Mountain Bike

THE RING OF CAPRAUNA 1 We are in the easternmost corner of the Province of near the Ligurian Ri- ALTA VALLE viera. The departure of this itinerary is in TANARO Poggio, a village in the administration MountainMountain area of Caprauna. Go up the Provincial LENGTH Road towards the Caprauna Pass as far km 25 as the off-road track that leads to San ALTITUDE Bartolomeo. The off-road section then DIFFERENCE BikeBike meets the path that on the right goes m 660 down in the direction of the Chapel of DURATION Madonna Guarnieri. h 3.30 Go past Case Porcile, near Case dei Fan a steep tarmac section leads to a DIFFICULTY pass, the highest point of the itinerary Demanding (1465 m). From here go down to the San ADVISABLE TIME Bartolomeo Pass characterised by the From May to October ruins of an ancient chapel. From here turn right and proceed along the off-road track under Mount Dubasso and Aspe- riosa Rock, that goes down as far as the junction with the off-road track that climbs from the Shrine of Madonna del Lago. At this point turn right and go down to the Shrine. The last section is a tarmac downhill slope towards the Provincial Road to Albenga. At the end turn right and climb back to the village of Ca- prauna.

M.Armetta M.Pesauto C.LE S. BARTOLOMEO M.Dubasso 1739 m. 1543 m. 1538 m.

C.PORCILE C. DEI FAN

M.della Guardia MADONNA GUARNERI R.Asperiosa

1654 m. 1142 m.

MADONNA DEL LAGO

P R.delle Penne ALTO CAPRAUNA M.Bello 1501 m. 1316 m.

44 45 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

THE BALCONY FROM 2 OF TO 3 A picturesque name, in Italian “La balcona- This itinerary along the Mongia valley ALTA VALLE ta di Ormea”, for this trail restored by the starts from Ceva going along State Road VALLE TANARO local CAI (Italian Alpine Club), on the left side 28. After taking the climb towards Viola MONGIA of the Tanaro river.The direction from the cen- and , turn off the main road after LENGTH tre of the village is towards Armella valley (do 350 m and take the Provincial Road to LENGTH km 25 not take the road to Villaro on the right). The Battifollo. km 25 ALTITUDE first villages that you will encounter are Pro- About 700 m further, leave the main road ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE nai inferiore (865 m) and Superiore (910 and head for Mazzarelli. Beyond the lit- DIFFERENCE m 914 m). After another 4.6 km, at an altitude of tle village, follow the off-road track to m 500 1020 m, turn off the tarmac road and go your left. After another 300 metres, tack- DURATION DURATION down to the left crossing a wooden bridge. le the climb known by local bikers as the h 4.00 h 3.00 On the left head for Colla Chionea (1230 “gran prix of the mountain” because it DIFFICULTY m, 6.9 km). Back on the tarmac road, turn left arrives at an altitude of 675 metres. DIFFICULTY Demanding downhill, then right at the church. Along the Proceed through a chestnut wood as far Medium ADVISABLE TIME off-road track you will arrive in Borgata as the road that leads to . Turn ADVISABLE TIME From March to November Porcirette (1110 m, 9 km), where the road right at the first junction and again at the From May to October splits in two around a house. Take the lower second. road, then the steep cycling climb, as far as After 10 km from the departure in Ceva, the cemetery of Chioraia (1510 m), a village you come out of the wood and join the typical for its masonry houses. Take the off- tarmac road connecting Ceva to Battifol- road track on your right, cross the Rava Gros- lo, where there is a big roadside statue sa stream, then climb up towards the little vil- named “Pilun Gros”. lage of Aimoni (1270 m, 12.4 km) and then Turn left and you will arrive in Battifollo to “La Coma” depression (1510 m). The at an altitude of 850 m. downhill biker can race down through beech- Leaving the village, near the cemetery, es and larches that stretch southward. you can see the ruins of a castle with its Crossing the bridge over the Nava you will square tower. come back to Ormea along State Road 28 The return is along the same route fol- under the beautiful Lanciata Rock. lowing the road to Ceva.

CEVA PORCIRETTE SOPRANE P PORCIRETTE SOTTANE CHIONEA C. RIAN

CHIORAIRA

B.Carnevale C. MAZZARELLI

704 m. C. COLLETTA P ORMEA B.Cisello S. G. BATTISTA 812 m.

B.Bastia P.Brignacchi AIMONI P.La Colma 940 m. NUCETTO 1557 m. BATTIFOLLO C. BRIGNACCHI 1570 m. PIANO

QUARZINA B.Camilot

956 m. 46 47 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM FROM CEVA TO 4 TO MOUNT BERLINO THE COLLA DI 5 A demanding itinerary, a real test of your PRATO ROTONDO VALLE climbing skills. From Garessio take the VALLE TANARO Provincial Road to Colla di Casotto as far Between the Tanaro valley and the Mongia MONGIA as the junction for Mindino. Cycling gets valley, you arrive at the Prato Rotondo Pass LENGTH hard due to the uneven ground; the gradi- (1503 m), a wide grassy depression, starting LENGTH km 21 ent is impressive. The itinerary goes through from Piangranone, a village near Garessio. Go km 18 to Piangranone by car. ALTITUDE birches, poplars and chestnut-trees. From ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE the old mule-track turn right in the direction From Ceva follow the Nava Pass State Road DIFFERENCE m 1200 of Colla di Casotto. The itinerary joins the 28. Go past the village of , and you will m 800 Provincial Road that leads to Colla (km 5) easily arrive at the junction for Piangranone. DIFFICULTY DIFFICULTY but you have to leave it immediately and Departure on a tarmac road in the direction of Very demanding Easy turn left onto the off-road track to Case di Deversi, where you can fill your water-bottles ADVISABLE TIME Capello (1205 m). You may have to get off at the fountain of the panoramic village. Take ADVISABLE TIME From May to October your bike along this uneven road. After a the off-road track on the right of the village. From May to October cross-roads with a tarmac road you will At the junction near a restored house take the arrive in Colla di Casotto (1381 m, 8km). right trail going up a steep bend. After pass- Take the trail on the left and try to recover ing some abandoned houses, you will arrive at some energy along the mountain side of Val another junction whose two tracks will come Casotto. At the junction, turn left. Steep together later on (the one on the left is more climbs lead to a depression from where you direct but more difficult and on rough ground; can see the Savona shelter, Bric Min- the one on the right is easier). Proceed on the dino mountain and Garessio 2000.The off-road track and after some bends and peak to climb is Mount Berlino (1789 m, uphill stretches, you will arrive at the grassy km 13) from where you go down to the depression of the Prato Rotondo Pass. Rifugio Savona (CAI - Italian Alpine Club). To go back you can either return in the oppo- There are two possibilities to reach Valdin- site way or complete the itinerary along the ferno and then Garessio: Case Mulattieri off-road track that goes leftwards from the or Salvietto shelter (more demanding pass cutting through the eastern slopes of due to the narrow winding roads). Bric Mindino.

C.LLA DI CASOTTO C.LLE DI PRATO ROTONDO 1503 m.

1381 m.

GARESSIO

584 m.

PIANGRANONE M. BERLINO

DEVERSI 692 m. 1789 m. C. MULATTIERI VALDINFERNO 1418 m.

GARESSIO 48 49 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM THE FROM VALCASOTTO 6 COLLA CASOTTO TO SURIE 7 TO BRIC MINDINO This is an itinerary in the Casotto valley VALLE along the tracks of the most ancient tradi- VALLE TANARO MOUNTAIN tions of the Monregalesi valleys, like the CASOTTO Carthusians’. From the Provincial Road of LENGTH Arriving at Mount Mindino along this the Colla di Casotto Pass, at the end of LENGTH km 11 itinerary in theTanaro valley is a unique Valcasotto, take a road on your right that km 9 experience, especially because of the vast ALTITUDE leads to San Rocco’s Chapel. In front of the ALTITUDE extents of rhododendrons that when in DIFFERENCE chapel the road on the right heads for the DIFFERENCE m 500 full bloom offer an uncomparable view. old connecting road of the Colla di Ca- m 280 The start of this itinerary is from the Col- sotto Pass and runs along the river of the DURATION DURATION la di Casotto Pass where you arrive same name. Proceed as far as the “Casa h 2.00 h 1.30 along the valley of the same name that Bassa” of the convent 10 min. away from DIFFICULTY crosses . From the pass take Casotto Castle, an ancient Carthusian DIFFICULTY Easy the off-road track that heads for the sides Monastery. From here, cross the Provincial Easy ADVISABLE TIME of Mount Mindino, then leave the open Road, turn left and go down as far as the ADVISABLE TIME From May to October area of the pass and go through a wood first bend. From here take the off-road track From May to October of beeches. After another 2 km, there is a that goes up to Surie. One hundred metres cross-roads. Turn left and climb the hair- further, at the first bend continue along the pin bends as far as the Rocks of the Ra- off-road track. Along the hillside you will scazzo, along a stony road. From here arrive at an abandoned farmhouse named you can see the tall iron cross at the top “La Grangia”. Climb up in the direction of of the mountain at an altitude of 1879 m. Le Surie, where there is Sant’Anna’s Chapel. Looking south you can enjoy a spectacu- The return is along the same route. If you lar view over the Ligurian sea. The return want to shorten it, you can return to the is along the same route. starting point by following a path in a chest- The best period is from May to October, nut grove and along a stream which should but especially when the rhododendrons be viewed in the direction of Case are in full bloom and the valley turns into Romagnoli.The downhill road leads you to a wonderful violet spectacle. Valcasotto quickly.

Bric Nei Bric Mindino

1767 m. 1879 m.

Bric Nei LE SURIE B.dei Sandri 1767 m. 1518 m.

CASTELLO DI CASOTTO VALCASOTTO

R.ce del Rascazzo P B.Mindino

1879 m. 1737 m.

S. ROCCO CASTELLO DI CASOTTO R.del Rascazzo CORRERIA B.dei Sapetti 1737 m.

1377 m. P.della Sapea P CAPELLO COLLA DI CASOTTO 1665 m.

50 51 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM MONTALDO FROM FRABOSA SOP. 8 TO SAN SALVATORE TO SECCATA 9 The village of Montaldo is part of an The departure for this itinerary in the VALLI area that was already inhabited in Neo- Maudagna valley, in the Monregalese VALLE MONREGALESI lithic times. Departure from the car park area, known as “the ring of Seccata” is MAUDAGNA of the sports area known as “Il Canalot”. in front of the Hotel Skilift in Frabosa LENGTH Head for the ski lifts. Soprana. Start with an uphill section LENGTH km 6 The uphill road leads to an off-road track that, beyond a roadside statue near Case km 15 ALTITUDE that climbs through a chestnut wood. Pelissera, arrives in Mongrosso. The ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE Beyond a spring and a roadside statue, direction is towards the Straluzzo stream. DIFFERENCE m 260 you arrive at a bend. Follow the main off- After crossing this, head for San Barto- m 545 road track as far as Case Molineri igno- lomeo. The precise direction is towards DURATION DURATION ring all minor lateral trails. the Ucam shelter. After cycling a hun- h 1.30 h 2.30 From Case Molineri turn right as far as a dred metres on the tarmac road to Sec- DIFFICULTY road that climbs towards a cleared area cata, you have to take a track on the left DIFFICULTY Easy with a vast Karst-depression. The climb that goes down into a wood. Medium ADVISABLE TIME through the chestnut wood leads to the At the Geremia stream, follow the off- ADVISABLE TIME From May to October “Pul” plateau. First go south-west and road track. Then turn right and follow the From May to October then south crossing fields and skirting main road. With a steep short climb you some rural houses. will arrive in Seccata where there is the A short climb with a final right bend Church of San Lorenzo and San Bernar- leads in front of a reservoir. The direction do. To go back, follow the tarmac road is towards the village of San Salvatore that goes up towards San Bartolomeo’s until you join the off-road track that goes Chapel. From here you arrive at the start- down again to Case Molineri. You will ing point. arrive at the starting point after an excit- This route runs along the ancient inter- ing downhill. valley route that used to connect Frabosa Remember that Montaldo, the arrival of Soprana to the Corsaglia valley, the same this exciting and medium-difficulty itiner- road which had been run by the mythical ary, lies at 800 m of altitude and is sor- figure of “Miclinet”, a valley villain who rounded by thick chestnut forests. lived in Seccata.

FRABOSA SOTTANA

P MONTALDO M.VÍ P

S. BARTOLOMEO S. ANNA COLLAREA MONGROSSO C. MOLINERI Bc.Rivoera M.Moro LANZA SERRA 1044 m. 1739 m. BC. MAROLE S. SALVATORE CASE GRISERI B.Miazzola M.Malanotte

1110 m. 1741 m. SECCATA

52 53 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM THE RING OF THE KYÈ 10 - ROCCAFORTE M.VÌ 11 TO THE We are near Roccaforte Mondovì,in VALLI COLLA DEL PREL the Ellero valley, where the Provençal cul- VALLE MONREGALESI ture still offers surprises in the ancient ELLERO Departure from Frabosa Sottana. This itin- idioms of the Kiè language. Beyond the LENGTH erary offers a wide view over the Corsaglia junction for Norea-Prea, follow the Pro- LENGTH km 21 valley and the Maudagna valley. It is vincial Road to Lurisia and 500 metres km 19 ALTITUDE rather difficult but characterised by wonder- later turn left into Via Morà, which gives ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE ful view. The first direction is towards Frabo- the name to the village of departure. DIFFERENCE m 970 sa Soprana. At the first bend, take the off- Follow the itinerary of the road signs. m 880 road track to San Grato on the left, then go The route runs parallel to the Ellero river DURATION DURATION up through a chestnut wood on the left side through the villages of Bertino, Annun- h 3.30 h 3.00 of the Straluzzo stream. Follow the main trail ziata, San Grato, Prea. From here you DIFFICULTY towards Serro. Shortly afterwards enter the arrive at Sant’Anna’s Shrine (1100 m). DIFFICULTY Demanding village and join the tarmac road that climbs Some hairpin bends lead down on a tar- Medium ADVISABLE TIME from Frabosa Sottana. After arriving in the mac road to the junction for Rastello. ADVISABLE TIME From May to October village, cross it as far as Piazza Marconi. Go After crossing the Ellero river, take the old From June to October past Pasquieraux, take the left tunnel (un- off-road track that very soon takes you to der the ski lifts) and climb up to Lanza Villa. Pra Bertel. Near Crocetta (1049 m) the tarmac section Turn right. The off-road track climbs with ends. Follow the off-road track up to a bridge some hairpin bends to Baracco, arriving over the Straluzzo and, under the chair lift, at at the Church of Sant’Antonio and San a junction near a ruined hut. Stay on your Sebastiano. right and cycle along the long uphill stretch Going past the last house of the village over the Corsaglia valley. Go past Tetti Lor- to the left, continue northward in the gane in front of the Mount Moro chair lifts. direction of Norea. The road goes down The main off-road track joins a road that along the village road and after 1 km you climbs up from Fontane. Turn right and a arrive at the hotel and restaurant of short climb will lead you to the Colla del Norea. To go back either take the cycle Prel pass.The return is along the same route. path or the Provincial Road.

P P FRABOSA SOTTANA M.Pelato ROCCAFORTE MONDOVÍ LE GHIRARDE 1098 m.

SERRA I BERTINI FRABOSA SOPRANA

LANZA VILLA ANNUNZIATA LA CROCE

NOREA M.Moro M.Moro 1739 m. 1739 m. M.Malanotte TETTI LORGONE PREA 1741 m.

PRA BERTEL BARACCO S. ANNA COLLA DEL PREL 54 55 Mountain Bike

2. From the ITINERARIES narrow path, then turn left on Pian delle Gorre the tarmac road again. Leave this to the Passo del Duca 12 IN VALLE PESIO road immediately after a short From the shelter of the Gorre The Pesio valley marks the border downhill section, where you turn take the mountain road on the ITINERARY 1 between the Monregalese and the Cu- right. Follow the red and white left and go through wonderful LENGTH neo’s area, and despite being a rather signs up to a road (suitable for white fir-tree forests as far as the km 16 short valley (15 km) it offers very interest- vehicles as well). first junction.Turn right and cross ing historic, artistic, environmental and This road leads you to Garava- two streams. ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE gna, then go right and you arrive m 600 natural sites. It is often associated with The path follows an old military the “Regional Natural Park” which pro- at the Murtè Pass. From here road that gradually climbs DURATION tects 7000 hectares of splendid nature cross the road and continue fol- through a forest as far as the h 3.00 with its wonderful forests, the vertical lowing the red and white signs Gias degli Arpi. DIFFICULTY faces of Mount Marguareis, waterfalls, along a gentle path leading to This is a good place to fill up your Not demanding Karst-plateaux and its very rich flora and the Pilone di Olocco. Head for bottles. ADVISABLE TIME fauna. Besides the park , the valley is also the village of Fuggin and then Climb up the wide hairpin bends From April to November famous for its Certosa of Santa Maria to some other abandoned villa- to the Prel Pass, a nice pasture (1173 A.D.), which is worth to visit espe- ges. Join a climbing road (rather ridge. cially for the interesting ancient church, demanding) as far as the junc- From here the path becomes ITINERARY 2 the cloister and the monks’ rooms. tion for Colletto. harder as far as the Duca Pass. LENGTH For mountain bike fans we suggest three From Colletto you can enjoy a On the descent the bravest can km 11 itineraries: two along the lower part of wonderful view over the valley.It follow a technically difficult path ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE the valley between Chiusa Pesio, Villa- is the ideal place for a stop and a that leads to the Marguareis m 1000 nova Mondovì and the Certosa and one little chat with the friendly local valley. in the very heart of the park from Pian people. Continue downhill; we For better trained cyclists there is DURATION delle Gorre to the Duca Pass. advise you to ignore the sign to a path to Limone, from the Du- h 3.00 San Paolo, if you lack of good ca Pass to the Gias delle Or- DIFFICULTY 1. From Chiusa Pesio training. tiche and then to the Capanna Demanding to the Certosa Go to the junction after S. Bar- Morgantini shelter. ADVISABLE TIME From Chiusa Pesio follow the signs to tolomeo and join the Natural From here another path leads to From May to October Mirabello Castle with its wonderful pa- Itinerary of the park that leads the Perla Pass along the military norama over the valley.After reaching the you to the Certosa di Pesio with- road between Limone and Mo- castle, go round Mount Canavero on a out further climbs. nesi.

CHIUSA DI PESIO PIAN DELLE GORRE

PIAN DE CARDELE

FIOLERA Gias degli Arpi

1435 m. S. BARTOLOMEO

Colle del Prel

MADONNA 1925 m. DEI BOSCHI CERTOSA PASSO DEL DUCA DI PESIO

56 57 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

ITINERARIES THE RING OF IN VALLE PESIO BISALTA MOUNTAIN 13 3. From Villanova Mondovì This demanding route is the itinerary of the ITINERARY 3 long-distance race known as “Mtb Bisal- LENGTH to the Colle del Murtè km 51.6 LENGTH (and then up to Certosa) ta Bike”. It offers anything a mountain km 12 This long itinerary has a departure on the biker could ask for, such as gradual or very ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE (to the Colle del Murtè) plain and, without difficult climbs, leads difficult climbs, wide off-road tracks or nar- m 720 ALTITUDE cyclists to the Certosa di Pesio in the row mule-tracks, fast downhills or techni- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE heart of the National Park. From Villa- cally difficult ones on uneven ground. m 2003 From Rivoira go down to Boves, proceed m 500 nova follow the signs to Grotta dei Dossi DURATION (Dossi Cave). At the cave take the road to Cerati and before the short climb of the DURATION Pilone del Moro, climbed in the Giro h 3.00 behind it and start climbing. h 3.00 d’Italia in 2002, turn right on a large off- At the first junction turn left and climb DIFFICULTY DIFFICULTY road track immersed in wonderful chestnut Demanding the tarmac road that climbs from Vil- Not demanding forests. You will arrive at Prato del So- lavecchia to Mount Calvario. Proceed ADVISABLE TIME glio. Go in the direction of Rosbella.After ADVISABLE TIME along this road as far as the farm holiday From May to October From April to November this nice village, start climbing as far as in Caporale, a spendid panoramic place. Rocca Francia. An exciting downhill will Take the off-road track on your left before lead you to Castellar. From here, along the farm holiday, and go downhill the tarmac road again, climb to Filibert through a chestnut forest. At the junction and then continue on the off-road track up turn right and you arrive in the village of to the highest and more panoramic point Garavagna. Go past the church and of this itinerary (1430 m). From Fontana take the tarmac road to for a Cappa take the steep downhill, starting on short section, then turn right and leave uneven ground but which improves as you the tarmac. From here, proceed along the near the Pilone Ballagarda. From here main off-road track as far as the Murtè continue along the tarmac road up to Pass between Chiusa Pesio and Roc- . Going up, you arrive in Via caforte Mondovì. Those who are more Grima. Take the off-track again. A last trained can follow the itinerary 1 which climb leads you to the Cumba area, from has been described on page 58. here go downhill to Rivoira.

PEVERAGNO BOVES S. GIOVENALE

RIVOIRA

VILLANOVA MONDOVÌ MADONNA DEI BOSCHI

M. Calvario

814 m. MALANDRE CASTELLAR

ROBILANTE S. GIACOMO

COLLE DEL MORTÈ

58 59 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

nesi. Go past Mangeria di Loxe and at the first junction THE SALT ROAD climb up towards Mount Sac- towards the Lago dei Signori carello. At the second junction 14 FROM LIMONE Pass (dried up) along the Pian turn right in the direction of the Ambreuge. From the pass (post Tanarello Pass (52 km), where BETWEEN TO BRIGA 327) go left along a path leading there are the ruins of some mili- One of the most famous routes of this to Carnino. The uneven road is tary fortifications. Another 1 km AND FRANCE area, known in Italian as the “Via del sa- demanding as far as an altitude of difficult path. The direction is LENGTH le” for the continuous trades between of 2290 m (32.8 km), but from towards the Collardente Pass, km 76 France and Italy, built in the 16th century here you will be able to enjoy a then straight on towards a wood. ALTITUDE during the Savoy Period, it has been unique panorama over the Fla- Then go downhill to the Guardia DIFFERENCE recently restored by 300 volounteers magal Pass and the Valley of Pass and the Baisse de Sanson m 1650 belonging to the “Operazione Alte Vie” Maestri. The road improves. (60.5 km and post 272a). On the Project (High Roads Operation Project). You arrive at the Celle Vieille plateau go right towards the DURATION An itinerary of 76 km along the valleys of Pass (36.6 km) from where there fountain (fontan dux) and the h 7.00 Limone and Monesi, the widest Karst- is a path going to the Peak of Linaire Pass (64.7 km). DIFFICULTY area of Europe and through one of the l’Evèque on the right. The route becomes more relaxing Very demanding most beautiful forests of the province. Go through the Navette forest along a wide tarmac road. At the ADVISABLE TIME Departure from Limone station. Go past towards the wildlife area of Na- Chapel of Notre Dame des From June to October the village along the Tenda Pass State vette (42.2 km) Through forests Gonatines, we suggest the mi- Road 20 towards “Quota 1400” and the and across meadows, go past nor road (Route de l’Amitié, 67.6 French border. From here turn left along Pian dei Termi, Pian dei Giai- km). Head for the Ru Sec valley the off-road track into Via Marenga (or reto, Costa Peiron, and Costa in the direction of La Brigue. Via del sale). Climb to the Campanino Ventosa, and you arrive in the Following the Levenza river head Pass (2142 m, 18.5 km). On uneven Tanarello valley (48 km), from for St. Dalmas de Tende.You ground head north as far as a panoramic where you can see Mount Mac- will arrive at the station after a point before the Boaria Pass. Enjoy the carello and the village of Mo- total distance of 76 km. view of the nice meadows in the Ma- laberga valley towards the Capanna Morgantini; the climb becomes difficult because of the uneven ground up to an altitude of 2250 m. This is the rocky spur of Castel Chevolail. The direction is

COLLE DI TENDA COLLE CAMPANINO

1871 m. COLLE BOARIA COLLA PIANA 2142 m. COLLE LAGO D. SIGNORI 2105 m. 2237 m.

LA BRIGUE (BRIGA) PASSO DI COLLARDENTE

BAISSE DE SANSON

60 61 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM FROM 15 ENTRACQUE TO TO VALERA 16 TETTO COLLETTA The first part of this itinerary is recom- VALLE mended for beginners, since it requires a VALLE GESSO This is a short itinerary but a very deman- limited physical effort. After crossing the GESSO ding one. Crowned by the massif of Ar- village of Entracque, take the Strada DEPARTURE’S gentera mountain, it is a wonderful route Sartaria near the Chapel of Cornaletto. START ALTITUDINE ALTITUDE across uniquely beautiful nature. After 100 m of tarmac road head towards m 904 From Entracque, along Corso Francia, m 904 Ponte di Porcera on a very good off- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE MAXIMUM ALTITUDE head for St. Antonio’s Chapel from where road track. This off-road section becomes m 1600 abt m 1200 abt you take the old off-road track climbing more demanding and crosses the Ponte steeply up the slopes of Mount Lausa. del Souffiet over the same stream ALTITUDE ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE Cross an old stone bridge over a stream (1185 m). The route gains altitude, goes DIFFERENCE and turn off the path leading towards m 700 abt m 300 abt through a beech wood and across some 100% biking going up Tetti Stramodin. Proceed along the rocky sections of the Costa Cornet as far 80% biking going up side of the mountain and after a flat sec- 100% biking coming down 90% biking coming down as the Gias dell’Ischietta. Better trai- tion the off-road track goes down to ned cyclists can head for the Valley of DURATION DURATION another stream flowing from the Gorge Sabbione leaving the Gias to their right. h 4.00 h 2.00 della Reina. The mule-track continues towards the Head for Tetto Violino. Just before you stream as far as the Gias Sottano della arrive at the village, take the detour fol- Valera (1517 m), while the valley heads lowing the orographic left of the Rio della south with a wide bend. Then the path Reina stream and climb up to the Gorge heads for the plain of Valera and contin- della Reina and the Pian del Funs,at ues by the side of the stream as far as a the start of the “Via Ferrata ” named wooden bridge at an altitude of 1600 m. “Ico Quaranta”. Go back to the Ponte di Porcera from From Tetto violino the mule-track cuts where you will arrive in Tetto Porcera, across and leads to Tetto Colletta Sot- near the Bossuet river. A few minutes tana along a tarmac road. Near St. later, following the gradual downhill road, Lucia’s Church join the road heading for you will reach the village of and the village. then soon afterwards Entraque.

ENTRACQUE

1 S. ROCCO S. LUCIA 4

ENTRACQUE 2 3 1 TRINITÀ GIANOLA GORGE DELLA REINA

3

2 Casotto del Parco T.to Ciau 1350 m. 999 m.

S. LUCIA 4 C.ma Balmasca

2301 m.

Gias della Valera 62 63 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

FROM THE THE RING 17 GARDETTA SHELTER OF 18 TO FERRIERE Departure from Piazza Mario Bertone in VALLE Pietraporzio. After crossing the bridge VALLE STURA The Gardetta shelter is at an altitude of on the Stura river, head for the Piz valley STURA 2335 m above m.s.l. This itinerary starts from along a tarmac road. LENGTH here uphill along the ex-military road which Going past the diversions to LENGTH km 17 joins the Unerzio valley. The first section is and Pontebernardo, cross the river along km 17 rather stony. You cycle along the side of ALTITUDE hairpin bends. ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE Rocca Brancia mountain. You may have to The road is steep. Cross the river again DIFFERENCE m 600 get off your bike twice to pass some rocks on and you arrive at the Piano della Re- m 1050 the path. Continue climbing as far as the gina, where you may encounter grazing DIFFICULTY DIFFICULTY panoramic Rocca Brancia Pass. Then go deers. After the off-road-track, take an Very demanding Very demanding down along the other side of the mountain, uneven road again: it is a difficult climb ADVISABLE TIME staying on the uphill side of the military forti- through a larch forest. ADVISABLE TIME From May to October fications that you encounter. Now the di- Two hairpin bends lead you near some From May to October rection is towards Bassa di Terrarossa fortifications where the road narrows. downhill on the right. There are difficult win- Head uphill for Lake Lausarel going ding roads across meadows and through pine past a huge larch. forests. Continue downhill as far as an off- Turn off the road to the Gias del Piz and road track towards the State Road near the head for a little fort and then towards ski resort. In Bersezio, at the junction for Fer- the Passo Sottano di Scolettas riere the road starts climbing again. After which joins the Pontebernardo valley. some hairpin bends, you arrive in the Valley Go right, following the signs to the Ta- of Anderplan, after an easy panoramic sec- larico shelter. tion. At the top of the valley there is a spring. The downhill becomes difficult with Beyond it, continue through a larch forest and demanding hairpin bends. Near the after another few hundread metre climb you mountain health resort, at the junction will arrive in the Ferriere valley. Then go for Pontebernardo turn right and follow downhill as far as the junction for Ferriere,a the signs to Lou Balaour. Head for mountain village at an altitude of 1888 m. Pietraporzio where this itinerary ends.

PIETRAPORZIO

PASSO DELLA GARDETTA 1312 m. P.SO ROCCA BRANCIA

2347 m. P.TA DI BALAOUR 2620 m.

M. ARPETTO 2270 m.

TESTA DELL’IRETTA M. OSEROT 2450 m. PRATI DEL VALLONE 2189 m. C.MA DEL ROUSS 2860 m. BASSA DI L. OSEROT TERRA ROSSA BERSEZIO 1718 m. 2604 m. GIAS 2426 m. 1624 m. DELL’OSEROT COSTABELLA DEL PIZ

2599 m. L. DI LAUSAREL P.SO SOTTANO SERVAGNO PRINARDO DELLE SCOLETTAS FERRIERE GIAS DEL PIZ 1898 m.

1461 m. C. SERRE 2223 m. 1888 m. 2042 m. 64 65 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

THE RING FROM 19 OF BERSEZIO TO 20 Departure from Bersezio, a village built SANT’ANNA SHRINE VALLE around the Romanesque Church of San VALLE STURA Lorenzo. This holy building used to be a This is an itinerary for experts. Start from Vi- STURA rest point for pilgrims heading for San- nadio and take the road that goes down LENGTH tiago of Compostela or Rome. towards the Colle della Maddalena as far LENGTH km 21 Following the road signs to Ferriere, climb as the junction for the Lombarda Pass. Turn km 45 ALTITUDE up the tarmac road on high difficult hair- left and, after reaching Pratolungo, start ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE pin bends. In the valley, you arrive at a climbing into Sant’Anna’s valley. Thirteen nar- DIFFERENCE m 1000 pass from where you can see the highest row hairpin bends lead to Puà. Beyond the m 1600 point served by Bersezio ski lifts. This itin- junction for Case Aie, this itinerary becomes DIFFICULTY DIFFICULTY erary is not very demanding as far as the more difficult. Keep climbing up to Barac- Very demanding Very demanding Gias di Colombari. After crossing the cone. A flat section allows cyclists to recover ADVISABLE TIME stream, pass onto a grassy road and a some energy while looking at the Shrine of ADVISABLE TIME From May to October mule-track on the left.At the junction you Sant’Anna, the highest shrine in Europe. From May to October may have to get off your bike to go Some hairpin bends lead you to the junction across Bassa di Colombari. for the Lombarda Pass on one side, and for Then on your bike again on the crest of Sant’Anna on the other. First turn right and the valley, and off again to go round it then left on the off-road track that climbs to uphill on the left. On your bike again, the Orgials Alp. The direction is towards the head for Anderplan Pass to the south Colle della Lombarda with narrow hairpin of Cima delle Lose mountain. The road bends going uphill. This spectacular section faces the ski resort of . follows the panoramic crest that marks the On foot again on the stony path as far as border between Italy and France. Then follow the service road of the ski resort. Follow the mule-track in front of Mount Moravac- it and go across the Incianao Pass. From ciera.You may have to get off your bike along here, down difficult slopes, along trails a technical and tiring downhill section. Then and through a larch forest, you reach the head for Sant’Anna’s Lake and Shrine Ferriere road at the first hairpin bends at along the former military road and you arrive the beginning of this itinerary. at the starting point on the tarmac road.

BARACCONE P.TA MALADECIA

GRANGE ARGENTERA R.CA BRAVARIA 1533 m. 2745 m.

1684 m. 2550 m. 1769 m. TESTA GIAS DEI LAGHI PASSO BRAVARIA

2739 m. 2311 m. BERSEZIO R.CCA S. GIOVANNI C.TO INCIANO LA MALGHERIA 1624 m. 2409 m. S. ANNA DI VINADIO 1908 m. 2292 m. 2010 m. LAG0 D’ORGIALS 2243 m. LAGO DI S. ANNA LAGO DI COLLETTO C.LLE S. ANNA ANDERPLAN 2156 m. LAGHI D’ORGIALS BASSA DI C.MA MORAVACCIERA C. LE DI PURIAC COLOMBART 2628 m. 2407 m. 2506 m. 2464 m. FERRIERE C.LE DI S. ANNA C.LLE DELLA LOMBARDA TESTA GIAS DEL CAVAL 2329 m. 1888 m. 2308 m. 2351 m. 66 67 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

tarmac road to . Pro- ITINERARIES ceed as far as Armandi where the off-road track starts and runs second world war, and to Chiot- 21 by the Grana river (in the oppo- IN VALLE GRANA ti. Beyond Prarobert, you join site direction). After the cemetery the road going up to the Ortiga LENGTH Rampignado of (with Pass. A very technical trail, with km 21 This is the itinerary of the permanent 15th century frescoes by Balaj- difficult passages as well, leads long-distance race known as “Rampi- son), cross the Ponte dell’Angelo ALTITUDE to the Alpe,“Cima Coppi”of DIFFERENCE gnado”. Follow the indications along the (Angel’s bridge) and go through this itinerary at an altitude of m 970 route. the castle entrance. On your right 1796 m. From here a winding Good training is required for this de- there is an uphill path to the DURATION downhill section leads again to h 3.30 manding stage.We also suggest spare hot Chapel of Madonna della Ne- Chiot Rosa, then to San Mat- clothes in case of uncertain weather. ve. A short downhill “single- DIFFICULTY teo, Tetto Chiapello and Val- “Rampignado” starts from track” joins the road that goes up Demanding lera of . (575 m) and covers 55 km with several to Piatta of Montemale. Turn ADVISABLE TIME Along a tarmac small road you detour possibilities which also allow to left and climb up as far as an off- From May to October will arrive to Bernezzo at the end cover minor sections. road track that leads to Damiani of this itinerary. You meet the first impressive off-road (1209 m). Then there is a down- climb after passing Roata Maggiore. hill section as far as the junction Then go from to Aranzone. Around Caraglio for Cortese Sottana, and little The climb continues along Prato Francia This is a panoramic and not very climbs to Montemale and San as far as the first peak which is the Pito- demanding route, ideal at the Giorgio, where you meet the nera Pass 1250 m, 11 km from Bernezzo beginning of the season. You tarmac road again. The direction at the water parting between the Grana warm yourselves by cycling along is towards Bottonasco and Ser- valley and the Stura valley. the small road from Caraglio to re Alladio. From here, along an A short downhill section leads to Chiot the slopes of Mount Tamone, off-road track again, you can Rosa where you start climbing again up a and precisely to the village of climb from the Pilone dei Ber- wide road used by mountain breeders Vallera.Turn right and follow the gè to Caraglio Castle. during summer. Then go up to the villages of Tintina and Paralup (1330 m), me- T.to Ciau morial places of the Partisan Period of the 999 m.

CARAGLIO

VALLERA

C.S. MATTEO CERVASCA BERNEZZO

ARPIOLA COLLE PITONERA ARANZONE L’ALPE C. ORTIGA CHIOT ROSA BERGIA C.R. RADEVIL PARALOUP CHIOTTI P. COLET PRAROBERT M. GORGIA SAGNE

68 69 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

COLLE COLLE 22 DELLA BATTAGLIOLA DELLA BICOCCA 23 Although this itinerary is rather modest in A gorgeous route with a tarmac starting VALLE terms of kilometres and altitude, the rusult section to the Shrine of Valmala and a long VALLE VARAITA is nevertheless demanding because of the high part along the ex-military road with a VARAITA high average gradient of the former military good surface and modest global gradient. DEPARTURE’ ALTITUDE road that you will follow. Leaving beyond From Valcurta follow the signs to the START ALTITUDINE m 1296 , turn off the Provincial Shrine of Valmala. The tarmac road m 656 ALTITUDE Road to the Agnello Pass and on your abruptly climbs up to the Shrine. Continue ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE bike follow the road up the valley.At on an off-road track that bends to the left DIFFERENCE m 994 the second hairpin bend, beyond the small and gains altitude by crossing an alpine ski m 1600 village of Chiesa, turn right. The roads slope with a short but steep skirt. Back on DURATION DURATION turns into a very good off-road track. After the tarmac for a short section up to the h 4.00 h 7.00 a steep climb, and after cycling through a Ciabra Pass. Go straight along the south DIFFICULTY wood, at the junction turn left and go up side of the water parting ridge between the DIFFICULTY Demanding/ following the signs to the Battagliola Maira and the Varaita valleys. Then climb Demanding/ very demanding Pass westward. From here you can enjoy a again along the hairpin bends of Mount very demanding ADVISABLE TIME great view on Monviso mountain and over Rastcias. After a flat section, you will ar- ADVISABLE TIME From June to September the water parting between the Varaita val- rive at the Pass. Then straight From May to September ley and the Maira valley. The two valleys on taking a very good off-road track (suit- played a part in the Secession War that able for vehicles as well). You will arrive at inflamed Europe between 1740-48. Go the Bicocca Pass soon afterwards. The down towards the lake of Castello along present itinerary overlaps the old “Strada the path going through the thick alder dei cannoni” (“road of the cannons”) dat- bushes. Then you arrive in . ing back to the 18th century and offers a Cycling by the lake along path U70, cross wonderful panorama. Go down to the right the dam and join the tarmac Provincial and take a path that very soon loses height Road as far as Casermette. From here until you arrive in Bellino’s church. After take the cycle path again and follow the old joining the tarmac road again, go down village road, the ancient “Chemin Royal”, towards Casteldelfino and Sampeyre, which leads back to Casteldelfino. and to the starting point.

PONTECHIANALE

PUSTERLE INF.E CASTELDELFINO CASTELLO CALDANE SAMPEYRE MELLE PUNTA DELLA RORE VALMALA BATTAGLIOLA RIBIERA PUSTERLE COLLETTO SUP.E DELLA BATTAGLIOLA TORRETTE P. DEL CAVALLO

C.MA DELLE SERRE CASTELDELFINO C.LLE DI SAMPEYRE CHIOT GARIN CIMA LUBIN O DELLE MERIS RIBIERA BALZ PUSTERLE INFERIORE

PLEYNE PUSTERLE SUPERIORE CHIESA

70 71 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

with little climbs on a good off- road track that follows the fire THE TOUR join the steep tarmac road Via protection track in the direction 24 OF MONBRACCO Vola that climbs towards Pian of San Bernardo’s Chapel. Luis and Rocca del Salto on Then follow the technical and VALLE MOUNTAIN the right. Join the itinerary called exciting path on the crest in the PO “La Montagna di Leonardo” direction of Croce di . “Leonardo’s Mountain” (“Leonardo’s Mountain”), pro- Before arriving in Croce, go LENGTH Relive the emotions of Leonardo da Vinci ceed to the ancient Convent of down along a steep off-road km 35 who wrote about Monbracco mountain the Trappa dating back to the track leading to after ALTITUDE in 1511. 13th century (accomodation and about two kilometres. Cross the DIFFERENCE This is a land rich in geology, flora and m 1250 food on request). village and follow the signs to – m 800 the first stretch fauna, and art; a land also marked by the Continue cycling along the route . – m 400 the second stretch expert work of man. DURATION Departure from Sanfront (470 m above 1-2 days (according to the m.s.l.). Proceed in the direction of Roc- level of preparation) chetta following the itinerary by the DIFFICULTY river Po (a possible detour leads to the Demanding (difficult at Villaggio Ecomuseo of Balma Boves timrs) with a demanding climb up to an altitude ADVISABLE TIME of 650 m). From Marc to October From Rocchetta (572 m) climb up the via delle cave (cave road) as far as the left turn towards the Colletta di Pass along fast off-road tracks. Proceed downhill for some kilometres on an off-road track with spectacular “single- track” sections as far as Mondarello di Barge. Cross a bridge without railing and

E H C A N O M E L L E D N IA P

MONTE BRACCO

1276 m. A T T E B M O C

SANFRONT RIFREDDO 72 73 Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

Follow this pleasant itinerary MONVISO with interest, and you will be- come part of the history of this 25 MOUNTAIN HORIZON you will be able to enjoy the land, and thinking of the huge Departure from Paesana with a total panoramic view of the massif of work of nature and man, you will VALLE distance of 70 km to cover.We advise you Monviso. From here go to Pae- discover a new inner dimension. PO to split it in two stages: Paesana, On- sana, crossing several alpine vil- Along this route there are many cino, (35 km) and Crissolo, lages. sites of worship belonging to the LENGTH , Paesana (35 km). The lands of the Po, Bronda ancient local alpine communi- km 70 This is one of the most fancied routes, and Infernotto valleys are ties. You can rest for a few min- – km 35 the first stretch characterised by the unique pro- utes under the porch of a solitary – km 35 the second stretch since it offers very good off-road tracks on even ground and several cultural and file of Monviso mountain, which chapel or in front of a roadside ALTITUDE artistic sites along the way. can be seen from any corner of statue, or you can try and imag- DIFFERENCE ine the people of the ancient, This is a ring route which connects the the plain: the ever m 1450 present familiar pyramid on the populous villages gathering to four villages of the higher Po valley, – m 975 first half horizon.Along the route in the Po ask for Our Lady’s or the – m 475 second half that is to say , Crissolo, Ostana valley there are several itineraries Saints’ protection. The “Oriz- and Paesana, under the spectacular size DURATION indicated as “Orizzonte Mon- zonte Monviso” tracks offer visi- of Monviso mountain, the “King of 1-2 days (according to the viso” (Monviso Horizon). Follow tors the possibility of tours Stone” of the Cozzian Alps. The first sec- level of preparation) them and you will discover typical among startling nature and DIFFICULTY tion towards Oncino has an altitude dif- villages and architecture, ancient wildlife, thus broadening their – Demanding ference of 886 m in about 25 km, after tales and legends, while going to vision of these “high lands” of the first stretch which you will cycle at an altitude the Source of the river Po. the Po valley. – Medium between the 1500 m of the Pian Munè the second stretch and the 1220 m of Oncino. ADVISABLE TIME Proceed along secondary roads and From May to October tracks. From Oncino the direction is towards the tourist village of Crissolo. Then towards the ridge on the left of the river Po, skirting several mountain chur- ches and some examples of local archi- tecture, you arrive in Ostana from where

OSTANA

CRISSOLO

ONCINO PAESANA

74 75