New to our itineraries for 2008 and in collaboration with our Italian Friends we bring you the:
‘Giro di Alpi del Mare’ - Alp to Sea – 7 Day Point to Point Tour
This is a fully supported 7 day tour, taking in 4 regions of Western Liguria each with their own characteristics, terrain, towns, food and accommodation. We start at the swish seaside resort of Finale Ligure with its stunning sea view trails and long beech wood singletrack. Then to the Alpine town of Calizzano and its fast flowing pine wood singletrack. Next to Val argentina with its steep sides, long technical singletrack and the medieval towns villages and finally to the steep rocky slabs of San Remo.
What’s more to maximize the riding we provide vehicle uplifts (or you can still climb) to all the trail heads and you will actually arrive at your next destination by bike! Your luggage will be transported separately and will be in your rooms on your arrival.
We descend approx 30,000 metres altitude over 250km from super fast to super technical singletrack! All with the aid of knowledgeable guides and shuttle bus uplifts.
Typical Itinerary
Note: The itinerary shown here is more uplift and ‘freeride’ biased however this can very easily be adapted if you want a more ‘All mountain’ ride with a bit more climbing involved.
Day 1 – Airport pickup from Nice/Genova and transfer to your home for the next two days; Hotel Florenz, part of Italy bike hotels and is a converted convent with en-suite rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is run by our good friend Lorenzo who is the president of the finale 24hr MTB race and is responsible for the MTB mecca that Finale has become…so you will be in good hands.
Day 2 - Its time for riding. You will be picked up by Luca and his guides in their bus and start with some fun singletack full of berms and compressions such as the infamous runs of Caprazoppa and Varigotti to name but a few as well as the jumps and switchbacks of Magiolo
Day 3 - We go higher up to the abandoned NATO base and wind farm and ride the trails that has made Finale famous, including the 18km long ‘H’ (helicopter pad) trail, and various north shore and other purpose made goodies. The last run will take you from the old fort of Colle del Melogno with an incredibly fast high bermed trail to arrive at your new home in Calizzano.
Here you will be met by Fulvio and his team at their beautiful agriturismo Legiaire After a well deserved shower and a few beers sit down to a magnificent 6 course meal. Fulvio is a colorful character, great rider and is also responsible for spearheading this area of Liguria onto the MTB map.
Day 4 - You will ride the local trails around Calizzano. These are different in character to Finale, gone are the sandstone slabs, beech trees and sea views to be replaced by limestone cliffs and pine forests. The trails here are again fast, a little more technical with steeper drops and compressions upping the ante a little. The runs here are a little shorter average of 7km but they make up for it in the fun factor and Fulvio regularly rides until 7pm…so be warned!
Day 5 - Leaving Calizzano we head further West towards Cola di Nava. The riding here is bigger, with a good mix of open technical trails and fast smooth forest trails. You will eventually arrive at the small ski resort of Monesi and from here you will be met by us…Rivierabike. We will take you up to the highest point in Liguria Mt Saccharello at (2200m) and from here is a roller coaster of a ride over 25km down to our home – Molini di Triora in Val Argentina at 450m.
You will be greeted by Andrea & Maria Chiara who will look after you for the next two days at their hotel Santo Spirito.
Day 6 - By now you will be descending like a demon and for the next two days your skills either found or improved will be tested. Welcome to the home of Agri Folgia, Kop Killer, PoP, Il Padre, Numero uno, A.R.S.E, Bel-ender, Oranges & Lemons and many more. Here the runs are longer, (average 11km) higher, (average alt 1100) and steeper and are riddled with jumps, tight switchbacks, rock gardens and fantastic narrow street riding.
Day 7 - Today we head back to the Sea and will start at 1500m at Mt Ceppo and head for Mt Bignogne and San Romolo above San Remo. Here we will do a series of runs including the Dh course before a manic run into San Remo town with a 2km section dodging tourists through ancient medieval streets and parks before arriving at the sea for a dip and a few beers.
An option here is a 50km run down to Ventimiglia, 2000m to Sea level (with little ups) but well worth it…..the choice is yours!!
Day 8 - Alas its all over, pack the bikes and off to the airport for a well deserved rest back home!
