Off the beaten path through dry creek beds and steep climbs

Today, we didn't want to join the line of cars along the roads to Torbole and Riva at Lake Garda. So today, we chose a challenging tour in the hinterland of Bardolino. An ascent, starting after about 12km, about 9km long and with around 900 meters of elevation. Some single trails, gravel, and asphalt. That's what we thought.

But from the beginning:

We drive completely relaxed along vineyards and olive groves from Bardolino. We repeatedly cross small villages or just individual farms. But at kilometer 13, it gets serious. Serpentines after serpentines, we pedal up with sweat pouring down. Joyfully, we turn left from a rather boring road onto a shady path. After a while, our navigation devices seem to go crazy and want to send us back in a circle on the tour. "But we know better - once again -" and we venture off on our own for a hoped-for "shortcut". The path becomes narrower, the path becomes rockier. In the end, it can only be a dried-up creek bed. Stones and gravel are scattered in the steep ascent - as far as the eye can see. We've had enough soon and we hope that after this time-consuming, nerve-wracking, and above all draining stretch of road, a reasonably drivable path will compensate for it. The path gets better, also drivable. But there were still several meters of elevation missing.
We slowly reached the end of the valley with the small village of Spiazzi in sight. We stop at the "Albergo Corona". From now on, it was all downhill. Sometimes more, sometimes less steep. With loud tire noise, we race down the asphalt roads. We keep turning off the road and find single trails that are suitable for our strength and skills.
There was a thrill when suddenly the path was blocked and closed due to a landslide. Turning back was not an option for us! So, assess the situation, make a plan, and somehow get through the dangerous area as quickly as possible. This slope was not yet secured.

Now we could roll down to Bardolino in a relaxed manner. A thunderstorm was brewing over Monte Baldo. Nevertheless, we found a free spot on a beach area by the lake - for the obligatory swim as a reward for our efforts.

In the beginning rain, we pedal back to our little house, a small shopping trip, then the usual evening program.

Due to the weather, we'll take it a bit easier tomorrow. After all, we want to be fit for the king's tour from Monte Baldo on Wednesday.

As always, it got late again. So, it's time once again:

Brush your teeth, pee, and off to bed.

... by the way, it was 42.2 km with 1,110 meters of elevation. 900 meters of elevation in 8 km!!