New panoramic addition to Dali
The last two stages of the 2019 Granfondo Yunnan take place in the classic and popular tourism destinations Dali and Lijiang on 8 and 9 November. The Dali stage goes all around Erhai Lake with its stunning mountain backdrop. New this year is the inclusion of a moderate 2 km climb after km 23 (i.e. after the short distance turnabout). It’s a new private road that goes up to offer an awesome panoramic view of the lake and the mountains behind. The descent back to the lake road has a succession of switchbacks with a clear overview, but nevertheless control your speed as it’s a fast one. Especially in the last stretch you might be persuaded to beat your speed record, but then you will go straight in the following U-corner, too. The rest of the route is the same as previous years. The 2km uphill is the only relevant elevation gain in this stage that will still suit the sprinters and rouleurs.
The climbers can of course do their move in The Sky Ride from the old town in Lijiang to Maoniuping at 3250m altitude. No changes to the route except we take a shorcut to the first climb right after the start for traffic control reasons. Please be aware that the road surface during the long descent is a bit rougher than it used to be. Just stay focused.
GPX FIles (For reference only!!!)
!!! Course markings and marshals overrule the GPS file at all times !!!