Landscapes that take the breath away and all around just the reverberations of a luxuriant nature and our own inward considerations. Bicycling along the historic byways of Valle Spluga is a must. At least once in a lifetime. You don’t have to be an expert: the variety of bicycles and routes allows everyone to experience the magic that only a two-wheel trusty steed can yield. First stop for many has to be the Madebike Park whose seasonal opening is on the 22nd June. Speed and adrenaline combine to create spectacular downhill tracks suitable for beginners and experts alike.
The trails are immersed in magnificent Alpine landscapes and guarantee great entertainment in a safe environment: two fundamental characteristics for a highly enjoyable discipline. The website www.madebike.it supplies all the relevant detail.
For anyone looking for matters of an even more Alpine nature and are not put off by the rigours and practicalities of uphill climbs, Madesimo throws up a range of mountain biking trails. Straightforward or ever more challenging stretches, all set against the magnificent backdrop that only the upper mountains can provide.
Last but not least are the possibilities for road bikes. And the recommended route par excellence is that of the main SS 36 road leading all the way to the Passo dello Spluga at 2,114m. Leaving Chiavenna it’s an itinerary of around 30km with a height differential of almost 1,900m; an uphill jaunt to be tackled with considerable commitment and not a little passion, a challenging combination which will surely be repaid on reaching your goal, where the air forms part of the sky itself and the eye can feast on all the surrounding splendour.
EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED
Saturday 24 th and Sunday 25 th August:
Madesimo, and the Party Bike extravaganza rides into town. This much-anticipated
occasion is now celebrating its fourth staging, and from last year has become an
integral part of the National Downhill Series. Saturday sees trials day on the “Valle delle Streghe” track and, from 16.00 live music and entertainment take over in the departure zone adjacent to the Lago Azzurro chairlift along with displays on the final vault by professional riders, plus an event on the pump track.
On Sunday the competition itself gets under way at 10.00 with the awards ceremony
scheduled for 16.30 when the title of regional champion will be bestowed.
All the itineraries linked to the Valchiavenna world of biking can be found on: www.valchiavennabike.it