Iron Head

Very satisfying quality mountain biking thanks to the low elevation gain and little portage, but fabulous environments!

The Strura Valley is a mine of itineraries of all kinds, those who do not disdain portage have years to go around, this is a short tour suitable for a half day but which can also serve as a cue for several longer rides , see cicloalpinismo.com.

We set off from Prati del Vallone where the refuge of the same name is located in the direction of Colle Stau to tackle one of the most beautiful pedalable climbs in the entire Stura Valley; we follow the dirt road with a rather uneven surface and at the first hairpin turn we take the direct path to the right that has recently been cleaned by the refuge manager.

Apart from the first 50 m and two hairpin bends that are a bit too steep, the path is wonderful and entirely cyclable and allows us to bypass the first part of the dirt road that leads to the Stau. Once again on the dirt road, all we have to do is pedal to the fork just below the Stau pass (it can be reached in 15 min), but we continue straight to the Panieris pass, after about 100 mt of a not very cyclable traverse, the path is beautiful and pedalable again until just below some small barracks. With about 100/150 mt d+ of portage we reach them and pass it up to a bunker from which we put the bike back under the butt and traverse up to Colle Panieris ...BEWARE OF THE SPINNED WIRE that is everywhere at that point and is also camouflaged!

From the pass we have immediately above Testa del Ferro that we reach by taking a traverse that cuts below the summit that allows us to pedal and reach the west ridge that we manage (with a bit of zig-zagging) to pedal almost all the way to the scenic summit.

All that remains is to descend straight back to the Colle Panieris and follow the path to the right that descends into the valley of the same name, after a short while a series of very beautiful and technical hairpin bends (one or two to be done on foot), then gradually becomes easier until you reach a beautiful plateau. We continue on the ever-turning trail that plows up the steep slope on technical terrain to the right point, more than anything else the difficulties are given by the gravel bottom, it is not exposed and the hairpin bends seem to be made especially for learning the nosepress!!!

Once you reach the uphill dirt road again, all you have to do is descend until you take the go path in the opposite direction until you reach the refuge for a well-deserved beer!