

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations. 

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