Bike Festival Riva del Garda 2024: 30th anniversary celebration & the 7 must-dos at the start of the season on Lake Garda

For BIKE founder Uli Stanciu, one thing was clear: mountain bikers needed their own festival. Five years after BIKE magazine hit the newsstands for the first time (1989), he organised the 1st BIKE Festival. Around 4000 bikers responded to his call and came to Lake Garda on the first weekend in May 1994.

Crime scene then and now: Riva del Garda. Around the northern shore, old military paths wind along the mountain slopes. Stony, bumpy, blocked - just like today. The only difference: back then, bikers had to make do with significantly less suspension travel, plus geometries such as stretching benches and tyres as wide as your thumb.

Nevertheless, there were already guided tours of the "Killer Tremalzo" in 1994, as it says in the follow-up report in BIKE issue 6/94. Even back then, around 30 manufacturers exhibited their bikes and parts on the shore in Riva. And at the first edition, you could also hire bikes to test and explore the trails. Celebrities such as Hans Rey and downhill star Jürgen Beneke gave riding technique seminars on drifting and steep descents.

The idea of the festival has not changed to this day: start the season with like-minded people, talk shop, celebrate and enjoy the dolce vita. The number of visitors has increased more than tenfold since its premiere in 1994. Races such as the established bike marathon are now an integral part of the event. Just like the growing Expo area, where a number of manufacturers present their new products for the first time this season. So our tip is the same as it was 30 years ago: head to Riva! Date: 2 to 5 May 2024. More info at bikefestivalriva.com

7 must-dos in Riva - for the perfect start to the season on Lake Garda

1 - Stroll across the Expo site

At the start of the new season, manufacturers will be presenting their new developments for the first time. The exhibitors are also looking forward to talking shop about their products. Some manufacturers also offer accessories for practical testing.

2 - Start in a race

Marathon fans should not miss out on the Specialized Bike Marathon. For e-bikers, we recommend the Bosch eMTB Challenge, an enduro race with various stages that have to be mastered without prior training - great fun guaranteed!

3 - Explore Lake Garda trails

If you've had enough of the festival hustle and bustle, you should set off on one of the trail gems. We recommend the Naranch Trail. Either take the shuttle to the trail entrance or crank up under your own steam (1300 metres in altitude).

4 - Ride trail classics

The cult trail 601 on the Altissimo has been considered an absolute test of courage for decades. Anyone who wanted to call themselves a mountain biker in the 90s had to get down there. Even with modern bikes, the trail is a real challenge. Nevertheless, it's a must for die-hards.

5 - Lightning ride on the Brione

We've all been there: you've got lost and there's not enough daylight left for a big tour. We have the solution: a fast trail ride on the Brione. Although the single trail only has a few metres of elevation gain, it can be reached in no time and is also great fun to ride.

6 - Celebrate at the Open Night

It's party time on the Saturday of the festival. Expo stands become party spots - free beer included. Don't miss it!

7 - Enjoy the best ice cream

One thing is certain: in the end, the scene meets at the Flora ice cream parlour.

Marathon dates 2024

The BIKE Festival in Riva del Garda also marks the start of the marathon season. Every marathon enthusiast should have these races on their radar.

4 May: Specialized Bike Marathon (Riva del Garda, ITA)

There are three distances to choose from for the race during the festival: 31 km, 60 km and 83 km. In the Ronda Extrema, a total of 3484 metres in altitude have to be conquered. The race has been part of the highest UCI category since 2023.

26 May: Specialized Bike Marathon (Willingen)

With around 2000 participants, the Specialized BIKE Marathon is also one of the sporting highlights of the BIKE Festival in Willingen, also with three distances: 53 km, 88 km and 119 km. On the long course, there are 3333 metres of elevation gain and valuable UCI points for all those with a UCI ID. Inform & register here >>

13 July: Salzkammergut Trophy (Bad Goisern, AUT)

This marathon is considered the toughest in Austria. It's easy to believe when you look at the facts of the most extreme category: 209 km with over 7000 metres of altitude. Phew! There are five other distances to choose from.

14 July: Black Forest Ultra Marathon (Kirchzarten)

The name says it all. Since 1997, the marathon community has been drawn to the Black Forest. There are four categories to choose from. The race distances range from a relaxed 46 kilometres to an ultra-tough 118 kilometres.

4 August: Erzgebirgs Bike Marathon (Seiffen)

In addition to a number of fun events the day before, the Erzgebirge Bike Marathon takes place on Raceday in the bronze (40 km), silver (70 km) and gold (100 km) categories. The race enjoys absolute cult status in the scene.