THE THE LOOP ROUTE OF AUTOVALLONASSO -OCA
Good! After a rich breakfast you are ready to go. No car! Set off from here on your MTB!
The proposed itinerary is a serious excursion for an alpine cyclist. It presents, in fact, a series of technical challenges, great changes in elevation, and sections for carrying the bike. Attempt this route only if you are physically and technically prepared for such difficulties!
Leave from the back of the Hotel Marmotte and proceed in the direction of Acceglio along a dirt track that traces back to the right of the Maira stream, until you cross over the road near b.ta Saretto. (1525m)
Continue going up, first on asphalt, then following a military service road to Grangie Pausa.Mantenete la sinistra lungo il sentiero per il Passo della Cavalla (2539 m).
Keep to the right along the path to Passo della Cavalla (2539m).
Here, stay to the left and go downhill until a crossing near the shelter of Bonelli and lake Apsoi. Follow the branch to the right to Colle d’Enchiausa (2736m).
Follow in this direction on a path that becomes gradually more difficult, until you need to carry the bike on your back (the last few meters of the descent are particularly demanding).
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For the return descent, follow the path on the opposite side of the ascent that descends down a technical and rocky path to the valley of Unerzio, where you can visit the hamlets of Viviere, Pratorotondo, Chialvetta, and Gheit, feeding into the trail known as “La Scurico” until you reach the hamlet of Frere.
You have returned to the Marmotte Hotel. The day is finished. Good Job!
Now you can enjoy a well deserved rest in the garden, sipping a nice cold beer!
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Equipment
The routes usually start in high alpine environments and at a high altitude which are subject to rapid climatic change. You need clothing which allows you to adjust for these changes.
Before you leave, be sure to check that you have (either by wearing or carrying a pack) these three basic items:
- UNDERWEAR LAYER: The layer against the skin must allow for air circulation, and must wick moisture away from the body quickly.
- MIDDLE LAYER: The second layer must provide insulation while also allowing moisture to escape.
- OUTER LAYER: The outermost layer must provide protection from the elements such as wind and rain, while still allowing the body to breath and moisture to escape.
While some people consider helmets annoying and ugly, they without a doubt are essential.
Before leaving, be sure to adjust the helmet for total enjoyment.
They are very useful for protecting your eyes from the atmospheric elements.
It is important that they firmly enclose your face so you never need to remove your hands from the ski equipment.
The very best lenses are photochromic: designed to adapt to different kind of lights.
Using gloves is a very good habit because they ensure correct grips on equipment and the cushioning in the palms absorbs vibrations for a more pleasant run.
These basic items will limit injury in the case of a fall.
Short ones or long ones… are personal choices.
One or more of these should be filled before setting out.
Always check a map for water points along your path.
When choosing a backpack lightness and comfort are especially important. The backpack, in addition to carrying things, must also provide optimal distribution of the weight of items .
Before setting out, adjust all the straps and tension bands.
The ideal backpack for a day of MTB should have a capacity of 25-30L with a series of useful pockets to separate the following:
– clothing (wind-breaker, undershirt, long gloves, batteries, sun creams, etc.)
– food (energy bars, fruit, supplements, etc.)
– First Aid Kit (gauze, bandages, scissors, gloves, disinfectant, cotton bandage roll, thermal towel,etc..
– Accessories or emergency mechanical parts air chambers, cans, brake wire, adhesive tape, multi-purpose key, beagle levers, pliers, pump …)
–Various accessories (topographical maps, multi-function knife, GPS, head lamp, cellphone, camera, etc.)
During an excursion, it is advisable to have a working cell phone with you (even if turned off) with a fully charged battery.
The number to call in case of an emergency is “112”.
Emergency services might need to arrive by helicopter; in this case:
- Find a clear landing area.
- If possible, signal your position to the pilot by waving your arms.
- Make sure the injured part is in an area clear of debris or material that could be shifted by the helicopter.
BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS:
The courses are open to everyone, and much appreciated by trekkers.
– It is good practice to moderate your speed for others, and to free the passage to people on foot going in the opposite direction.
-Also, crossing alpine pastures requires caution. Dogs protecting flocks of sheep can be aggressive if you do not get off the bike or if you come too close to the sheep.