There’s a specific kind of silence you only find at 1,500 meters when the roar of a Boxer engine finally cuts out. It’s the sound of realized ambition—and occasionally, the sound of realizing you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
On May 17, 2026, we set out to tackle Section 3 of the Italian TET (Trans Euro Trail). The plan was an epic loop: Gallio, Campomulo, and the high-altitude tracks of the Asiago Plateau, eventually sweeping across the Grappa massif. But the mountains had a different itinerary in mind.
The “May Surprise” at Campomulo#
Leaving the asphalt behind at Campomulo, we were greeted not by the lush spring green we expected, but by a landscape locked in winter’s final grip. The “White Gold” of the plateau was still very much present. What started as patches of slush quickly turned into a treacherous cocktail of packed snow and deep ice ruts.
We were riding heavy Maxi Enduros—gorgeous machines, but they suddenly felt like lead weights. When your 250kg bike starts dancing a samba on a sheet of ice, you have a choice: fight a losing battle or play it smart. After some intense manual labor picking the bikes up, we made the call: the plateau sterrato was too dangerous. We needed a pivot.
The Great Descent: Foza to Valstagna#
We doubled back and dropped off the plateau via the Foza-Valstagna road. If you like hairpins, this is your cathedral. It’s a dizzying descent that drops you into the Brenta Valley, giving our brakes a workout and our spirits a lift. From the valley floor, we began the long, scenic climb back up the Grappa massif.
The Climb: Salto della Capra (1.397 m)#
The centerpiece of our recovery was the legendary Salto della Capra (1.397 m) (The Goat’s Leap). This isn’t just a road; it’s a test of resolve. With gradients hitting a brutal 20%, it clings to the mountainside like a ribbon of hope. Reaching the wrought-iron silhouette of the goat at the summit felt like a hard-won victory after the morning’s snowy struggle.
High Altitude Panorama: Monte Pertica and Col Buratto (1.616 m)#
The ride didn’t stop there. We pushed onto the Strada delle Malghe, sweeping through the panoramic stretches of Monte Pertica. The views here are endless—ridges of stone and grass stretching toward the horizon.
Our destination was the silent sentinel of the Cold War: the Ex-NATO Base Col Buratto (1.616 m) (formerly an interceptor and communications hub). Standing among those skeletal remains at 1,700 meters is a surreal experience, a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding peaks.
The Long Way Home: Col del Baio and Old Valsugana#
After a coffee at the Rifugio Monte Grappa, we began our descent via the Col del Baio (1.205 m) panoramic road. The late afternoon light turned the landscape to gold as we wound our way down. To wrap up the day, we skipped the main highway and took the Old Valsugana Road (la Vecchia Valsugana), a much more soulful way to ride back through the valley shadows.
Rider’s Tip: The Art of the Pivot#
On May 17th, the smart move was knowing when the terrain had the upper hand. If you’re heading to the Asiago Plateau in late spring, expect the unexpected. Those shaded military roads hold onto ice long after the valleys have turned to summer. Always have a “Plan B” (like the Foza hairpins) and never be afraid to trade a dangerous gravel track for a world-class panoramic road.
Gear Check: 50/50 tires are a minimum for the TET, but a clear head is your most important piece of gear.
Keep the shiny side up!