The E-Bike, a.k.a. electric or pedal-assisted bicycle, will also be increasingly used in Mountain Bike trails in the future. This is due to two substantial factors: increasingly high-performance means, now equal to more technical bikes, and gradually more affordable prices.

On this route we tested a truly excellent bike: a Haibike Enduro bike, with 27.5″ full suspension wheels and 150 mm travel. A true electric enduro mountain bike, in short.

This route, which we also completed with a “muscle” bike, becomes rideable even for the less technical and for people who have recently approached Cross Country. The trail includes somewhat technical passages, so it is not recommended for those who have never tried a mountain bike, although those who are familiar with trails can ride a long route, and with a lot of elevation gain, even if they are not particularly trained, thanks precisely to a E-Mtb.

In addition, from the route, you can tell what fatigue the bikers of the 2016 HERO Südtirol Dolomites did in the “world’s toughest Mtb race,” because this is a section of the total route.
There are major climbs with beautiful views, and when you think that this is only the final part of the complete route, you can see why they called it Hero.

Technical description:
The route, which we followed together with the Hero guides, bypasses the harder climbs of the Duron Pass section, so while they are very strenuous they are still rideable.
There are no particularly technical passages, climbs and descents are mainly on dirt roads, with some single track passages recommended for those who already have offroad experience, otherwise it is better to bypass them by staying on the road.
The trail is suitable for everyone as long as they have a decent workout, or an E-Bike as in this case, otherwise there will be plenty of stops to rest.

Route type: loop
Length: 44 km
Elevation gain: 1106 m
Downhill elevation gain: 1061 m
Highest point: 1970 m
Lowest point: 1490 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
There are some sections that are a bit muddy, obviously depending on the season and rainfall, so it pays to equip yourself with suitable shoes. Along the way there are places to buy food and drinks.
Beware of the weather: high altitudes are reached and cold weather is always lurking even in summer.

Place of departure: Selva di Val Gardena
Place of departure: Selva di Val Gardena
Place of arrival: Selva di Val Gardena
Place of arrival: Selva di Val Gardena

Recommended period:
from March to October

Useful links:
http://www.herotrails.com/it
http://www.vacanzattivaguide.com/it/pedalare/hero-sudtirol-dolomites-2016-86-km.html http://www.vacanzattivaguide.com/it/pedalare/hero-sudtirol-dolomites-2016-86-km.html
http://www.vacanzattivaguide.com/it/pedalare/hero-trails-hero-sudtirol-dolomites-86-km-parte-finale.html