Sellaronda Bike Day

For two days a year the pass roads round the fantastic Sella alpenstock are closed for motorized vehicles from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, in favour of those who love cycling. By car we approach Corvara, where we park on the reserved spaces, before we get started for the tour. Together with innumerable cyclists, we start ascending towards the Passo Gardena mountain pass, past the village of Colfosco. Mt. Sassongher and the north face of the Sella Group surveil the happenings on the roads, while we continue our tour towards the mountain pass (2,121 m a.s.l.), which is already visible. After 10 km and 611 m of altitude drop, we reach the Passo Gardena. A short stop and the obligatory picture, before we descend towards the Val Gardena valley on the road that stretches along the rock faces of the Sella Group.

At the crossing Selva Gardena/Passo Sella (1,806 m a.s.l.), the second ascend starts (9 km), leading us the way to the Passo Sella mountain pass. The view is just amazing, Mt. Sassolungo, lushly green alpine pastures and the rough Sella Towers attract our attention. Short before reaching the pass, we pass by the Rif. Passo Sella mountain hut, one of the multitude of rest points along the course. Once we've reached the pass (2,244 m a.s.l.), the Marmolada Glacier, the highest peak of the Dolomites, enters our view. More and more cyclists are on the roads - in the end there will be a total of incredible 18,000 participating in this great event.

After the long descent towards Canazei (5 km) along the south-western slopes of the Sella Group, the ascent towards the Passo Pordoi, the third mountain pass, starts. Cycling along the roads, we can see different lift facilities of the famous Sella Ronda on skis. After 6 km, we reach the Passo Pordoi. What is also amazing is a look back on the roads, that are full of colourful points moving upwards slowly. At the pass (2,239 m a.s.l.), there is music and entertainment, food and beverages. We continue towards Arabba, also in this village many people stop to have a break.

This is where the shortest ascent starts (4 km) towards the Passo di Campolongo. We reach the east side of the Sella alpenstock, which is not less impressive. With 1,875 m a.s.l. only, it is the lowest located pass of the four Dolomite passes, situated between the Sella Group and the Sasso di Santa Croce Group. Once reached the pass, the last descent towards Corvara and our starting point starts. From the hairpin bends above the village, we admire, once more, the beauty of this Dolomite scenery. Proud of ourselves, we have a drink in Corvara, before we travel back home.

Please note: Fantastic and well-organised cycling event in the Dolomites, which is really worth to take part in. The landscape is just great and makes this event a highlight. Unfortunately not all cyclists stick to the rules and cycle in clockwise direction, so always keep on the right side! Keep environment clean in order to preserve its unique beauty. Service stations along the track, likewise food and drinks.

Author: BS