Garda to Baldo di Novezza by Bike and Bus: New Mountain Tourism Initiative
From Garda to Baldo di Novezza by mountain bike using the bus. The initiative that connects the lake and the mountain through a completely new itinerary was presented yesterday morning in the council chamber of Palazzo Carlotti.
This is the third significant “stage” of the “bus and bike” project, which has been underway for a few years by the Assessorato ai trasporti e turismo of the Province, in collaboration with the Azienda provinciale trasporti, and with increasing participation from the Municipalities. The project is continually growing given the considerable approval it is receiving in the world of sporting holiday enthusiasts.
The first experience and the development of the project
The first experience came in 1997 with the “bus & bike del Garda”, a bus service that transported people from Torri to S. Zeno and Prada, along with a chairlift up to the Fiore del rifugio. From the 68-meter-high lake level to the 1900 meters of Costabella, followed by a scenic and fun downhill mountain biking ride on the south-western slope of Monte Baldo.
Encouraged by the success, this initiative was extended with interest to Lessinia, leading to the presentation yesterday. It will be inaugurated on Saturday, July 1, and is defined as the “spine'” of the entire project, pairing the bus as a lift means with mountain biking for downhill rides along various more or less challenging routes, some known and others yet to be discovered.
The official presentation and reactions
“A sports and tourism initiative” stated the Mayor of Caprino during the press conference, “the result of a program agreement strongly desired by the four municipalities (Garda, Costermano, Caprino, and Ferrara, ed.)”.
“We made it here with our backs against the wall,” clarified Maria Teresa Girardi, “but convinced that this operation will succeed over time”.
Certainly, the debut couldn’t have been better, given the presence of Olympian Paola Pezzo and the Italian national team coach Alfonso Morelli.
“We feel at home on Garda,” both emphasized, each engaged in their respective roles in preparing the Italian team for the upcoming Sydney Olympic Games.