Grande Anello Bellunese (GAB), story by Mac.
The Paris-Brest-Paris is approaching, and I'm missing some training. Right now, I can take a few days off work and browse the list of interesting events/tracks I've saved over the years. I decide to do the GAB, because in the end, Veneto is always a great place to be. The summer route is 250km with about 4,700m of climbing.
A (racing) bike friend, Nico, is on vacation on the proposed days and so decides to tag along with a rental gravel bike and borrowed bags.
On Monday, August 7th, we arrive at 9:00 PM at the farmhouse of Fulcio, the inventor of the GAB. The trail is a loop, starting and ending at his farmhouse.
We prepare the last things and bags, so we can sleep as much as possible.
The next morning, the sun is shining and we're feeling great. It's cool and the breakfast is plentiful. Fulcio gives us the passport to collect the stamps in, and off we go.
We're immediately greeted by meadows and small paths. The Garmin plays tricks on us, and we lose track for 30 minutes in tall grass. We're back on track shortly after, passing Lake Santa Croce. The view is stunning, and Nico is immediately impressed; he's enjoying his first gravel experience.
From Alpago we begin to climb, but out of the corner of our eye we continue to see the lake.
The first stop is at the Belvedere restaurant where the lady, a 100% local, gives us our first stamp and prepares us a good coffee.
The climb continues, increasingly challenging, but we continue slowly.
We then entered the Cansiglio Forest. I'd heard it mentioned often and was very curious. There's no water to draw and the phone signal is poor, but we already knew that.
Here, there are lots of ups and downs on paths and gravel roads, many shaded sections... it's really nice! Every now and then, we pass a few hikers, whom we promptly say hello to.
The second day looks easier than the first, and breakfast at the pastry shop gets us off to a good start.
We pass by the small and charming Vedana lake, and then proceed towards the Feltrino area.
Once we arrived in Cesiomaggiore, the checkpoint was at a beautiful farmhouse where we relaxed with a delicious sandwich and drinks.
The route winds through villages and fountains, making you want to stop constantly but the road is still long.
After a few kilometers, halfway up a paved climb, there's a new checkpoint: Osteria da Armida. Unfortunately, it's closed, so we limit ourselves to a selfie and a few photos of this very characteristic place.
We then pass Mel and head straight for the checkpoint at Visome, from here we know that the last "climb" will be waiting for us.
We turn towards Nevegal and, each at our own pace, we head up immersed in nature.
Once we reach the old Bar Slalom, a sandwich with pastin and a beer are a must! The sun is starting to set, so we put on our windbreakers and head downhill toward Fulcio's farmhouse, where the customary photo and FINISHER stamp await us.
I've been to Veneto several times on the Venetogravel trail, but I have to say this route really impressed me. Nico, his first time there, had a great time, and we've already planned another trip together.
Info and track: https://www.grananellobellunese.com/
