EWS-Trails Pietra Ligure

Pietra Ligure is the little-known neighboring town of Finale Ligure. However, the town has nothing to hide, as its single trails were selected for the second race of the 2020 Enduro World Series. Mountain bikers with good riding skills and strong fitness levels can look forward to a day tour with top trails and sea views, following in the footsteps of the world's best enduro riders.

Description

The tour starts at the "Piazzale Flavio Geddo" parking lot, from where you follow Via Franscesco Crispi northwards. After passing under the coastal highway, the route continues inland to Giustenice, where the ascent really begins. Don't worry, with the exception of a few short, steeper ramps, the road climbs pleasantly and remains so after the road surface changes to gravel. Don't skimp on water. However, if you do run out, a walled-in fountain behind an iron door provides refreshing water in the upper quarter of the ascent. The access road soon changes to a wide trail that rides along the hill to the first descent. Shortly before this, there is only a short pushing section to overcome, after which you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the sea and the start of the downhill fun. As mentioned, the world's best enduro riders have ridden here for the best times, so the trail is not one of the easiest - it is rated between red and black. After just under three kilometers, you end up on a gravel road that leads to the previous ascent, but sends you back downhill on the traverse. This racing stage lasts around 3.5 kilometers, including counter-climbs and confusing hollows - but the trail fun is extended to 6.5 kilometers thanks to the following sections.
Having already changed the mountain side, the tour calls for another climb that takes you to the trails on Monte Grosso. If you need a caffeine boost, there is a coffee bar right on the route in Tovo San Giacomo. The culmination point is reached after almost 250 meters in altitude, and here too a small drinking fountain offers some refreshment before the descent. That's right, you ride Monte Grosso twice - if you want to. The descents are rough in places, but also offer plenty of flow on the way to the aperitivo in Piazza San Nicolò di Bari in Pietra Ligure.

Tips:

The tour can easily be shortened after the first, second and third descents. You can get back to Pietra Ligure relatively quickly via the country roads.
If you don't fancy pedaling, the local shuttle companies from Pietra Ligure and Finale Ligure can help you up the mountain.

To view the detailed tour description, the topo map, the altitude profile and to download the GPX track, you need a user account on Ride-mtb.com with a subscription. Log in now or become a subscriber.