Monte Tamaro Bike - No. 362

This circular itinerary is sensational: the ascent from Alpe Foppa to Capanna Tamaro is strenuous. The view of the valley floor, Lake Lugano, and Lake Maggiore is magnificent. The subsequent descent is technically challenging. Crossing forests and alpine pastures, you reach the valley through which the Vedeggio flows.

The cable car takes mountain bike enthusiasts from Rivera up to Alpe Foppa. Here it's worth visiting the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, designed by the famous architect Mario Botta, while the main halls were painted by the Italian painter Enzo Cucchi.The energy saved thanks to the cable car ride up to the starting point is now needed for the first steep climb along a dirt path. Along the way, you can admire an impressive view of the entire region, ranging from the Po Valley to the Valais Alps. After overcoming 330 meters of altitude difference, you reach the intermediate stop at the large antenna of Capanna Tamaro, which is open to the public and offers a magnificent 360° view of the valley floor, Bellinzona to the north, and Lugano, with Lake Ceresio, to the south. To the west, you can see Lake Maggiore, dominated by Locarno and its delta. Here it is possible to regain strength for the next long single track, which is technically demanding.

A difficult cross trail first leads to the junction just before Monte Tamaro and, subsequently, to the switchbacks leading to the Bassa di Indemini. This section is still quite challenging. The trail enters the forest: the further you go, the smoother the route becomes. After Alpe Canigiolo there is a splendid high-altitude path that follows the slope towards Alpe Torricella. Continuing through the forest, you reach Arosio, part of the municipality of Alto Malcantone. The Roman road led from Ponte Tresa to Monte Ceneri through this locality. It is worth visiting the church of San Michele here with its mural drawings. A rewarding single trail follows that crosses the forest and, after some turns, arrives in Bedano in the valley floor. Here, in some places, the mountain bike must be pushed.

The return route winds through characteristic historic centers. In Torricella, cyclists pass over a bridge over the A2 highway. Near Taverne, the route reaches the Vedeggio river, which is followed up to a junction before proceeding towards Mezzovico. In this short stretch, you are between the highway and the railway line. But only for a short time: afterwards, the route continues slightly uphill to the hamlets of Capidogno and Soresina, where you can visit the oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie and an old mill with a museum. Or how about some wellness after this demanding itinerary? The Splash & Spa Tamaro is located right at the end of the route.