Duran (Pso)
Highest Point: 1601m
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| Western Approach: |
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| from Agordo (609m) |
992m |
12+1/2km |
| Eastern Approach: |
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| from Dont (930m) |
671m |
8km |
| photo
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Pso di Duran in the Bellunesi Dolomites is one of several
amazing roads in the area around Agordo, that get limited
motorized traffic due to a few touchy sections with
limited clearance and short, very steep sections. Crossing
the pass from end to end also involves a canyon ride on
the eastern side, that is not likely to be forgotten
quickly. It can be used as bottom approach to several
passes in the area.
Approaches
From West. Agordo is surrounded by sky
piercing dolomite peaks on all sides. It is hard to imagine a
more spectacular setting. The tall church steeples of the town
seem to complement the landscape. Just south of these church
steeples the road to pso di Duran heads north west into a
valley. The densely forested road periodically opens views
into various valleys onto bits and pieces of plunging cliff
sides and snow covered faces. The picture below is a telephoto
shot of such a scene. The road becomes more tenuous as it
gains altitude, with several one way passages near land
slides, and small make shift curves. Towards the top the road
heads for a wide gap under a cliff face. The top has a few
businesses, but no ski lifts for a change.
From East. (described downwards). After a few inital
steep curves, the road leads through a few very rustic towns,
quite a contrast to the more touristy Agordo side. If forgoing
one of the other passes that branch off (Staulanza, Cibiana)
and descending all the way, a spectacular traverse along a
gorge into Longarone follows. This canyon ride actually may
the scenic high point of the day.
Tours
Multi Day ride: A day on a loaded mountain bike
between Agordo over the pass to Longarone measured 45 miles
with 4300ft of climbing in 5 hours. This included about a 5
mile room search and a several slow detours to get out of
the rain (m3:9.6.9)
back to Cycling
Passes in Europe
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