Giro d'Monte - Piedmont, Italy

Story: This MTB route starts with a tough climb from Chambons to the top of the fortress of Fenestrelle (Largest in Europe) on Monte Pinaia.  Here the tarmac road becomes a dirt track winding through the beautiful Orsiera Rocciavrè Regional nature reserve.  At Pequerel we pass it's Para Valange (avalanche shield) constructed in the early 1700s and again put to the test this winter.  From here the path becomes a footpath that winds its way around the mountainside offering plenty of spectacular views down into Val Chisone and Fenestrelle before passing under the Fortress of Serre Maria constructed in the late 1800s. (This section is particularly technical and involves plenty of carrying the bike on your shoulder!)  After passing modern anti avalanche barriers we have a fabulouse piece of woodland single track that then opens onto a mountain meadow full of flowers.  We continue the descent until we reach a stream and the near desrted village of Montagna d'Usseaux.  The track widens and we descend the Sentiero di Pensieri (path of thoughts) until we reach the pretty alpine village of Usseax (originally Roman) and its murals before joining the asphalted road for a fast winding descent to Fenestrelle and refreshment in the local Bar.  From here we take what remains of the old Roman road (wooded singletrack) back to Chambons.

Tips: A great place to stay is the Belvedere B&B.  Refreshments are available from "Centro soggiorno Pra Catinat" at the top of the asphalt climb and at the village of Usseaux.  
There are several water fountains to obtain drinking water on the route.
The climbs are long and a reasonable level of fitness is advised.
Trains from Turin can get you as close at Pinerolo (35km)
If you arrive by car you can start the route at the top of the first climb at Pra Catinat to avoid 8km of on road climbing.

Tags: Fenestrelle, Usseaux, Val Chisone, Italian Alps, Mountain biking, alpine views, Fenestrelle, Usseaux

Photos: See all pictures from Giro d'Monte
Murals at Usseaux, The Church at Usseaux, Spend or earn?, The intellectual & the pig, Alps in bloom, Alps in bloom, Alps in bloom, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, The road to Pra Catinat, Views of Orsiera, Views of Orsiera, Views of Orsiera, Views of Orsiera, Views of Orsiera, Views of Orsiera