In Cycling Italy, Dolomites

The Col Melon climb in the southern Dolomites and is a meadow used as a mountain pasture in June and September. Cows and horses. Col Melon is located along the secondary road that leads from Feltre to Casera dei Boschi, 2.5 km before the ski lifts at Le Buse. Because this is s secondary road, it sees very little traffic. There is really nothing out there but little villages. Even though this isn’t a bucket list climb it provides for a lovely day of riding where you can combine it with the passo Croce d’Aune.

Climb Stats

From Belvedere

Distance: 6.3 miles, longer if you start in Pedavena.

Elevation gain: 2340 feet

Average gradient: 7%

A tree decorated with a clock, bra and panties.
A tree decorated with a clock, bra and panties.
Hairpin near the bottom of the Col Melone

Hairpin near the bottom of the Col Melone.


Road sign for left to col melon or straight for passo croce d'aune

Left or straight? I went left up the col Melon.


The Ritchey with a tree decorated with a clock, bra and panties

The Ritchey with a tree decorated with a clock, bra and panties. And the clock showed the correct time.


The Ritchey near the top of the col melon

The Ritchey near the top of the col melon.

To ride or not to ride the col Melon

This climb and this route were both a delight. Though not a bucket list climb it was a perfect day in the Italian countryside. The auto traffic was non existent and the scenery exquisite. Stop, as I did, in the village of Aune and have a snack then continue on exploring the areas tiny quite roads.

Strava Map from this ride

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