Traverse of Italy: Dolomites, North and Central

In stage III of his journey Javier passes through the wonderous Dolomites over four days beginning in Casera Melin and finishing in Don, southwest of Bolzano. His route takes him through major parks: Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags, Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo,and Parco Naturale Provinciale dell' Adamello-Brenta.

The name "Dolomites" is derived from the famous French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu who was the first to describe the rock, dolomite, a type of carbonate rock which is responsible for the characteristic shapes and color of these mountains; previously they were called the "pale mountains," and it was only in the early 19th century that the name was Gallicized.

On the 3rd day of this stage (9th day of trip) Javier encounters riders participating in "Sella Ronda Bike Day", a day every year when the roads around the Sella Ronda are closed to traffic and open to cyclists. See information about Sella Ronda Bike Day here.

Of these days in the Dolomites Javier writes, "A must for any fan of mountain biking if you want to know the Dolomites."

Picola Croda Rossa, Croda Rosa, Gruppo del Cristallo:

Rifugio Passo Sella:

Gruppo Sella:

Trail along Sassolungo:

Passo de Duron:

Descending from the Rifugio Bonatti:
Traverse of Italy, Introduction
Traverse of Italy, Alpi Carniche

Photos: click to enlarge

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