The lights of Verona illuminate the midnight blue sky and shine right into Michele's face. But he points his finger downwards, into the black. There, where only a few spots of light sparkle. One of these glowing pincushions is our destination: "That's Caprino Veronese. We've ridden the trail there before in daylight." Michele speaks with a Venetian accent and just as I'm glad that he can't see my grin in the darkness, his helmet light shines right in my face: "Are you ready?" Yes, I am. I would have liked to enjoy the night-time scenery on Monte Baldo even longer, but I would never find the start of our downhill trail on my own.
Southern Monte Baldo, a fresh spring wind blows in our faces. During the day, the sun has coaxed the yellow dandelions out of the ground. I recognise the lighter spots in the black meadow. It's always amazing - there's still snow on the north side of the Alps and here the alpine meadows are already in bloom. But it's clear: spring is coming from the south and the warm air masses are now surging towards the first bastion of the Alps, the south side of Monte Baldo.
Nevertheless, I had always taken the "Lake Garda North" motorway exit in previous years. Until Michele convinced me to go one exit further. Even though there is no Moser guide for the south of Lake Garda, I would be surprised at how brilliant the trails in his home region around Caprino Veronese are. Long military road ascents are rewarded with hidden downhill trails that lead over rustic mountain pastures down into the Adige Valley. There are agriturismi that make you stop and savour their home-made dishes: The trails are practically virgin, as bikers and hikers rarely stray into this region.
You can find these tours in the free PDF download:
1st Sperane tour: 18 km/600 metres in altitude. Difficulty level: four out of six stars
2nd Fiori del Baldo: 1800 metres downhill. Level of difficulty: four out of six stars
3. Malga Ime: 25 km/1100 metres in altitude. Level of difficulty: five out of six stars
