Il Pizzocolo ed il nr. 1

We climb a sacred monster of our beloved Lake #garda, namely Pizzocolo. At the same time we pass by the Rifugio Pirlo at Spino before embarking on the toughest descent down the valley from this mountain.

We leave the car in the hamlet of San Michele di Salò ( 380 m ) near the small church with free parking. Immediately a visit to the viewpoint and then we set off. We keep the direction towards the Colomber restaurant, and soon the real climb begins. Let's mentally prepare and off we go. Immediately a concrete ramp and then the gippable road becomes constant under the shady welcome of one of the largest chestnut groves in Europe. When you reach Pirello ( 1,012 m ) I advise you to catch your breath. This is for a simple reason. We will immediately have three challenging ramps to follow, two on concrete and the third on a mule track, before arriving at La Paolona ( 1,140 m ). We follow the road, pass the bar and with an up & down stretch we arrive at Malga dello Spino ( 1,160 m ), then Passo di Spino ( 1,184 m ). Now two options: either go straight up to the top of Pizzocolo or go to the Pirlo refuge first. I recommend reaching the top to rest at the end; however, do vobis. We turn from Spino Pass to the right and continue on a pedalable climb. Once we reach the locality Le Prade ( 1,480 m ) we will have the view of Garda Lake in front of us and it will accompany us to the summit of Mount Pizzocolo ( 1,581 m ) which will come with a couple of up&downs and a couple of fast pushing sections, the last of which right from Bivacco due Aceri ( 1,560 m ). Well well ... you will notice that from the summit of Pizzocolo the views are wonderful. To help you with the names of the mountains, if you want, there will be markers behind you with all the correct heights and names. Helmet on head, protectors and open forks you return to the valley. First section very crunchy and then bumpy with a final flow section to reach Spino Pass. A quick tear and we head , keeping to the right, to the Pirlo Shelter at Spino ( 1,160 m ). You'll find Fabio and Roberta for some serious refreshment. ( Make sure it is open before you go). Ending the refueling time, we return to Spino Pass. Here begins the best part of the tour from a downhill point of view: this is the crispest, most pissed-off DISCESA.... we could have chosen. It is No. 1 ( No. 201 ) or better called Le Verghere . Initially flowing and undemanding, it becomes harder and more difficult near the Barbarano Creek where the rocks will also be slightly wet. Past this section we will end on dirt road to San Michele then to the starting point.

RECOMMENDED ROUTE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKE and/or E-BIKE ALL MOUNTAIN.

NB: At the time of entry this ride is all doable without any particular problems. We disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience due to lack of maintenance of the trails or deterioration of the same due to external and/or natural agents and a wrong assessment of the tour.