Recommendations on Rides Around Lake Como, Italy?

[BrianF]

Hi, first time poster here, been lurking here and on VSalon for a while trying to pick up some knowledge on custom bikes.

I'm bringing my bike on a trip with the family to Lake Como next weekend, staying in Menaggio, and figured I'd ask if anyone could suggest a favorite route in the area other than the obligatory ride up the Ghisallo.

I'm looking for shorter rides that you could do in a morning or half a day. I've Googled a few loops on sites like Map My Ride, but I figured I'd see if any of the folks here had suggestions/favorites. If you know of a good bike shop in the area that be great too.

Thanks much,

Brian

[chismog]

Went there last summer, and you are in for a treat. IMHO the riding right around the lake is sort of lame, although very pretty. While I didn't feel it was dangerous, it was quite busy on many of the roads. Watch out for the long tunnel to Lecco on the southeast edge of the lake. That said the loop up Ghisallo is awesome and I expect you can do back roads out of/between Como and Lecco and have a really good time. Yhere were supposed to be be some good climbing routes out of Varenna, although I didn't do them. You could also do a loop out to Lugano, Switzerland which is also very pretty and not very difficult.

Have fun!

[azrider]

Take the ferry (cheap) to Bellagio and climb to the madonna de ghisallo. There on top you get stunning views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and ......oh theres this little statue at the top and museum that is lined with cycling lore.

Do it.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207977_1030816893313_1312085889_77180_7446_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216784_1030817413326_1312085889_77193_1016_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207977_1030817453327_1312085889_77194_1309_n.jpg

[tiretrax]

Welcome. Any road will be outstanding. Try some blogs - Italian Cycling Journal and El Cyclista.

[Liv2RideHard]

Take the ferry (cheap) to Bellagio and climb to the madonna de ghisallo. There on top you get stunning views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and ......oh theres this little statue at the top and museum that is lined with cycling lore.

Do it.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207977_1030816893313_1312085889_77180_7446_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216784_1030817413326_1312085889_77193_1016_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207977_1030817453327_1312085889_77194_1309_n.jpg

My avatar...the sculpture at the Ghisallo. You must go there. The riding is abundant and you will fall in love with it all. I just got in today. I am enjoying it all right now. Beautiful weather, mountains, prosecco and ringing church bells. You should think about coming over to Caldonazzo for Pegoraduno with Dario Pegoretti. There is a thread.on Vsalon about the details.

[tsarpepe]

As it happens, tomorrow is the Giro stage from Busto Arsizio (just outside Milano) to Lecco. You're gonna miss it, unfortunately. But not to fear! Just as you arrive, the real treat of this year's Giro is on order: the stage to Stelvio! Do yourself a favor: take the road from Lecco out toward Sondrio, then up toward Bormio and the Stelvio Pass. It's not exactly the route of the Giro, but the last part is. It's not for the weak-hearted (or weak-legged), but what can be better than following in the tracks of the peloton?!

[flydhest]

as a demonstration of my petty jealousy and envy, I will not contribute anything useful to this thread.

[uno-speedo]

I was there 2 weekends ago, sadly not for riding. Amazing place.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7007410794_dd30ef6fdb.jpg

[chismog]

As it happens, tomorrow is the Giro stage from Busto Arsizio (just outside Milano) to Lecco. You're gonna miss it, unfortunately. But not to fear! Just as you arrive, the real treat of this year's Giro is on order: the stage to Stelvio! Do yourself a favor: take the road from Lecco out toward Sondrio, then up toward Bormio and the Stelvio Pass. It's not exactly the route of the Giro, but the last part is. It's not for the weak-hearted (or weak-legged), but what can be better than following in the tracks of the peloton?!

Pretty sure you would need a car for the above? We did a couple trips to Bormio/Stelvio/Gavia on our Como visit. Take the ferry to Varenna and then the train from Varenna to Tirano. From Tirano you can take a bus to Bormio. You can take your bike on the train and the bus (with supplement). Varenna->Bormio is about 2.5 hours this way.

Bormio offers an ideal starting place for assaults on the Stelvio and Gavia. You could also channel your inner Hampsten and ride the Mortirolo and Gavia starting from Tirano, and wind up in Bormio. These are epic all-day adventures from a Como base.

I want to qualify my traffic post above: the roads right around the lake on the east and west sides are the busy ones, between Lecco/Varenna and Como/Menaggio. Lecco is a city and will have traffic. The roads between, Lecco-Bellagio and Bellago-Como, are better. If you can keep off arterial roads, and/or climb up around the lake, you will be fine. The north end of the lake is less busy as well.

Also, use those ferries. You could do a lot of great wandering point to point rides from Menaggio to various towns and then ferry back.

The Ghisallo climb and church is must-do. Bring your climbing gears for the terrain around the lake. Have fun, you are going to love it!

[BrianF]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Chismog, your comments about the traffic situation along the lake is very helpful, I'll try to stay up in the hills.

I've noted the multiple suggestions to tackle the Stelvio or Gavia; that would be epic but I'm not sure I'll be able to make the time. The ride up the Ghisallo is definitely on my itinerary though.

My flight arrives in Milan on Sunday May 27 so while I'm going to miss the chance to see some of the decisive climbing stages in this year's Giro, I am planning on catching the final TT before driving out to Menaggio.

[tsarpepe]

Did you catch the stage around Lecco on TV? That was epic!

[BrianF]

Did you catch the stage around Lecco on TV? That was epic!

I haven't yet but thanks for reminding me to watch! It's raining here in the DC area today an excellent excuse to get on the trainer and watch it, thanks.

[estilley]

George Clooney's got a real nice place on the lake, maybe he'll invite you inside for a mid-ride beverage.
http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2007/10/15/va1237271920310/George-Clooney-AP-5702946.jpg