Val Gandino, Rifugio Parafulmine e Malga Lunga

Fairly challenging and very scenic ride in the beautiful Gandino Valley. Starting from the cemetery in Leffe we ride the climb mostly on asphalt, with gradients over 11% and at times over 12%. It is really worth it, though. When we reach the end of the asphalt road open to vehicular traffic (much more on Sundays than on Saturdays), the section on dirt road begins. Then it alternates between paved sections, single track and dirt road. I highly recommend reaching the Parafulmine refuge, which forces another 150 meters of elevation gain, but it is absolutely worth it both for the views and for the possible snack with a charcuterie board.

Past the refuge, a downhill section begins. After the first fork where you have to keep to the right, it becomes little to no cycling for about 20 minutes to walk but without danger. Toward the end of the single track you get back on the saddle and begin a very nice section on trail and forest in the woods with crossing a large clearing. Then back into the woods on forestry to reach Malga Lunga. The route continues with some more climbing and a few climbs, but the most is now done. A long traverse will take us above Leffe, which we will reach with a descent on a paved road.