Tre Cime di Lavaredo - Misurina

We climbed the pass on 17.7.2010 as one of many passes planned on our cycling tour through Italy. It should have been the shortest of all passes we planed to climb and I thought to myself we must easily manage cca 7 km long ride no matter how steep it might be. The reality was different, it was my longest 7 km ride on bike for sure. However, summit was beautiful and it was worth the effort. I recommend.

My personal climb rating:

Our annual Giro dItalia trip consisted of a group of 8 Americans this year. We were in Cortina awaiting the Zoncolon day an did the Cortina, Tre Croce loop with Tre Cime thrown in for good measure. I have done Lincoln gap in Vermont a few times. the first time I had to zig zag so I went back with more proper training and got up it straight. Lets just say that we all had to zig zag up Tre Cime and I dont think any amount of training would change things for me. Visually to me it just never looked that steep but it is unrelenting. Spectacular views from the top and good weather to boot. We bagged Zocolon and did more local Cortina climbs like Passo Giau, and the Passo Campolongo, passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, and Passo Gardena loop.

My personal climb rating:

Tre cime is a great test. Did it in July 2009 after the Stelvio and other longer steep and tough climbs. It is short, sharp and very tough(some over 20% stretches) for the last 4 k to the top. But hang in, although it doesnt let off until the top it is worth it. But park your bike and take the 4 k hike at the top around the Tre Cime for one of the best mountain views in Italy and probably Europe!

My personal climb rating:

Dont even think about it without a compact or a 27 on the back.Sections where you are unsure whether to laugh or cry(we did both)bring a mate so at least you will not be the only one blubering on the mountain.

My personal climb rating:

I can reccomend a triple chainset. I did it with a double and a compact (50/34 & 12-27) in 2007. Very slowly.

My personal climb rating:

This is not the longest climb ive ever done but probably the hardest. And i managed to damage my knee in the process. Still, feels good when you get to the top!

My personal climb rating:

This is the final hard climb on the official route of the Randonee Leman Adriatique. And it really is hard. It does not go anywhere, just up a mountain to a restaurant then down again. But you must do it (and get a stamp at the top) to complete the official route. We tackled it in August but it being the Dolomites we set off from Cortina in torrential rain. By way of an aperitif you first go over the Tre Croce before reaching Misurina (a lakeside village, lovely I am sure when the sun is shining but more like Miseryina when its cold and wet.) A brief pause for coffee then the climb. This turns right off the main road and very quickly you hit a short very steep section. Dont be fooled, this is not the real climb as just after the road goes downhill and then slowly up before the "real" fun starts. 4km of average 12% with 20%+ maximums. Dont stop turning the pedals as if you do you may not be able to restart without going back to the beginning. Luckily as the climb began the rain stopped which was good news as it ment the tyres could grip the road. The final km feels the steepest but in fact is "just and easy 10%". Then a stop for a coffee and the vital stamp. As if to mark the moment the rain stops completely and the clouds part to give fantastic views down the valley. As the clouds roll in its back on the bike quick as you dont want to go downhill on those bends in the rain. (PS. If you do the Randonnee and this isnt hard enough there is a simple detour to take in the Zoncolan next day.)