Thu, 4 July 2024
Minimum altitude: 297 meters
Distance: 25.4 km
Slope Aspect: South-West
Vertical Climbed: 516 meters (1,693 feet)
Vertical Descended: 513 meters
Rating: 3
Route
Nice little ride along the foothills of lake Orta to a monastry on top of a hill with lake views. The route passes through a few traditional Italian villages. There is a bar in Miasino.
From Pettenasco ride south along the banks of lake Orta to reach a camp site after about 5km at a right hand bend. Here take a hairpin left onto the Via Valle and a short but steep climb to Corconio. Traverse the village on a steep, stoney road for 300m then continue to a main road. Here head north (left) towards Vacciago but at the first junction turn right, take a short straight then right again onto a main road. At 8km there is a right hand bend but continue to the left to climb to the summit of Monte Mesma. Return via the same route to Miasino. Traverse the village to reach Armeno taking the time to admire this traditional village. Take the Omegna road to Pescone where a left hand hairpin takes you on a road back to Pettenasco. There are a couple of steep climbs but nothing too challenging.
Trip Report
Not too hot by the lake but it got warm on the first climb. Corconia is very pretty but the road is made of rocks through the village and the climb is quite steep. Ok on 25mm tires but you have to be careful. The top of Monte Mesma has good views of the lake. The ride back along the foot hills was quite pleasant except for a long, straight and steep climb before Miasino.
Average temp 26C. Some unmade/stone sections of road to negotiate (see photos). Some traffic on the Mont Mesma to Miasino road and on the section from Armeno to Pescone.
