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SEPTEMBER 17TH TO 23RD 2023 

THE DOLOMITES ESCAPE 2023

Welcome to the Band of Climbers Dolomites Escape. A six day, six night cycling trip in the very heart of the Dolomites; Alta Badia, one of the most beautiful cycling destinations in the world.

This is your chance to ride with Band of Climbers on a fully-supported, exclusive cycling trip where the sole aim is to ride stunning climbs with new friends as we take on the best climbs in the Dolomites. We'll climb over 16,000m (52,500ft) of elevation over 6 days of riding, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Fully Supported

From the moment you arrive in Venice, you will have nothing to think about other than riding and relaxing. We'll provide everything for you, including airport transfers, daily cooked breakfasts and five-course dinners in the beautiful Hotel Melodia del Bosco. 

The hotel chefs offer a choice of five-course menus each evening including a vegetarian menu. Each menu features regional dishes and specialties, using locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is a traditional continental buffet with cooked options also available to fuel the days ahead.

We'll also be supported by nutrition brand OTE, who will provide all the energy drinks and bars you need. You'll have route guidance from BoC riders, and van support on most rides and we'll provide you with a new Band of Climbers cycling kit including jersey, bib shorts, socks, and bidons.

The Best of the Dolomites

In this trip, you'll ride the very best climbs of the Dolomites, including the infamous Sella Ronda route - perhaps the best 70km route in the world. You'll climb the Passo Gardena, Sella, Fedaia, Valparola, Falzarego, as well as the epic Passo Giau, and the toughest climb in the region, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and many others.

The itinerary of the trip is as follows (although it is subject to change based on weather conditions day to day, and also any local road closures or events in the area at the time)

Day 1 : Arrival : Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport, before midday, for a private transfer to Alta Badia, to Hotel Melodia del Bosco, our base for the week. Upon arrival at the hotel, we'll enjoy a light lunch, unpack our bags, build our bikes and head out for an easy afternoon spin to loosen the legs.

Evening five-course dinner is served in the dining room around 7.30pm each evening.

Distance : 40km : Elevation 900m.

Day 2 : The Passo dello Erbe : Our breakfast buffet is served at the hotel at 8am before we roll out at 9.30am for the first full day's ride. Today we head south and cross the Passo Campolongo, before heading west to Klausen-Chiusa for coffee, before climbing the Passo dello Erbe. A tough climb with gradients in excess of 12%. A coffee at the summit awaits at 2000m, before we return back the hotel up the valley road alongside a flowing river.

Distance : 108km : Elevation 3000m

Day 3 : The Passo Giau : After breakfast, we roll out to take on perhaps the most famous climb in the Dolomites, the Passo Giau. Today, we'll climb it's northern side, after first crossing the Passo Valparola. Later in the week, we'll take on the famous southern side of the Giau.

On return to the hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy a sauna or massage, before our evening dinner around 7.30pm.

Distance : 90km : Elevation 2600m 

Day 4 : Tre Cime di Lavaredo : Today we take on arguably the toughest climb in the Dolomites. First up, we climb the Passo Valparoloa, before descending the Falzarego into Cortina. From here we begin the long climb up beyond Lago di Misurina, before hitting the climb itself. The final 4km of Tre Cime average over 12%, so leave something in the legs for this section. Stunning views from the summit await. We return back to the hotel over the Falzarego, ready to relax and refuel over dinner.

Distance : 122km : Elevation 3500m

Day 5 : Sella Ronda :  A shorter day today, as we prepare the for the queen stage ahead. Today we ride the most beautiful 70km in Europe. The Sella Ronda loop. A four-climb route taking on the Passo's Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. It may only be 70km, but this provides the perfect rest day to enjoy the very best of the Dolomites.

 Distance : 70km : Elevation 1950m.

Day 6 : The Queen Stage : Today is perhaps the most beautiful ride you'll ever complete. It's a tough day, but one you'll remember forever. 5 climbs await us, and 5 times we'll ride over 2000m up. We'll enjoy an early breakfast before departing at 9am. The day begins with the climb of the Passo Gardena, and Passo Sella, before we drop down to Canazei for the first coffee stop of the day. 

After refueling, we'll climb the stunning Passo Fedaia. A beautiful surprise awaits at the summit, again over 2000m, where we'll enjoy a panoramic view over lunch.

A super-fast descent awaits, before we reach the foot of the Passo Giau. This time we'll climb its famous southern side, before descending to Pocol. A final climb of the now-familiar Falzaergo awaits, before we return to the hotel to share our experiences and relax over a very well deserved dinner.

Distance : 130km : Elevation 4100m.

Day 7 : Departure Day : We'll help you pack up your bikes, and after breakfast we'll transfer you back to Venice Marco Polo for your flight departures home. With all those memories to take with you.

This trip is limited to just 12 places.

We would suggest the trip is for intermediate or above level riders, or those with at least some experience of riding in the mountains and a decent level of fitness. At no point will any rider be left behind on their own, as our support vehicle and guides will be on the road with you at all times.

Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we keep any waiting times between the first and last riders reaching the summits to a minimum. You are free to ride at your own speed. This is not a race trip. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.

Every ride will include coffee or lunch stops, evenly spread to ensure we can all recover and enjoy the days.

What is Included?

• 6 night stay in a shared twin room at Hotel Melodia del Bosco
• Daily cooked breakfasts and five-course dinners
• In house laundry service
• Daily van supported rides and mechanical support
• Ride Guides from Band of Climbers
• All energy gels, drinks and bars
• Airport transfers to and from Venice Marco Polo Airport in private vehicles*
• 1 x Band of Climbers Cycling Kit (socks, bibs, jersey)
• 2 x Band of Climbers Bidons

*Please note that due to the travel distance and travel time from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the Dolomites, we will operate 1 transfer on arrival day, and 1 transfer on departure day. The arrival transfer will take place around 12pm. The departure transfer time will be based on the earliest departure time of all guests, so may take place before 9am.

We can provide additional transfers, but due to the time and costs involved, there would be a supplement of £500 per transfer. For this reason, if your flight arrives after 12pm on arrival day, we suggest arriving a day early, and staying in Venice overnight, to join our allocated transfer.

What is not included?

• Flights
• Insurance
• Spare parts or equipment
• Medical Cover
• Bike hire
• Coffee or lunch/cafe bought snacks during rides
• Drinks over dinner

Please note all guests will be required to sign an entry waiver in order to take part in a Band of Climbers Escape. The waiver will be sent to you after your place on the Escape is confirmed.

Costs

Total cost for the Escape is £1800.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £1600 to be paid 12 weeks before the trip.

All prices include VAT and taxes where payable. For any questions about the trip, please email us at hello@bandofclimbers.com

Cancellations and Refunds

Please view our cancellation and refund policy including COVID-19 cancellations.

For any questions about the trip, please email us at hello@bandofclimbers.com