FATMAP by Strava

MTB Transalp Classic: The Joe Route

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Valle Isarco

Sulden

Pinzolo

Riva del Garda

Trentino-Alto Adige

7 stage MTB alpine crossing from Obersdorf, Germany to Riva del Garda, Italy.

Also in Tirol, AustriaBozen, Italy

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
309 km
Ascent
12 km
Descent
12 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
64 m
High Point
3 km
Gradient
13˚
MTB Transalp Classic: The Joe Route Map

The Joe Route is one of the all-time Transalp MTB adventures. It's a 7-stage tour starting in the cradle of Transalp: Obersdorf, Germany. Following mainly gravel roads and flowy trails, the tour takes you through some of the most standout spots in the Alps: Arlberg, Graubünden, and the Stelvio National Park. It’s also packed with all the great elements of an alpine adventure: tough climbs, thrilling descents, knockout views, and remote mountain huts. The route features 9 passes over 2000m, including the notoriously tough Schroffen Pass in the Allgäu Alps, right at the start of the trip. The first stretch of the route doubles up with the first-ever MTB Transalp, the Heckmair Route established in 1989. The Joe Route is longer and tougher than the original Transalp, first mapped out by Achim Zahn alias Serac Joe in 1995 and has since been on the bucket list of every serious mountain biker. For a detailed breakdown of the route’s stages go here.

Description

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Hike a bike
  • Picturesque
  • Shuttle-run
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Road sections