Ballabio MTB figure-eight via Pizzino and Artavaggio
Route information
- Region / area
- Lombardia
- Province / area
- Lecco
- Country
- Italy
- GPX starting point
- Lat. 45.90218, lon. 9.42358
- Track length
- Approximately 72.0 km
- Estimated ascent
- 2,920 m
- Estimated descent
- 2,910 m
- Minimum GPX elevation
- 630 m
- Maximum GPX elevation
- 1,640 m
Distance and elevation are estimates from the GPX and may differ from GPS-device calculations.
A scenic figure-eight route through beech and hornbeam woodland. Start at Ballabio and climb on tarmac to Olino, then turn onto rough gravel towards Culmine San Pietro.
At the pass, return to tarmac and follow the undulating road to Sottochiesa. A lovely surfaced climb leads towards Pizzino, where the contributor notes a fountain. Continue up a very steep section for about 2 km, then turn left onto the demanding gravel road to Artavaggio.
Descend to Maesem and turn left onto a very rough track to Avolasio. Rejoin tarmac and climb back to Culmine San Pietro.
About 1 km beyond the pass, turn left onto the Artavaggio road. After another kilometre, take the right-hand descent to an excellent singletrack, passing Mezzacca. Near the river, a very steep section requires pushing for about 200 m before the return towards Ballabio.
The contributor describes a demanding ride requiring good technique and fitness, roughly 60% off-road, with a short push/carry section. Thanks were given to Ricki for providing AMED electrolyte supplies and bars on the outing.
Nearby routes
Other routes whose starting points are near this route. This does not imply similar difficulty or terrain.