DEAD ENDS & Dolci 2026

DEAD ENDS & Dolci is an self-supported bikepacking evente set in the sun-kissed landscapes of Ticino in southern Switzerland. Over roughly 500 km with about 9,000 m of climbing, riders begin and finish close to Bellinzona and must reach five remote checkpoints, each located at the end of a “dead end” road through rugged valleys, ancient villages, and nearly traffic-free mountain terrain. What makes this event truly special is the freedom it offers: participants are free to choose their own route and the order in which they visit the checkpoints, whether aiming for speed on fast gravel sections or seeking out the most scenic and challenging paths through mixed off-road and gravel terrain.

But this isn’t just about distance and elevation—it’s about exploration and enjoyment. At the end of each dead-end road, riders are greeted with a local sweet treat (“dolci”) as a delicious reward and energy boost before heading onwards. The event celebrates the joy of riding and discovering lesser-known corners of Ticino’s diverse landscape, from rugged backroads carved into rocky hillsides to quiet mountain pastures and rustic trails where few cyclists venture.