Living here in Trentino, the annual Bike Festival is always a highlight we look forward to. It’s more than just the nearest event; every year brings fresh experiences, yet the original fantastic vibes remain.
For us, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate our love for biking and share that enthusiasm with the entire community. In this post, we want to share the top reasons why we love the Bike Festival in Riva so much.
1. Bike Races for Everyone!
The Bike Festival in Riva truly lives up to its name by offering a wide array of races designed for every type of cyclist. No matter your preferred discipline – from the thrilling eMTB challenge we experienced last year to gravel and cross-country – the Bike Festival has a race for you. Categories cater to all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning.
Speaking of our experience, we were so excited to join the Bosch eMTB challenge last year! Even without our own e-bikes, we borrowed our parents’ and had a blast racing alongside friends. The mass start created such a fun and inclusive atmosphere, and we were even surprised to discover new trails right in our local area.
This year is even more special as our little one will be joining the racing fun on their balance bike at the Scott Junior Trophy, meaning our whole family will be participating!
So, if you’ve ever considered trying a race, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge at the Bike Festival. You’ll find a welcoming environment and might just discover the joy of racing firsthand. Plus, reasonable race costs make it a great chance to experience the festival as a rider.
2. Cool Bike Events and Evening Parties Too!
We know we’re parents and perhaps a bit past our prime for partying, but the bike festival is an exception. Maybe it’s the sporty vibe or great memories of past stand parties…
Expect Bikeflip shows and biker yoga this year (1-4 May 2025). A Red Bull beach party is also scheduled for Thursday. Saturday night, the expo area stays open. This suggests a fantastic party at the stands. The official party will then take place at the Spiaggia degli Olivi. (Getting the little racer to sleep might take priority… or who knows!).
3. Testing Any Possible Bike or Product!
The entire bike industry attends, unlike any other fair. This event offers a unique opportunity to test and explore the latest bikes and related products in one location. Bike testing is free with your ID card and typically lasts one hour. You can use the dedicated testing trail or explore one of the many trails in the Riva area, such as the iconic Ponale trail. This is especially useful if you already have a specific bike or product in mind. Even if testing isn’t your primary goal, the bike festival is the perfect place to explore the newest innovations in the bike market.
4. The Location is Simply TOP!
As locals, Lake Garda is our ultimate outdoor sports destination, and not just for biking. We also love wing foiling, climbing, and hiking here. So, if you’re wondering what to do before or after visiting the bike festival, you’ll find countless sports and spots to explore. For inspiration, check out our dedicated sections on hiking, wing foiling, and biking in Trentino!
To summarize, the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda offers an incredible mix: thrilling bike races, a deep dive into all things cycling, endless chances to try out the latest gear, and fantastic community vibes, all within a stunning location. Whether you’re a die-hard bike enthusiast or simply curious, we highly recommend a visit. Entry is free upon registration, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamic world, community, and industry of this sport!
