A 3-day MTB adventure – Dolomites Stoneman Challenge

Neither an event nor a race, the Stoneman Trail in the Dolomites is nevertheless a real challenge for mountain bikers. It’s a specially designed multi-stage trail, which you can take on at any time, without the stresses of a race situation. You ride to five checkpoints to document your ride and, at the end, you get a trophy if you've made it. However, the real reward is the unforgettable biking experience on the most beautiful trails of the Sesto Dolomites. The Stoneman is an unforgettable experience.

The idea came from former professional cyclist Roland Stauder after he ended his career. It was to be a challenge for all future mountain bikers, a gauntlet for the next generation. The goal is to complete a given route in a certain time and riders would have to collect a stamp at each checkpoint.

However, it’s a much more liberating experience than a race, as you can tailor it in any way you like. Whether you complete the checkpoints in one, two or three days is entirely up to you. This makes the Stoneman a real test for endurance pros, but also makes it accessible to normal mountain bikers who complete it in three days. So that you can fully enjoy your time in the Dolomites, we’ve made three shorter Tours out of the big Stoneman loop, all of which start and end in San Candido, which you can use as your basecamp.
At the end of your journey, you’ll have covered around 167 kilometres (104 mi) and conquered 5,300 metres (17,400 ft) of elevation gain. To earn the official trophy and to support this beautiful project, before setting off you can buy a ‘starter package’, which costs €23 and includes the stamp bracelet as well as nice goodies. You can find all the information here: stoneman.it/en

As you’ll be taking on high alpine terrain, it goes without saying that you need to be a little prepared. Pack the usual spare parts, as well as some food for emergencies, a first aid kit and clothing for changes in the weather. You’ll need cash for stops in the idyllic mountain huts. When it comes to bikes, a normal touring bike or enduro bike is the best choice.

The name Stoneman comes from the ‘Stoanernen Mandln’, the piled-up stone figures that grow a little bit with each hiker or biker. When you pass by, you can also put a small stone on top and leave your mark!