The routes combine beauty, effort, and flavors along the rural roads of Valtellina. The story of a region has many voices, different points of view. Cycling has the perfect pace for the Middle and Lower Valtellina, in time with nature.
Source: press release
Gravellina – Rural Roads, a cycling event, aims to enhance and promote this area, from Ardenno to Villa di Tirano, centered in Sondrio, which has distinct cultural, natural, and social characteristics. The terraces, the dozens of bell towers, the cool winds, and the Adda River, as well as the faces of those who live here, all come together to create a story.
The second annual Gravellina – Rural Roads weekend is Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st, just a few days before the grape harvest. "The event is scheduled for this period specifically to allow all participants to experience the unique atmosphere that has been recurring every year for centuries, with its colors and aromas," the organizers explain, "but above all to appreciate the hard work of all those engaged in the vineyards and fields, harvesting the fruits of a year's labor."
THE GRAVELLINA TOURS
The bike – gravel or mountain bike – is the right means of transport also because the Middle and Lower Valtellina require at least a little effort to be understood. riding It's aligned. "As we like to say using a dialect term, Gravellina is full of "bufà" (literally "bufà"), but—the organizers assure us—it's all compensated by the beauty of the landscapes and the spots along the routes, which often amaze even us who live here."
There are two Gravellina – Rural Roads tours on Saturday (September 20) and Sunday (September 09). The starting and finishing points are Piazza Garibaldi in Sondrio.
1/2 Gravellina – Est (20/09) is the long ride, beautiful but challenging. Legs must be in good shape. 75 km and nearly 2 meters of elevation gain from Sondrio to Villa di Tirano through the Valtellina, both rural and noble, as evidenced by the palaces of Teglio and Ponte in Valtellina. There are many interesting cycling segments, a couple of examples: the Fracia climb with a maximum gradient of 21% and – not trivial – the descent from the Mulino Menaglio. There are four refreshment stops along the route (five with the final refreshment in the square); the second in order of route – new – is in the Bianzone vineyards, Tenuta La Gatta, a spot worth 4+!
1/4 Gravellina (20/09) is the shortest ride, a nice summary of this Valtellina. The 40 km long route (with an elevation gain of 800 m) includes many points of interest, such as the Strada delle Sasselle through the vineyards, with the truly solemn former convent of San Lorenzo, and the historic center of Montagna in Valtellina, reached via the Risc di Mort, a beautiful cobblestone road that requires a bit of effort; a place name, a reason. The route has a good surface, with 74% dirt and paved roads. The ideal unsupported test for beginners. 1/4 Gravellina does not require a medical certificate.
Sunday's (21/09) laps are traced towards Bassa Valtellina. 1/2 Gravellina – Ovest is the medium lap (55 km and elevation gain 950 m) that completes – ideally, but also concretely – Gravellina with the “Est” lap on Saturday. The route crosses the lesser-known Valtellina from Sondrio to Ardenno. The mileage is divided – almost in half – between the altitude of the villages, such as Berbenno di Valtellina and the centre of Maroggia, and the valley floor, still countryside. The elevation gain, however, is all in the first 30 kilometres: an up and down through woods and vineyards, many in the process of recovery, with some single-track. riding It's smooth and fun. Last year, cycling-wise, it even surprised the locals.
BikeBernina guides accompany the "e-Bike in Vigna" tour, which follows the trail and cultural and naturalistic points of interest of "1/4 Gravellina." The tour is a taste of Valtellina between the valley floor on the Sentiero Valtellina and the Rhaetian Coast.
Registration is online at www.gravellina.com. You can sign up for a single ride or for the "Gravellina Weekend," which includes 1/2 Gravellina – East (Saturday) and 1/2 Gravellina – West (Sunday). A medical certificate is required to participate in the 1/2 Gravellina – East and 1/2 Gravellina – West rides.
THE REFRESHMENTS
The Gravellina tours include—to give you a break—multiple refreshment stops featuring local products and producers. It's truly "KM 0." The menu—but not limited to—includes: DOP cheeses and bresaola, apples, buckwheat cakes, bread, butter, and jam, and, of course, a few good glasses of Nebbiolo, the Valtellina red. The plus points are the spots, like the Mulino Menaglio in Teglio and the Torre dei Da Pendolasco in Poggiridenti.
Refreshments are provided and managed by Coldiretti Sondrio, Latteria di Chiuro, Casa Vinicola Triacca, Hotel Ristorante La Brace with Assoviuno, Salumificio Rigamonti, Association for the cultivation of Teglio buckwheat and traditional Alpine cereals, and Jom Bar.
GRAVELLINA IN THE SQUARE
Sondrio's main square, with the statue of Garibaldi in the center as per Italian tradition, is the heart of Gravellina 2025. The village—open to non-cyclists as well—is the perfect place to listen to music, chat, and relax. The refreshment area, featuring a Valtellinese menu (including polenta!), is prepared by Pro Loco Sondrio. "Bimbi in Bici" (Kids on Bikes) is a skill-training course set up and managed by BikeBernina instructors (bikes and helmets are provided, ed.). Coldiretti Sondrio producers will be in the square with the Campagna Amica market. On Saturday, there's live music with folk music from "Blast in the Wood" (15 pm) and the "brown-alpine punk rock" from "Caven" (20:30 pm); followed by a DJ set until 23 pm.
The complete program is on www.gravellina.com.
Gravellina – Strade Rurali has the contribution of the Lombardy Region and all the institutions of the province of Sondrio and the support of Coldiretti Sondrio, Rigamonti Salumificio, Latteria di Chiuro, Hotel Retici Balzi, Hotel Ristorante La Brace, Assoviuno, Grafiche Bonazzi, Trattoria Olmo, Casa Vinicola Triacca, 360 Valtellina Bike, Orobici ASD, theSharingVan, komoot.
For all info: www.gravellina.com
