The European Chronicles 2026.11 - Riva del Garda & Strada della Forra

July 06, 2026

The European Chronicles 2026.11 - Riva del Garda & Strada della Forra

Well, That Didn't Go To Plan

It started out well enough; an interesting route over a couple of passes that should take me from Valdobbiadene to Riva del Garda in about 5 hours with a stop.

Nope.

Went a little pear-shaped right about here:

I needed to stay on the green line...

This, though, really does not show the complexity of that little "area," Google Maps shows it a bit better:

Now, it was supposed to be a road. Even has a speed limit sign. Maybe if the boulders weren't there..."I coulda been a contenda." 😂

Hacked my way back out...

I like little roads, but...

Backtrack, re-plot, try again...ahhh, that's better.

There WILL be tunnels; there will ALWAYS be tunnels. 😎

Worth it. 😎

Balcony view

Rooftop pool, breakfast and happy hour view:

This will do. 😂

Plus, bat cave parking, free for motos! Gotta love that.

And a good wine list.

My reward for hacking my way out of the jungle. 😎

Relive 'To Riva del Garda'

Strada della Forra

The opening sequence of Quantum of Solace was filmed on the Strada della Forra.

It really is a spectacular road, carving its way up the mountain and through a gorge. Sadly, very few places to stop for photos and my pillion photo documentarian was sorely missed.

This is the beginning through the galleria.

Stickerized. 😎

You're quickly into a dark tunnel.

The Relive plot gives a decent view of how it carves up the mountain.

Of course, there's civilization.

Relive 'Strada della Forra'

Nice short video of a ride through the gorge. Pictures just don't do it justice.

Riva del Garda

A stroll into town...

Bialetti store, with some oh-so-cool moka pots!

We're (and be "we" I mean "me" because Krisanne will never take the time 😂) going to have to make do with our new induction-compatible "standard" model.