Valle Argentina can be reached by turning right inland from the Ligurian coast between Imperia and San Remo. Here, the little river Argentina has carved a long valley on its way down from the Ligurian Alps to the coast. Less than half an hour's drive later, we reach the village of Molini di Triora and, in our case, the "Santo Spirito" - our accommodation for the next few days.
As it was already dark when we checked into the Albergo, we are completely mesmerised the next morning when we step outside the door: Wooded ridges stagger down to the coast and up to the Saccarello massif in the north. Small villages cling to their flanks. The most famous of these is enthroned directly above the main road from Molini like a fortress on a rocky spur: Triora. The travel guide even calls it the "most beautiful village in Liguria", but it became famous for its witchcraft myths.
But more on that later, because Manuel and Valentina are just driving up in the shuttle bus. A very comfortable start for us, as the two of them will not only show us their favourite trails today, but also save us a lot of metres in altitude with their bike trailer. A few years ago, they founded "Team Life Cycle". A kind of club for enduro riders that celebrates, trains and takes part in enduro races together. Together with a few British riders, they have also cleared the region's trail network. A fun concept that appears to be a success, as the team has been winning plenty of trophies for two years now.
Valentina and Manuel are keen to show us as many of their favourite trails as possible and set a fast pace right from the start. "Just keep at it, the trail is just right to familiarise yourself with it!"
