The first "aha!" moment comes on arrival. At least that's what all the women who have visited the BIKE Women Camp were there: Wow, there really is a lake that is even more beautiful than Lake Garda!
Yes, exactly. And just 5 motorway exits away from Lake Garda. Before the exit to Lake Garda, mind you. Unsuspectingly, you cross a mountain saddle near Andalo and curve down the next valley, where Lake Molveno lies at your feet: Caribbean blue, changing into green towards the shore and framed by white beaches. Behind it, the vertical walls of the Brenta Dolomites tower over 3000 metres high. And if you look closely, you can recognise a wide meadow between the lake shore and the Brenta - our BIKE Women Camp site.
There is actually no such thing as 'typical' in this camp
The faces of the camp participants, who have already gathered by the lake, are correspondingly radiant. Some are hugging each other because they know each other from last year. Others seem a little nervous because they are there for the first time, don't know anyone yet and don't really know what to expect.
But this soon subsides, because as soon as the exclusively female guides have gathered their groups around them, the sense of community kicks in: the beginner groups roll towards the pump track and start with the first playful riding technique exercises. There is usually a lot of laughter and you quickly get to know each other.
The advanced riders get on the gondola to ride the first flow trail in the Molveno zone of the area. They stop regularly to practise their off-piste riding technique. Smaller key sections that are no longer a problem the next day because you know how to tackle them professionally.
And then there are the "black" groups who venture up to the Paganella zone on the first day, because in addition to very creative flow trails for warming up, there are also natural, rough descents.
The trail variations in the Dolomiti Paganella Trail Park are therefore wide-ranging. Every day and after every single descent, you can feel your self-confidence and your own riding technique skills grow. Also because the girls motivate and cheer each other on within the groups.
After the time in the saddle, however, the day is far from over. Back at the camp, the exhibitors offer workshops: How do I wash and care for my bike (Tunap), which tyres are suitable for which riding style and surface, how do I convert to tubeless? Scott and Pivot will fit the test bikes for the next morning and show you how to adjust the suspension so that you can ride a class better.
Deuter will also be there again with the latest backpack models. You can also try them out during the day after they have been optimally adjusted to your shoulders and back. Many a back problem has been solved for good with these tips. And Alpina will be there again with the latest helmets and goggles.
Alternatively, you can simply roll out your bath towel or yoga mat after the tour before heading to the pasta or pizza party afterwards. This is roughly what a typical day at the BIKE Women Camp looks like - in theory. In practice, however, no two days are the same. This is because the camp organisers always come up with some additional surprises, with prizes to be won as well as lots of fun.
Info BIKE Women Camp Dolomiti Paganella 2024
Date: 20-23 June 2024
Services:
- Guided tours
- Riding technique in small groups
- Workshops
- Bike park ticket
- Test bikes & accessories
- Pasta party
- Pizza party
- Yoga
- Participant shirt
- Goodie bag
...and a few surprises that are yet to be revealed.
Price: 489,00 Euro
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
