Porta Biandino

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This singletrack begins at the end of the viale Sciatori farm road. It doesn't look so bad from the intersection with the farm road. But you'll climb almost 120 m (400 ft) in the first 0.8 km (0.5 mi). The trail becomes washed out towards the top of this climb where it crosses a mountain stream - plan to carry the bike for a short distance.

After this, you can enjoy about 1 km (0.6 mi) of relatively flatter, easy singletrack which is all above the tree line. The views are impressive, particularly the one all the way up the val Biandino towards the east. The valley is backdropped by some of the tallest (2,500 m; 8,200 ft) peaks in the Bergamo pre-Alps.

At the end of this section of flat, easy singletrack, just after crossing a saddle, you'll pass through a doorway which seems out of place. This is the signal that the descent is about to begin and makes for a good place to strap on any knee/shin and/or elbow pads you might have brought along.

After you pass by a couple of farm buildings, you'll drop 50 m (150 ft) in the blink of an eye. This is followed by about 0.5 km (0.3 mi) on a narrow singletrack along a contour but with a pretty steep cross slope. Going off course could send you tumbling uncontrollably down the side of the mountain. After this, you've got another quick 50 m (150 ft) drop and another section of contour riding.

Then at the 3 km (1.9 mi) mark, after you cross a stream, the bottom falls out. You'll drop over 200 m (700 ft) in 0.8 km (0.5 mi). There are a couple of groups of close in succession switchbacks along the way. To add to the difficulty, the trail enters a brushy area, so some roots are thrown into the mix. Because the trail is so narrow, you might appreciate those shin/knee pads you lugged up to the top so the brush doesn't scratch your shins.

Conveniently, the trail ends at the Rifugio Tavecchia (mountain hut), where you can enjoy a well-earned meal and beverage. From here, the via del Bitto Section 4: (Madonna della Neve a Introbio) runs east along the val Biandino to a pilgrimage church: Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow) or south along the Torrente Troggia (river) to Introbio.