Lake Bash - that's the Gravel Challenge
On the Sunday of the BIKE Festival on Lake Garda in 2023, there will be a Gravel Challenge for the first time (information on registration can be found at the end of the article).
- When? 30 April 2023
- How much does the fun cost? 29 euros for pre-registration; late registration on site costs 39 euros
The Lake Bash on Lake Garda combines togetherness, enjoyment and sporting ambition. In plain language, this means that there are segments on which time is measured. But Lake Bash is not a race where you race from start to finish. There is plenty of time between the segments for chatting and relaxed socialising. There is also delicious refreshments that differ from typical race refreshments: Instead of bars and iso-drinks, regional specialities and cappuccino are served up.
Another special feature is the start window. At the Lake Bash, not everyone starts at the same time, but the gravel bikers have a time window of one hour in which they can set off on the route.
The routes
- Lake Bash Epic: 99.6 kilometres, 2303 metres in altitude
- Lake Bash Juicy: 65 kilometres, 981 metres in altitude
Timing segments - this is where the action is
Those who venture out on the long gravel tour on Lake Garda have to complete a total of three timed segments. One segment has to be completed on the short route. But pssst: you don't have to race up the segments, you can also skilfully ignore the timing.
Lake Bash Epic:
- Segment: starts at Tennosee at kilometre 12, 3.77 kilometres long, 248 metres in altitude
- Segment: starts in Comano at kilometre 40; 4 kilometres long, 230 vertical metres
- Segment: starts in Dro at kilometre 77; 1.93 kilometres long, 20 vertical metres
Lake Bash Juicy:
- One timing: starts at kilometre 43 in Dro; 1.93 kilometres long, 20 metres in altitude
Route check
We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. A few rolls, muesli, mini croissants with a cream filling and one to three cappuccinos per person.
The first segment awaits at Lake Tenno
Then we set off towards the route. Right at the start of the long lap, there is a long climb to tackle. Initially, tarmac serpentines wind their way up the mountain, but soon the first gravel section awaits. We pedalled further uphill, always enjoying the view.
We took a short break at Lake Tenno. The sun's rays glistened in the turquoise-blue water. Fortunately, the ice bath in the bathtub didn't work, the water was frozen.
After the lake, the route took us further uphill, with the first segment starting here on 30 April. With my gear ratio of 40-34, the climb was a real slog. I even pushed on a later ramp. At the Passo del Ballino sign, we quickly took the obligatory photo of the pass before turning off the road onto gravel.
After the Val Lomasone it gets steep
The route leads us further into Val Lomasone and we are amazed by the view of the mountains. After that, the steepest climb awaits. I pushed my bike on the steepest sections here.
Our tip: take it easy on this climb, the next segment won't be long in coming.
Passo della Morte
And then it's off, up to the Passo della Morte. If you're feeling exhausted here, you should definitely catch your breath before the descent. It's steep and technical. We pushed some of the gravel bikes. The trail soon becomes wider again and less technical. This is where I promptly got a flat tyre. I didn't pay attention and my front wheel hit a stone. I quickly got out the tubeless repair kit, patched the tyre and pumped it up again.
And the wild ride continued - but not without a short break. We did the route check at the beginning of February and as soon as we stopped, the cold started to find its way in.
The landscape changes at Lago di Cavedine
Now the landscape and the paths change. As is typical for Lake Garda, it remains rocky, but at Lago di Cavedine it becomes flowy with short climbs and descents until the route sends us along a wonderful path directly along the shore of the lake.
Soon the paths part
No, the short and long routes do not separate - in fact, they soon meet. But this is where the route we took during our route check separates from the Lake Bash route. Why? It gets dark early in February and we wanted to be back at Lake Garda in time for sunset. So we skipped the last segment of the long route and the only segment of the short route and followed a tarmac road. Between vineyards, we rejoined the track, which was somewhere between flowy and rocky root trail. The last few kilometres towards Lake Garda invite you to reflect on the day - as long as the headwind isn't too strong. And then: our timing couldn't have been better: The sun was just about to hide behind the mountains when we reached the shores of Lake Lago.
Our summary of the Lake Bash Epic route
This is what Henri Lesewitz says about the Lake Bash route:
I am absolutely thrilled with the route. It's not easy on the legs, but the sensational panorama makes up for the sometimes really tough climbs. You experience the Lake Garda area in a completely new way.
Sandra Schuberth:
The Lake Bash is quite challenging in places, but the effort is always rewarded.
Registration and information
On the website of the FSA BIKE Festival Garda Trentino you will find Further information and registration for the Lake Bash.
FAQ for the Specialised Lake Bash Gravel Challenge
Is the Lake Bash a real race?
Yes and no. Whether you approach the Lake Bash as a race, a tour or a challenge is up to you. There is an open time window in which you can start. The majority of the route is ridden without timekeeping. Only the stages are timed, triggered by the transponder on the back of the start number. If you are only riding for the sake of the course, you simply continue to crank normally in the stages. Those who are out for the ranking go full throttle. The winning time is calculated from the sum of the stage times.
Long or short: which route should I take?
The long route offers the full programme of panoramic views and trails. However, due to its length and many metres in altitude, you should only tackle it if you already have a few kilometres of training in your legs. The short route is flatter and more flowing. It is also suitable for beginners and less experienced cyclists.
Is the route signposted?
Yes.
How long are the stages and how many are there?
There will be four stages on the long route. They are between 1.9 and 4.5 kilometres long and are peppered with numerous metres of elevation gain.
What is the route profile like?
Maximum variety! After the flat start passage, the first long climb begins after the small village of Varone. This leads over asphalt serpentines and gravel terraces to Lake Tenno, 570 metres above sea level. Here begins a tough, steadily steepening gravel climb, which is almost reminiscent of MTB terrain in the upper section. The following 15 kilometres meander flat to slightly downhill across a plateau. This is followed by a real uphill executioner and a rough trail descent. Once this section has been mastered, the flowing finale begins.
How technical is the route?
The route is easy to ride for experienced gravel bikers and requires no special riding skills. Only the bumpy descent into the Sarca Valley requires courage and an extra portion of skills. If you find the loose rock-covered trail too hot, you should push. If only to minimise the risk of punctures. It gets much better in the lower section.
Can you ride a mountain bike at the Lake Bash?
Definitely! The Lake Bash is open to everyone. Only the scoring is decided by bike category. As there is no universal definition of "gravel bike", the type of handlebars used at the Lake Bash determines the category: straight or curved.
Classic MTB vs. gravel bike: Which bike offers the most advantages at the Lake Bash?
The route offers everything from flat tarmac passages and rough gravel serpentines to steep stretches and trail descents. Each bike has advantages or disadvantages in the individual sections. All in all, they balance each other out. The choice of bike is not too decisive. However, if you are riding a classic gravel bike or cyclocross bike, you should make sure you have the right gearing, good brakes and tyres with good grip.
Which tyres are ideal for the Lake Bash?
The grippier, the better. We recommend tyres with tread and advise against semi-slicks. Especially when it's wet. Cyclocross tyres with a 35 mm width are okay, but the absolute minimum. The usual 45 mm gravel tyres offer a good compromise between grip and rolling behaviour. If you ride tubeless, you don't have to worry so much about punctures.
Is the normal gear ratio sufficient?
The gear ratios are diverse. Whether 3x9, 2x11 or 1x13, there are countless variations. With the latest gravel drivetrains such as Shimano's GRX (2x11) or Sram's Eagle (1x12), there's no need to worry. The range of gear ratios is so wide that you can climb even the steepest passages. With the older, usually close-ratio cyclocross gear ratios, things can get tight on some climbs. But no problem. Simply dismount and push briefly. 95 per cent of the route is easy to ride.
Are there refreshment stations?
Yes, there are plenty of refreshment stations along the route. However, these differ from the classic marathon stations, where there are usually only bars, bananas, biscuits, water and isodrinks. The Lake Bash is designed as a challenge with a pleasure factor. The food stations are correspondingly soulful, with local specialities and coffee.
What are the scenic highlights?
Trail manager Loris, who knows every trail on Lake Garda, has woven numerous, sometimes quite unknown gems of the region into an epic loop. Each passage has its own special charm. The stunning view over Lake Garda on the first climb. The turquoise blue of Lake Tenno. The high plateau with views stretching for kilometres at Fiavé. The lovely Sarca Valley with the trail to the idyllic Lago di Cavedine. The long valley that leads to Arco. The finish on the beach of Lake Garda. All impressive and worth every turn of the cranks.
The sponsors of the BIKE Festival in Riva
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
