San Giovanni al Monte
Race cycling • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
San Giovanni al Monte
Twenty small bends take us to the San Giovanni al Monte area, at an altitude of 1050 metres above sea level. Its exceptionally taxing climbs are rewarded by astounding views.
<p>This route proposes the climb to <strong>San Giovanni al Monte</strong>, splendid mountain location reachable from Arco. The road, along which panoramic sections alternate with sections nestled in the wood, presents tough gradients, especially at the beginning.</p> <p>It’s a <strong>challenging climb</strong> and its <strong>numerous bends</strong> offer the only relief from the effort needed to tackle it. Once we’ve reached San Giovanni, the surfaced road ends and for the racing bike, the climb ends here. But before returning, we can recharge our batteries, eat, and rehydrate at the malga.</p>
recommended route
San Giovanni al Monte
Garda Trentino Verified partner
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The tough climb to PadaroPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino (ph. Marco Giacomello), Garda Trentino
This route proposes the climb to San Giovanni al Monte, splendid mountain location reachable from Arco. The road, along which panoramic sections alternate with sections nestled in the wood, presents tough gradients, especially at the beginning.
It’s a challenging climb and its numerous bends offer the only relief from the effort needed to tackle it. Once we’ve reached San Giovanni, the surfaced road ends and for the racing bike, the climb ends here. But before returning, we can recharge our batteries, eat, and rehydrate at the malga.
Author’s recommendation
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Rifugio Malga San GiovanniSafety information
- Give your bike a regular checkup, especially if you've had it for years.
- Be seen: you must wear a high vis jacket (or sash) in tunnels and on country roads after sunset.
- Always wear your helmet.
- Make sure your front and rear lights are working.
- Put out your arm to give advance warning of your intention to change position and before you do anything, check there are no vehicles coming up behind you.
- Don't use headphones or your mobile phone handsfree kit: you need all your concentration on the road!
- Obey the road signs: stop at traffic lights and don't ride on the wrong side of the road.
- If you are cycling in a group, always go in single file.
- You've got a bell: use it to let pedestrians know you're there. Don't ride on footpaths. If you have to then get off and push your bike.
- If there are cycle paths use them. It's your safety that's at stake and the rules of the road say you must.
Tips and suggestions
From epic climbs to fast descents, every detail matters. Ride worry-free with help from our road cycling specialists: rentals, mechanics and guides who speak your language – the language of smooth tarmac and two wheels.Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda and Arco – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point or in the immediate surroundings.
For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino
Parking
Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino BIKE Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole
Equipment
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!
Do not compare a road bike with a mountain bike. They are very different, especially in technical terms, and facing a hill with a road bike could be much more difficult than facing the same hill with a MTB. Therefore, remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do and the locations you plan to cross. Do not forget to consider the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: the paint of the crosswalk could be very slick.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
- Bike helmet
- Bike gloves
- Bike glasses
- Waterproof/Windproof jacket
- Headlights and rearlights
- Reflecting suspenders
- Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
- Water Bottle
- Bike repair kit (tire levers, mini bike pump, bike tube)
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
