Monte Cogolo

The mountain ridges between Monte Cogolo and Monte Spin were heavily fortified by the battle line during the First World War and today offer a great bike infrastructure in the Italian Pre-Alps.

Description

The route starts in Schio, just outside the hustle and bustle of the town near Santorso. From here, it's a relaxed ride up the southern slopes across the hamlets on asphalt. You can already see a few trails on the way up and get a taste of what to expect. You continue to crank your way upwards and already have magnificent views towards Veneto and, on a clear day, as far as the Mediterranean. Finally, you switch from asphalt to gravel and take a panoramic road, which originally served as a supply road during the First World War, steadily uphill to the Forte Rione positions. Breathtaking buildings were skillfully carved into the mountain here and today offer breathtaking views on Monte Rione and Monte Cogolo. Especially in spring and fall when there is little vegetation, the view here is perfect.

This is also where the descent begins. An interesting mix of S1 and occasional S2 is waiting for you and you cross the ridge in the upper section back to the ascent variant to Busa Novegno. Passing Monte Novegno, you then take a few trail cut-offs to the very interesting part of the tour. On former military trails, you circle down through forests and open areas to Monte Rozzo. At Monte Rozzo, you cross the pass past the Croce di Rozo with equally magnificent views and wind your way down on difficulty level S2 with a few hairpin bends. The route then enters an agricultural area and descends on very flowing sections. Finally, the trail varies greatly and can also change in difficulty between S1 and S2 and occasionally S3 depending on the vegetation and rainy season. In this manner, you wind your way down and reach the main road Via Europa in Santorso before skilfully winding your way back to the starting point, where you can also enjoy an espresso with Italian flair in Schio.

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