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The
last part of the climb, over Monte Brč
Cimetta is not accessible with
motor vehicles, but the road that leads to Alpe Vegnasca is still a good
help to climb most of the elevation that separates it from Locarno.
Leaving from Locarno, follow the steep paved road that goes up to
Orselina. At the first bifurcation follow the signs for Monte Brč (1004
m), a small village that you'll reach after 9 kilometers of climb. After
a short flat section you'll have to climb for another 2 kilometers, then
the paved road will turn into a flat and scenic gravel road that will
allow you to take breath.
After one more kilometers you'll be back on
paved road, and back to climbing. At 1485 m (Al Söö) the road is back
to gravel again, but you'll have to leave it as soon as it starts
heading downwards. Turn right and you'll find yourself in a small meadow
that in winter turns into a ski track. The relatively wide trail that
starts here brings down to Cardada; to reach Cimetta you'll have to
climb up along the meadow instead. In the lower part of the meadow
you'll have to dismount and push your bicycle, while the upper part is
more easily rideable. On the very summit you'll find a wide panoramic
terrace.
The fire road that heads down to the Stallone refuge
The descent is long but relatively easy. You begin with the smooth fire
road that leads down to the Stallone refuge (1496
m). The MTB trail begins behind the refuge; look for the red MTB signs.
After 5 kilometers of rocks, rots and tight U-turns you'll pop out into
the main road of the Resa Valley (713 m). The trail is wide and well
maintained, and the more skilled bikers will be able to do the whole
descent without touching the ground with the feet.
Resa Valley's MTB trail
The last section is just formality. The paved road of
the Resa Valley will bring you to Brione sopra Minusio in a few minutes.
From there on you can either ride down directly to Locarno, or you can
descend to Tenero and take the nice cycle road that runs along the lake
and will bring you back to Locarno as well.
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