The Dolomites Escape - September 2024
The Dolomites Escape - September 2024
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ESCAPE DATES : SEPTEMBER 15TH TO 21ST 2024
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THE DOLOMITES ESCAPE 2024
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 all rides and we'll provide you with a new and Exclusive Band of Climbers Escapes jersey too.
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 + Leg Loosener
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport, before midday, for a private transfer to Alta Badia and our base for the week at Hotel Melodia del Bosco. 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.
An Evening five-course dinner is served in the dining room around 7.30pm each evening.
Distance : 40km : Elevation 900m.
Day 2 : 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, which is the easier, gentler side. To get there we must first cross the Passo Valparola, and we finish with a stunning climb of Passo Falzarego, with it's switchbacks, tunnels and more stunning views.
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 3 : The Passo dello Erbe
Today we head south and cross Passo Gardena, before heading west to Klausen-Chiusa for lunch, before climbing the Passo dello Erbe. A tough and very long climb, with long sections in excess of 12%. A coffee at the summit awaits at 2000m, before we return back to the hotel up the valley road alongside a flowing river.
Distance : 108km : Elevation 3000m
Day 4 : Sella Ronda Rest Day
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 5 : 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 6 : 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 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.
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 Exclusive Band of Climbers Escapes Cycling Jersey
*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 £1900.00 per person. £200 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking your place, with the balance of £1700 to be paid 14 weeks before the trip.
A single room is available with a supplement of £250. Please note the single room must be booked with the deposit as we cannot guarantee a single room will be available closer to the Escape.
All prices include VAT and taxes where payable. For any questions about the trip, please email us at hello@bandofclimbers.com
Recommended Flight Info
Arrivals : Please fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport BEFORE 11:00am on Sunday 15th September 2024, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11:30am. If you cannot find a flight that lands before 11:00am. We suggest flying in a day early, on the 14th, and staying in an airport hotel overnight (not included).
Departures : Please book a return flight AFTER 10.00am from Venice Marco Polo Airport on Saturday 21st September to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 10:00am due to the transfer time to the airport. Any flights booked before 10:00am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £350.
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
FAQ's
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
BoC Escapes are not races, they're an adventure. We ride socially, with a cafe/coffee stop midway through each ride.
That said, BoC Escapes are tough. You'll ride 6 back to back big days with up to 4000m of climbing (10,000ft) per day.
We would suggest you should be capable of climbing for at least 90 minutes at a gradient of 7% without stopping. Average speeds are very difficult to gauge, but most riders on our Escapes will average at least 10kph per hour (6mph) on a climb of 7%. Some will ride much quicker of course, but you are free to ride at your own pace.
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 guides will be on the road with you at all times.
We aim to ride as a group, although on long climbs we usually split up, before regrouping at the summits, or cafe stops if the temperatures at the summits are too cold.
Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to 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. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.
CAN I ATTEND AS A SOLO RIDER?
CAN I ATTEND AS A SOLO RIDER?
Absolutely! Around 95% of all our Escape riders come on their own. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes. This is why we cap numbers at a maximum of 16 riders.
HOW DO SHARED ROOMS WORK?
HOW DO SHARED ROOMS WORK?
1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request by both parties)
2. All rooms are twin beds, with en suite bathrooms
3. Rooms are allocated at random, unless booked as pairs or couples.
4. We can allocate rooms to friends on request (email us once booked)
5. If we have one single female, on a trip of 10 male riders, the female will be given a single room, to avoid sharing with a male (unless requested). Likewise, if we have a trip with 10 females, a solo male will be given a single room.
6. 95% of our guests come as solo riders. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes.
SINGLE ROOMS
SINGLE ROOMS
Single rooms are available in some Escape Destinations with a supplement of £250. Single rooms must be booked with your deposit as a single room may not be available closer to the escape.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
You will have 2 or 3 BoC ride guides on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with you, and ensure no rider is left behind.
We also have a support van on most Escapes (Excluding Mallorca) which carries tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry anything.
If your legs decide to give up, or you need a rest, you are welcome to ride in the van and miss a climb or section if you need to, or end your ride early.
CAN I HIRE A BIKE?
CAN I HIRE A BIKE?
We can help you to rent a road bike in all of our Escape Destinations. We do not rent bikes ourselves, but we have recommended partners in each destination and we can assist in the rental, pickup and return of your bike.
