BIKE TOURING THE ROADS OF THE ITALIAN PREALPS
Bike Tour the Italian Prealps that are located in the Veneto Region and Lombardy Region. The Italian Prealps is the best choice for the cyclist who wishes to bike tour and culture touring. You can ride the wine roads and towns of the old Venetian Republic and ride a great climb up to 2000 meters. Also riding the Italian Prealps let you extend your riding season in the mountains and classic climbs.
WHEN TO BIKE TOUR IN THE ITALIAN PREALPS
You can add the Veneto Region and Lombardy Region Prealps to your bike trip during the months of April through October. The Veneto Region Prealps are more flexible than the Lombardy Region due to the warmer climate created by the Adriatic Sea. As well the Veneto region offers a greater mix of cultural activities, so if you are vacationing with a non-rider there is plenty to keep them busy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BIKE TOUR THE PREALPS
Cyclist visiting the Prealps will always be more comfortable on their own bike. The rides then to be around 12 km of switchback roads bringing you from 100 meters elevation to 1800 meters. The weather changes are not as drastic so you can get do gauge what you need on the ride by the temps in the valley. However, many of the small roads are very isolated so a support vehicle is recommended for snacks, water, and emergency break downs. One of the things I enjoy is that I can get in 3 to 4 thousand metres of climbing without being more than 50 kms from me base.
Strong cyclist riding a 53/39 should at least have a 27 or 28 on the rear cog. Keep in mind that many of the Prealps climbs have some steep grades but they are not long. A compac is a great choice and at least a 27 in the rear, less fit or first time riders will want a 29. Due to the varity of terrain I find that a triple works great when my legs do not have that many miles in them, so a 26 or 28 in the rear are welcomes on some of the grades that can average 18 to 20%. Riders that do not like hills or feel they wish to be more comfortable should consider a Mountain Bike setup with a rear cog of 36.
WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF TO CYCLE THE PREALPS
If you are planning a bike trip in the Veneto Prealps the best locations to base yourself are the: Verona Province, Vicenza Province, and Treviso Province. If you want to challenge yourself on the Lombardy Prealps you should consider either Bergamo or Como as locations to stay.
The best location to ride the best of these climbs is Asolo or Bassano del Grappa.
CYCLE ROUTES IN THE PREALPS