Not that cyclists have to rely on a car-free route around the iconic Dolomite massif of the Sella - after all, there are numerous roads with fantastic views in the region. But the Sellaronda Bike Day is a very special experience even for frequent cyclists - and on 13 September it's that time again: the legendary pass loops around the Sella massif will be completely closed to car and motorbike traffic between 8.30 am and 4 pm.
This is the starting signal for thousands of cyclists who will once again use this time slot to make a pilgrimage along the roads over the Sella Pass, Pordoi Pass, Campolongo Pass and Gardena Pass. Without a stopwatch on their necks, but many with a picnic in their rucksacks. Because even the meadows next to the tarmac hairpin bends become an idyll with a wide panorama during these hours.
The best starting point
However, if you want to complete the entire tour over all four passes, you shouldn't overdo it with the picnic breaks, as a total of 53 kilometres and around 1600 metres of altitude difference (1936 metres from Selva Gardena) await you. You can start from all four Dolomite valleys. For example:
- From Selva Gardena to Passo Gardena or Passo Sella
- From Corvara to the Gardena Pass and Campolongo Pass
- From Arabba to the Pordoi Pass
- From Canazei to the Sella Pass or Pordoi Pass
The organisers recommend that the round should be against to go in a clockwise direction. Not because it would then have fewer metres in altitude, but to avoid oncoming traffic. This could be more than unpleasant when there are thousands of participants on different types of bikes. Wearing a helmet is also a good idea in any case.
Technical support and rental bikes at the track
As there have always been technical breakdowns in previous years, there will be five service stations along the route this year, offering advice, assistance and the necessary replacement equipment. The stands will be installed at the Pordoi Pass, in Arabba, at the Pordoi and Miramonti crossroads and in Corvara.
If you are travelling without your own bike, you can hire one in the valleys around the Sella. There are plenty of bike shops and hire stations in the larger towns, but will the right frame size be available? It's better to travel with your own equipment.
The Sellaronda Bike Days take place twice a year. The first car-free event took place in June this year. Despite cool temperatures and an unfortunately cloudy sky, the pass roads were like one big festival of ambitious racing cyclists, relaxed touring cruisers, whole families and lots of mountain bikers - with and without batteries.
Current information about the Sellaronda Bike Day on Sunday, 13 September can be found here: sellarondabikeday.com
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
