Alpago e Cansiglio gravel

Spectacular route for views of the Alpago and Cansiglio Forest. Challenging elevation gain, over 1800 meters, virtually all of which is accomplished in the first 50 kilometers.

Technical difficulty almost none, these are forest roads passable with gravel type bikes, rubberized from 35 mm and up (for those who are practical with narrow tires). Recommended at least 40 mm, larger sections are useful but not essential. Doable without problems also by front MTB, consider that for crca 60% takes place on paved roads or with a compact cemented bottom.

It starts from Paiane di Ponte nelle Alpi, climbs up the Val Cantuna road to Pieve d'Alpago, descends to Schiucaz and then climbs decisively in altitude to Lamosano, Irrighe, the piedmont road to Tambre, Sant'Anna, to enter the Cansiglio Forest and make the whole ring of forest roads, touching Valmenera, Candaglia, exit at Crosetta, go up Pizzoc to the Taffarel road, descending from Mezzomiglio to Pianture and Farra d'Alpago, to return to Paiane. Go up the Val Cantuna road, moderate slope to Pieve d'Alpago, then downhill, turn left at the fork following signs for Chies - Tambre.

Cross the Schiucaz bridge, turn left and climb to Lamosano, continue right to Chies, at Molini turn left to Irrighe. Here watch out for the fork in the road to Mont, turn left; go all the way along the foothill road, which passes malga Cate, Pianon and joins SP422 in Tambre. Past the center of the village, follow the signs to Sant'Anna on the left and then take the road that enters the Cansiglio Forest (barrier after the forest house in Pian Canaie).

At Pian Rosada turn left, the gravel part begins, gravel-bottomed forest road with a few spots that are a bit bumpy; at the Valmenera junction, take a left onto the well-maintained road for the ascent to Candaglia, immersed in the forest of fir and beech trees; watch out for the short descent that connects it to the road to Crosetta, which is a bit bumpy. Then smooth gravel bottom to the Crosetta. Turn right onto SP422. A short stretch of asphalt leads, on the left, to the climb to Pizzoc, which you immediately leave for a cemented-bottomed road with rather steep ramps, later gravel with grassy sections.

You return briefly to the asphalt road, from the Cadolten forest house, then left on the Pizzoc road, meeting the fork on the right for the Taffarel. The Taffarel road, which winds completely through the forest of imposing beech trees, has a bottom with muddy sections, stones and in some places on exposed rock, it is however passable with gravel bikes with 35-40 mm tires, paying the necessary attention to the bumpiest points. At the end turn left onto the road leading to Mezzomiglio (watch out for the bar!).

From Mezzomiglio very steep asphalt descent (gradient up to 25%) that descends to Pianture and then Farra d'Alpago, where you take SP422 again to Bastia. Take the Via Regia bike path to return to Paiane.

#gravel