For this years edition of our DD Dolomites Spring Tour we had chosen our favorite roads, and some nice places to socialize eat and rest.
Dolomites Spring Tour 2021:
This edition of the Tour was not as packed as the last one. We listened to your feedback, so this time we aimed to offer some more “unscheduled” time for the drivers to do whatever they liked best. Some went on little de- and extra tours and some others preferred chilling at the hotel lounge for instance.
In fact this time I had the opportunity to speak with every participant which is something I like but not always manage to do. This group was quite frankly fantastic, because everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the program the routes and the other drivers too. It was a great pleasure touring with either of them.
We also had a great mix of countries and cars.
In the tour description we said: “This is the perfect time of year for a tour like this with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures outside of the touristy high season.”
Well this was the only part that didn’t work as “planned” but we know we cannot change the climate even if I tried to do some sun dances for three days in advance… maybe that was the problem.
Nevertheless, we started with a smaller group from the DD Garage at Bolzano. Since we would have considered it a crime to drive on straight main roads from Bolzano to the hotel, we instead took the road to Völs am Schlern (Fie allo Sciliar), Kastelruth (Castelrotto) to arrive in Santa Cristina (Valgardena)
We waited for all the crew to arrive at the Hotel while enjoying a drink in the fresh mountain air.
Our friends all arrived and we had our first joint dinner at the hotel. The menu provided us with a variation of typical local food, tastefully prepared by the fantastic chef of the Smart Hotel Saslong.
Saturday morning
Saturday morning, I jumped out of bed and peeked out of the window: It was raining cats and dogs. Luckily after breakfast the rainfall stopped and the brave ones decided to drive with the roof open. I wasn’t so brave and waited some time before folding the soft top of my Elise. Joerg with the Porsche 996 GT3 was leading us, since he knows the roads by heart.
The Belgium team, who are known to be some early birds already from past meeting (for example at Stelvio, where they used to be on top of the mountain around 5 AM to enjoy the empty streets) , had left already.
It took us about 30 minutes to arrive at Passo Sella. It turned out to be covered in snow. What a nice surprise for sportscars with summer tires or semi slicks. But this didn’t stop us, especially not David who used the slippery conditions to spin some donuts whenever there was an opportunity.
Fun fact is that 3 weeks before as me and Joerg went to check the route for the tour. Back then I was figuratively wearing a T-shirt on the top of the pass. This time the ski clothes would have been more suitable.
On the top of the pass there met two motorbikers. The only ones we saw the entire day. Luckily they had arrived from the other side and reassured us that the street condition on the other side of the pass was better. So we went on, heading to Pordoi.
Since Passo Giau turned out to be closed we decided to take the “shortcut” to Pian Falzarego and then continued on to Passo Valparola.
Saturday afternoon
I have never seen the Dolomites as empty as this time and even though the streets were wet most of the day we had fun negotiating the countless hairpins.
Right in time we arrived at the Utia de Börz for our lunch break. Once again we were spoiled with wonderful regional products and dishes. The afternoon drive was deliberately shorter than the one last year. Some of us drove down form Passo delle Erbe using the straight route towards Klausen. The later group was warned by oncoming drivers, that they should rather use the alternative route to Brixen. When we met at the hotel, we learned why: There were roadworks on the route to Klausen, presenting the drivers with an unexpected rallycross stage.
At the hotel we once again hung out at the bar and exchanged our experiences of the day. That has become one of my favorite parts of the day.
I love driving, and since I live in the Dolomites I always have the chance to get out for a drive, but I don’t have the same opportunity to have a good time with other petrolheads. Therefore I always try to sit with someone else every time.
We all arrive at our venues as drivers but we part ways as friends. This is what Delightful Driving is like and all about.
Sunday
At first glance Sunday morning was exactly the same as the day before. The routes of the day took us to the west, however. We took a “detour” via Passo Nigra to our preferred photo spot. Well, this time nothing was to be seen, apart from a lot of fog. We then stopped for coffee at Lago di Carezza. If you plan doing the same: The coffee in the souvenir shop is a million times better than the coffee at the food kiosk. Unfortunately the drive to the lake was completely foggy again and the spectacular scenery could only be imagined. We will attach some pictures here so you get an idea what you have missed. But no worries: This is of course the perfect excuse to take part to the next Dolomites Tour, we will make sure to order some sun in advance.
My favorite part of Sunday was the street from Terlan (Terlano) via Mölten (Meltina) and Hafling (Avelengo) to the Lunch stop in Meran. This is such a beautiful, smooth winding road to drive with fantastic views of the valley. It was the perfect closing stage and a great end of the tour.
Pictures by Nicolas Boitieux
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