I forti di Genova

A very demanding tour with tough climbs and physically challenging descents on well-maintained natural trails.

The tour starts in the San Martino Hospital area and involves a tedious crossing of the city, which forces us to pass through the crowded market of S. Fruttuoso, where we can enjoy focaccia and other delicacies. We cross the Bisagno River and begin to climb in the Righi area with some steep sections. We pass Forte Castellaccio and Forte Sperone in succession, and here the dirt road begins. After Forte Puin, a short panoramic ridge takes us back to the dirt road to Forte Fratello Maggiore. Ahead of us is the beautiful Forte Diamante, which we reach after a steep and beautiful climb on a mule track, all pedaling. Photonic view of Genoa and down on the Diamante DH, also steep here with a truly technical and steep central section, the last part of the descent is nice and flowing. We continue along Via dell'acquedotto and then turn right into the steep woodland which, with a comfortable 10-minute push, takes us to the top of Monte Bastia, where the beautiful Pinasco trail begins, truly beautiful and never boring.

Now a short ride on the historic aqueduct and then an asphalt climb that takes us back to the Trensasco pass. We pass the panoramic bar and, along an easy dirt road, we arrive at the start of the third descent: Mantide. Here too, there is a nice steep section and then a long ridge trail with the final part first consisting of steep hairpin bends and then a beautiful staircase. We cross the Bisagno again and, from Piazzale Bligny, we begin the long climb to Forte Ratti. Up to S.Eusebio, the asphalt is comfortable and boring, then there is a beautiful dirt road up to the Cappelletta dei Cacciatori. Now, on the Sentiero Cava Quezzi, a beautiful uphill stretch begins, partly pedaling and partly pushing, up to the Roman Bridge, then all pedaling on a beautiful wooded traverse to the junction where we continue along the Salita al Ratti path.

There are excellent views of Genoa and we soon reach Forte Ratti. A beautiful place to stop for a picnic. A short walk inside, then we take the unusual path towards the former Italcementi quarry, which feels like being on the moon! A very short, tough uphill stretch and we are on the ridge that catapults us towards the last fort of the day: Richelieu. A little more pushing and pedaling, and we begin our descent towards Genoa on a beautiful, very technical trail. A long, winding path that is never steep and is entirely on solid rock. After a good 8 hours of cycling, we arrive at the car tired but happy to have spent this unforgettable day, which rightly falls into the Epic Tour category.