There is a new route through Ticino that connects the mountain bike highlights of the region in five stages. This was the beginning of the message that Michelle, the boss of a Swiss tour organiser, sent me. There was also talk of indescribable views and wonderful single trails. Oh yes, why not?
It is a clear, cool autumn morning when a small group gathers in Biasca for the start. In keeping with the cliché, an immaculate blue sky spans the scenery. The mood is relaxed. Although the odd scrutinising glance flits over the riders' equipment and muscles. The damn towering mountain flanks also contribute to the fact that I can't hide a little nervousness. Biasca lies south of the St. Gotthard at an altitude of just 300 metres. The heights of the passes seem particularly impressive: 2558 metres at the Passo del Corno and 2376 metres at the Passo del Sole, to name just two planned hurdles. On the way to Airolo, our first stage destination, we first get to know the opposite of a lonely mountain world. The Ticino valley has been mercilessly sacrificed to traffic. Next to the river that gave the canton its name, a main road, a motorway and a multi-track railway line are squeezed into a very small space. The Gotthard route is one of the most important north-south connections in the Alps.
Fortunately, we soon wind our way up the valley flank. On the alpine terraces, pretty villages give an impression of what it once looked like down there a long time ago. Defiant stone houses are clustered around a small square with the obligatory washing fountain. The Italian influence is particularly evident in the architectural style of the churches. The only difference: the Swiss flag fluttering in every garden. A good one thousand metres of altitude have to be climbed today. Just right to get used to each other and save energy for the next day. Because Chris promises us a long singletrail in a class of its own up on the Nufenen Pass.
You can find the entire article with these stages as a PDF download below:
- Stage 1: Stage length: 49 km/1536 m ascent
Biasca (303 m) - Chironico (787 m) - Gribbio (1290 m) - Prato (1038 m) - Ambri (975 m) - Airolo (1175 m)
- Stage 2: Stage length: 54 km/1940 m altitude difference
Airolo (1175 m) - Bedretto (1402 m) - Nufenen Pass (2480 m) - Passo del Corno (2558 m) - San Giacomo (2254 m) - Airolo (1175 m)
- Stage 3: Stage length: 38 km/1760 m ascent
Airolo (1175 m) - Gotthard Pass (2091 m) - Passo Scimfuss (2242 m) - Piora (1851 m) - Capanna Cadagno (1987 m)
- Stage 4: Stage length: 28 km/680 m
Capanna Cadagno (1987 m) - Passo del Sole (2376 m) - Acquacalda (1756 m) - Anvéuda (1674 m) - Olivone (902 m)
- Stage 5: Stage length: 40 km/950 m ascent
Olivone (902 m) - Campo (1205 m) - Olivone - Ludiano (486 m) - Biasca (303 m)
You can also find more GPS data for this area at bike-gps.com:
- GPS data Ticino/Alto Ticino->
- GPS data Ticino/Giro Monti->
- GPS data Ticino/Laghi Monti 1->
- GPS data Ticino/Laghi Monti 2a->
- GPS data Ticino/Laghi Monti 2b->
- GPS data Ticino/Laghi Monti 2 Gondola->
- GPS data Ticino/Maggia Grande->
- GPS data Ticino/Mini-Transalp->
- GPS data Ticino/Mini-Transalp XL->
- GPS data Ticino/Monte Arbostora->
- GPS data Ticino/Monte Arbostora Grande->
- GPS data Ticino/Monte Tamaro->
- GPS data Ticino/Monte Tamaro Gondola->
- GPS data Ticino/Passo Sole->
- GPS data Ticino/Sambuco->
- GPS data Ticino/Sotto Ceneri->
- GPS data Ticino/Trans Ticino Light->
- GPS data Ticino/Trans Ticino North->
- GPS data Ticino/Trans Ticino South->
- GPS data Ticino/Val Colla More Trails->
- GPS data Ticino/Val Colla Trails->
- GPS data Ticino/Valle Maggia->
- GPS data Ticino/WM Marathon->
