DOGA. Dolomiti Garda. FROM PINE to PALM.

The road wakes up with you, a soft downhill to Dimaro before the only real climb of the day: the ascent to Campo Carlo Magno. It’s early, it’s shaded, it’s silent—your legs are fresh but already negotiating with your breath.
This is where those chasing numbers can have their shot: the Strava KOM segment from Dimaro to the pass is short, intense, and clean. If you’ve warmed up enough in your mind, this is your moment to play.

Beyond the pass, the route opens up.

And so begins your descent into Italy’s shifting geography—from the high Dolomites into the wide world of Garda.
From rocks to rivers, from pine forests to palm trees.
All in a day’s ride.

The DOGA (DOlomiti GArda) is a route meant for explorers.

And while the original track takes detours onto gravel and forest paths to avoid state roads, this MONROC roadbike version sticks to full asphalt and historic cobblestones.
Yes, there’s a bit more traffic.
But in exchange?
A smoother ride. A faster pace. A true road cyclist’s flow.

You pass Madonna di Campiglio, still sleepy in the early sun. You skim the villages of Tione, Preore, Ragoli, all quietly humming with mountain life. You flirt with waterfalls. You ride through forest canyons. You never quite stop descending—but you do slow down. Because it’s not a race. It’s a narrative.

And every story needs a break.

Into the wild south

Leaving Ragoli, the descent becomes cinematic.
You sweep down past Rio Bianco, a waterfall tucked into the forest cliffs, roaring like it’s late to something.
Then comes Stenico, perched high above the valley. Its castle leans into the sky, stone walls soaking up centuries. You don’t need to stop—but you’ll want to slow down.

After a short section in the trees, you pass through Comano Terme, a land of mineral water and ancient calm.
Here, the terrain rolls more gently. Your cadence settles.
Villages like Poia and Lomaso come and go like verses in a poem.

Through Tenno, into the light

Soon you reach Tenno—where the lake shimmers like glass below you.
The medieval town of Canale di Tenno hides just off route, a gem of stone alleyways and artists’ doors.
A detour here is never wasted. Nor is a pause by the Castello di Tenno, standing guard over a view you won’t forget.

Then the descent begins.

The final 10 km are pure glide.
Hairpins carved in the cliffs. Stone walls echoing every shift of the gear.
Then a flash of light—and suddenly you’re in Garda territory.

THE LAKE IS YOUR FINISH LINE

You hit the lakeside road and glide into Riva del Garda—where palm trees meet peaks, where climbers and cyclists share cafés, and where gelato tastes like a trophy.

Stop. Stretch.
Sit barefoot on the pebbled beach, or dive in if you’re brave.

But watch the clock: the ride ends here, but your journey isn’t quite over yet.

The End.

Here the original DOGA project. We are planning to test in gravel/ebike mode. Keep in touch.

Fuel like a local

You’re not racing.
But you’ll want to eat like a pro anyway—quick, tasty, real.

In Coltura, ask Denise at the village grocery shop for a made-to-order panino. The move? Walnut bread, mortadella, and spressa di Roncone. Locals know. Just be on time: the shop closes at noon.

Prefer a pause on a terrace? At Osteria Fiore, Silvio and Rita serve up pasta, risotto in the parol and other very-local plates. If your legs allow, ask for a glass of Rebo, the bold red wine grown just over the next ridge.

DOGABUS Return — No Climb, Just Recline

From June to September, every Friday afternoon, a dedicated DOGA Bus leaves from Riva and brings you (and your bike) back to the Val di Sole.
You’ll want to be there by 4:00 p.m. to load your bike and settle in.

Check dates and availability (and book it) with the MONROC reception or directly here (Val di Sole DOGABus).
Because while the ride may be linear, the story can always loop.