Lake Landro, Italy – Roman Klementschitz (Wikipedia) CC BY 3.0
Mountain biking on the Dolomites… a dream for many bikers and cyclotourists that is making possible by the bike path that connects Dobbiano, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Calalzo di Cadore. The route mostly winds onto the old railroad track for a total of about 68 km.
Although surrounded by high peaks, the altitude difference of the cycle path is only 300 mt uphill (starting from Dobbiaco), which makes it suitable for family trips.
Path
The first stretch of the cycle track, between Dobbiaco and Cortina, is dirt road and slightly slope that keeps itself constant around 3%. In winter this same stretch is used as a cross-country skiing track.
You start from Lake Dobbiaco in the direction of Piana di Landro about 9 km, here is another small lake of glacial origin. Along the way, turning your gaze to the left you can admire the Three Peaks of Lavaredo from a truly unique perspective. After about 15 km from the start there is a brief but intense climb that from Carbonin reaches the Passo Cimabanche, border point with the Veneto province of Belluno.
At this point, you have to stop for a rest, enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains. From the Pass to Cortina, it is all descent: you are pedaling through scented groves, along small lakes and meadows. In this section there are also some galleries excavated in the rock that is best to deal with some extra lights secured to the bike.
Cortina is the ideal stop for those who decide to split the itinerary in two days. The town’s historic center is full of high fashion boutiques and restaurants with starred chefs.
