DEAD ENDS & Dolci 2026
Event Overview
DEAD ENDS & Dolci is a self-supported, self-navigated bikepacking adventure through Ticino, Switzerland, designed around exploration rather than a fixed race route. From October 2–4, 2026, riders will cover approximately 500 km and 9,000 m of elevation gain, starting near Bellinzona and traveling across secondary roads, gravel and off-road sections, remote valleys, historic villages, and mountain climbs.
The defining feature is its free-route format. Riders must reach five mandatory checkpoints but can decide both the order of the checkpoints and the route used to connect them. The five checkpoints are located across Ticino’s tourist regions: Mendrisiotto, Luganese, Locarnese, Bellinzona e Valli, and Mesolcina. Their locations are communicated to participants before the event, allowing riders to plan their own strategy.
At each checkpoint, participants can enjoy local sweet specialties, adding a distinctly regional and culinary element to the bikepacking experience. The event combines gravel riding, mountain biking, nature, route planning, and local gastronomy in a format focused on discovery and self-sufficiency.
For official information and registration, visit https://www.deadendsedolci.ch/
Ride Experience
- Self-Supported Bikepacking — Riders are responsible for their own food, equipment, navigation, and repairs.
- Free-Route Navigation — No single prescribed route; participants choose the checkpoint order and connecting roads themselves.
- Mixed Terrain — Expect secondary roads, gravel and off-road sections, remote valleys, and mountainous terrain.
- Long-Distance Challenge — Approximately 500 km with around 9,000 m of elevation gain.
- Five Remote Checkpoints — Each checkpoint is located in a different Ticino tourist region.
- Local Food Stops — Regional sweet specialties provide a distinctive reward at the checkpoints.
Why It Stands Out
- Route Freedom — Strategy and route selection are part of the challenge.
- Ticino Exploration — The event highlights lesser-known valleys, villages, mountain roads, and off-road sections.
- Adventure Over Traditional Racing — The format emphasizes self-reliance, exploration, and personal decision-making.
- Gravel Meets Bikepacking — The terrain combines road cycling, gravel, and MTB-style sections.
- Dolci at the Dead Ends — Local sweets add a memorable cultural and culinary dimension to the ride.
Summary
DEAD ENDS & Dolci 2026 is a three-day, self-supported bikepacking adventure across Ticino, combining approximately 500 km, 9,000 m of climbing, five mandatory checkpoints, mixed terrain, and complete freedom to plan the route. Its combination of mountain exploration and local food makes it a distinctive adventure event rather than a conventional road race.
