Erto - Val Zemola - Rifugio Maniago

Start from Erto nuova and climb on asphalt to the Zemola valley, road with wonderful views between hairpin bends and sheer rocky slopes. Average slope, you arrive at Casera di Conte and the dirt road begins, at the crossroads you first keep left, then right. The gradient increases to 20% on dirt road at times bumpy in the not particularly dense forest, with some views. Ignore the road to the right signposted Rifugio that cuts a hairpin bend to the left and continue uphill, about 1km to the end of the cart track. From here continue only up and down trail with sections of ramps over 20%, very challenging. At least a couple of hundred meters of walking are to be accounted for and a few stops for the killer views. Up to here is 12km of climbing.

Radler stop and snack at elevation 1740m and it's downhill again. That's just to say descent, in fact you lose altitude from the refuge to Casso, but descents at significant gradients alternate with challenging ups and downs. The first section corresponds to the outward, then descends on gravel and forest, zig zags between trees on a bed of dry leaves, not excessive gradient. You cross the cart track and the gradient increases in the woods, you fly. At the junction you climb slightly and continue the zig zag descent into the woods, then the track widens and continues to descend more gently. You reach the outward asphalt which you follow to the Troi dal Sciarbon trail sign that climbs steeply to the right. There are actually 2 small trails that join. We take the second one, with at least 50m push at 50% gradient, then it continues downhill and falsopiano first in grass and sparse forest, then on gravel.

Very exposed sections with slope towards the cliff, so quite dangerous. Some hairpin bends over rocks and roots bring the saddle down for a few meters. You overlook the reservoir and see the overhanging road below us. Not recommended for those suffering from vertigo. You cross a couple of rideable scree, then the trail climbs slightly before coming out at Casso. A pause to breathe after apnea. We climb back into the village to the left toward the cemetery, at which the trail descends to take us near the dam. Meadow, forest, then a left turn and a fun narrow but enjoyable trail that descends quickly to the asphalt. From here it is an easy climb to Erto nuovo. A ride with all the ingredients you could want in MTB, technical, scenic, ever-changing, difficult and adrenaline-pumping.

28km, 30% asphalt-70% dirt. Elevation gain 1400m, single track S2, challenging