STRADA DEI CANNONI -BC
Good, after a rich breakfast you are ready to head out. No cars! You leave directly from here on your MTB.
The itinerary unfolds mostly on the ancient military road known as the cannons’ road that was built around the middle of 1700 during the War of the Austrian Succession, it has never been used for the transit of the military because the fighting took place around Cuneo’s city walls.
Leave the Marmotte Hotel and head towards the valley along the dirt track that from the hamlet of Frere drops along the right side of the Maira stream to the hamlet of Maddalena
Here you need to turn onto the paved street towards Prazzo Superiore, where you should turn right until you find the river. Pass a little bridge; continue along the forest track, towards the valley, and go up to Ponte Marmora.
At this point you will need to take the main valley road to San Damiano Macra.
Turn left before crossing the village, towards Pagliero. Here you will cross many different villages of the valley.
In b. ta Chesta the paved road turns into a dirt road and after a few kilometers you reach Colle Birrone (1700 m) where the dirt road crosses the military street known as the Strada dei cannoni; .
Turn left toward the colle of Sampeyre (2284 m).
You have arrived at the panoramic destination! A bit of effort but it was worth it, right?
Time for photos! Snap away and share with our hashtag:
#albergolemarmotte #vallemairabikeexperience #mairavigliosa
To down way back, you will cross a paved road that you have to follow on your left, until you reach Colle delle Cavalline; after passing a road on your right, which goes downhill towards Elva, go ahead and turn left and then right up to arrive near the round chapel of San Giovanni(1872 m).
Turn now left following the single-track (yellow marks PO) to reach Colle Bettone (1831 m). From here, you can continue your descent (always following the yellow marks) up to the hamlet of San Martino.
Cross the Upper hamlet and go down to the lower hamlet proceeding along the path that descends to Gr. Vignale.
From here you find again the paved main road that you can follow backward to Frere and the Hotel Le Marmotte.
You have returned to the Marmotte Hotel. Today’s excursion is over. Good Job!
Now you can enjoy a well deserved rest in the garden, sipping a nice cold beer!
Photos
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.