Today we ride Monte Grappa. It is a wonderland for cyclists, offering nine paved routes to the summit, one of which is considered the third hardest climb in Italy.
Today we ride Monte Grappa. It is a wonderland for cyclists, offering nine paved routes to the summit, one of which is considered the third hardest climb in Italy.
Monte Grappa
We have saved one of the best rides for last, today we’ll ride the slopes of Monte Grappa.
Cima Grappa rises from the plains to a height of 1775 meters. It was a World War 1 battleground and has great significance for the Italian people, particularly the “Alpini”. It is a wonderland for cyclists, offering nine paved routes to the summit, one of which is considered the third hardest climb in Italy.
Fare il Grappa, to do Grappa, is the obligatory climb and right of passage of every local cyclist.
The northern route is possibly an easier ascent, but the variable gradient and some downhill make you wonder when you’ll see the top.
From the top, there is a side road that takes you up to the war monument with great views across the Veneto plains. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend to Bassano del Grappa for the afternoon.
We may even indulge in the local drink, simply called Grappa at our farewell dinner.