Lugano gravel bike tour – Stage 3: Rivera – Tesserete

From Val d'Isone to Capriasca.

On to the most scenic stage! In Rivera, we initially climb in the direction of Monte Ceneri along the circular Cross Country route. You then continue until you reach the Monti di Medeglia along an asphalted road, from here you ride along a scenic dirt road to the summit of the Cima di Medeglia. Back towards the mountains in the direction of Isone on a road that alternates between asphalt and dirt road, from Isone back to Gola di Lago on a road with a hard surface followed by the single-trail between Alpe Murecc and Alpe Zalto (see notes). From here on to Alpe Davrosio on a hard surface, from the alpe on to Piandanazzo along a wide panoramic dirt track that becomes a single trail towards the end. From Piandanazzo, continue to the panoramic Monte Bar hut on a dirt track. The route continues up Monte Bigorio, from the summit of which you can enjoy a spectacular view to the south. This area is characterised by numerous rustici (typical Ticino houses that have been renovated) and pastures. The tour starts off again in the direction of Tesserete, alternating, as before, between paved and unpaved roads.