The images of severe weather from various parts of Switzerland last weekend are both frightening and impressive. However, while the flood situation in this country ended mildly, our southern neighbors in Italy were hit much harder. The Valle Argentiera, which leads north from San Remo to the popular trails of Molini di Triora, was hit by a catastrophic flood on October 2, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Important roads and bridges were washed away by the raging rivers, leaving many villages inaccessible, completely cut off and people stranded.

Houses were flooded and destroyed, cars washed away, trees uprooted and many businesses destroyed beyond recognition. Bike shuttle vehicles and trailers have also been lost or destroyed, as has an entire garage with tools for trailers and mountain bikes. With the region already suffering from a lack of tourism due to COVID-19, it is unimaginable what damage the region is facing after the storm.

Local bike scene asks for help

"Many visitors love the region and the trails and have the fondest memories of their bike vacations here. And the locals love them just as much. We now urgently need support to get Molini back on its feet so that we can all enjoy the beauty of this place again," writes Anka Martin, the initiator of the fundraising campaign.

In the first phase, the huge mess needs to be cleared up before the reconstruction of the valley can begin. The donations will be used to pay for the tools and equipment needed for the clean-up work, to feed the volunteers and, in a further step, to try to save the remaining mountain bike trails.
But it's not just about the mountain bike infrastructure, Martin continues: "The great new children's playground needs to be rebuilt and the town needs to be beautified with flower boxes again afterwards. I have no idea what the cost of all this will be at this stage, but we are grateful for every penny."

The fundraising campaign has got off to a good start and the target of 30,000 euros should be reached in a few days. But that is probably a drop in the ocean - so a few more bucks won't do any harm.
Once the region around Molini is back on its feet, every trail lover is recommended to visit it.

www.gofundme.com/f/molini-flood-fundraiser