Colle Bella Lana 2522 m - Ponton

Very challenging cyclo-mountaineering itinerary, 200 m D- deportage potentially dangerous. FBL.

As promised here Testa-di-pian-fret-2715m we return to the area to unmark 2 new descents knowing that the second one will not be free.

Start from Miseregne locality of Fenis 580m, convenient central parking and water nearby. Known bituminized climb but absolutely deserted in late October. At 1390 m nice little cut to Porteron then off-road on what looks like an old bobsled track. At 1540 m hairpin bend carpeted trail between fiery larches to the col to Servettaz. Zö de lè. Bold trail not mapped in the regional cadastre but absolutely perfect with continuous twists and turns for 450 m. Stinking pine cones and vague roots from the night's rain raise the difficulty considerably. About halfway down I play the wild card of the day if not of the season and save myself in the corner on a soapy rock only because of my Sunday afternoon pro skate past. "I could have been offended!" Butts even tighter and we land alive at Servettaz 1100 m. Change of set-up and valley. We are now in the Clavalitè.

More lonely, bituminized pedal and more cutting on trail after Marqueron (pushing) to Chez Ramin 1550 m. There remains a nice little ordinance millino otherwise pedalable with short panozzo break under a magnificent October sun at Little Wool 2200 m. Another 300 and we're there: Colle di Bella Lana 2522 m !

Descent ON: short break just for time to enjoy the view and stock up on diapers because we know the whole first part of the gully down to Ponton is extremely uncomfortable and must be tackled calmly and chalkily. In fact, there are 200-250 m of absolute non-cyclability where more than getting on the saddle you have to think about surviving. Narrow and exposed passages, exposure, instability, blue ropes in profusion. Ocio Ambrogio ! However, the valley is wild and beautiful in total solitude and intimacy.

Only one passage really challenges me but by securing with a lanyard I manage to help Phoebe without even putting on her harness. Marooo what an uncomfortable pair ! After very timid glimpses around 2250 m we finally get back in the saddle indefinitely on very technical trail with narrow switchbacks well stuffed with rocks. Honorable mention to the rock garden just before the Ponton plateau. From Ponton well-deserved relaxation on falsopiano and then more technicality interspersed with imperial carpeting, more rock gardens and peppery switchbacks. Very nice. As you descend you enter British Columbia amidst verdant mosses and soapy stone killers and then switch to wider but still interesting trail to Chervaz 1160 m and the beautiful clearing of Thuy 1100 m. Very short lane and micro climb and then again unexpectedly beautiful ST practically all the way to the valley floor. Quite fast but punctually challenging and exposed. 2 min of Ru and we are at the car happy and enjoyed.

In conclusion: itinerary of very high value for the places crossed, the quality of the trails and the beauty of the solitude. To be tackled though only if motivated and cautious.