2025 Veneto Gravel

Thanks to its location not too far from Munich, the choice for the first short bike tour of the year fell on the Veneto Gravel.

More a multi-day social ride than a challenge, the Veneto Gravel could have been designed by the tourism board of the region. It boasts a circuit through some of the most scenic parts of northern Italy, ensuring there is something exciting to see at all times. What sets the Veneto Gravel apart from other bikepacking events is its enormous scale: this year more than 1300 participants embarked on the ride.

The route starts and finishes in Bassano del Grappa, a picturesque town at the foot of Monte Grappa south of the Alps. It comes in four flavours that can be freely chosen at the start line (or even during the race):

• A Classic route of 700 km that incorporates Lake Garda and the Venice lagoon;
• two Short loops of 400 km each through parts of the full route, one to the lake, the other to the lagoon;
• an lastly, Newbie version of only 200 km.

Veneto Gravel non è una gara! – As the roadbook says, the organizers emphasize enjoyment of the trip, not competitiveness. Most importantly, there are no trackers. Despite the predefined route, adherence to the itinerary is not enforced other than collecting stamps at checkpoints. While there are no technical hike-a-bikes, there even are some sections that are meant to be walked, pushing the bike. They’re on the route because they offer some phenomenal sightseeing that couldn’t be found otherwise. No surprise then that the overall atmosphere as quite relaxed. Just the right kind of event to kickstart the bikepacking season!

The Beach 400

Day One: Bassano to Caorle

• rain, flat

• Treviso

• turtles

• nutria

• flamingos

Day Two: Caorle to Lago di Santa Croce

• finally, Alps

• almost no rain despite thick, dark clouds looming over the mountains

• I knew parts of the route from a few years back when I rode from Cavallino on the Lagoon to Auronzo, but the organizers picked a slightly different path through the Lapisina valley.

Day Three: Lago di Santa Croce to Bassano

• hills

• changes to the route this year due to avalanches

• Passo San Boldo "Cento giorni"

• Piave

• more hills

• finale, Ponte degli Alpini