via del Bitto Section 4: Madonna della Neve a Introbio

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The historical via del Bitto runs from Morbegno in the Valtellina (valley) over the Bocchetta di Trona (pass at 2,092 m, 6,863 ft) and down to Introbio in 4 sections. Sections 2 and 3 probably aren't adapted to mountain bikes, but section 4 from Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow Church) to Introbio is suitable for bikes, if a bit technical.

From Madonna della Neve, the route roughly parallels the Torrente Troggia (river). The first 1.6 km (1 mi) follows a gravel road through the peaceful high alpine val Biandino (valley). At this point, near the Rifugio Tavecchia (mountain hut with food/beverages), the route diverges from the road and follows a rocky singletrack to the west of the Torrente Troggia.

Shortly after the start of the singletrack, there is a monument commemorating the 55° Brigata - Garibaldi "Fratelli Rosselli" (55th Brigade - Garibaldi "Brothers Rosselli"). This was a group of partisans who fought against Mussolini's fascists and the Nazis and who narrowly escaped through the area to Switzerland in 1944.

From the monument, it is 4 km (2.5 mi) with 600 m (2,000 ft) of descending to the end of the singletrack section where this GPX ends.

The singletrack section is quite technical with a lot of rocks, including some narrow passages and short drops in addition to being a relatively steep descent. It will either be very enjoyable, or you'll want to find one of the various shortcuts that will take you across the Torrente Troggia to the main road through the valley. Much of the singletrack passes through a scrubby forest and there are a few small waterfalls to discover along the way.

The singletrack ends at the main via Biandino road at a small parking area near a bridge over the Torrente Torggia. Mountain bikes should take the via Biandino road into Introbio, another 2 km (1.2 mi) away and 300 m (1,000 ft) down. There is actually a short hiking trail that takes you more directly into the medieval old section of Introbio (look for a trail to the left about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) into the descent on via Biandino), but I'm not sure this section is suitable for bikes.