The Riva Bike Festival at Lake Garda traditionally marks the beginning of the mountain biking season, especially for the German speaking markets – novelties, first introduced at the trade shows the previous autumn, are now at the manufacturers’ booths ready for testing.

In addition to the test bikes there is also an extensive festival and race program awaiting the visitors. All that is complimented by the view over Lake Garda which most of the time features far better weather than north of the Alps.

STEVENS’ event team was right in the middle of the expo grounds, gave advice and handed out bikes for testing. Due to the demanding terrain surrounding Lake Garda all-mountain models from the Whaka range were most welcomed, especially the Whaka+ ES with its 3-inch tires scored with endless traction and riding fun.

Though the festival takes place in Italy it is traditionally well visited by riders from German speaking countries. This year though it was bikers from the host country who took advantage of STEVENS Italian sales personell.

Also the Riva Bike Festival offers a forecast about the upcoming model generation. German BIKE magazine took a first close look at the new Jura Carbon – which next year will be ready to be tested by bikers, who following tradition, will open another mountain bike season.