THE SALT ROAD IN 4 DAYS

This route follows a different path, sometimes technical, across different environments at different altitudes.
By the gentle slopes of the Bosco delle Navette, to the vertiginous slopes of Passo di Tanarello to descend in the heart of the Ligurian hinterland, to cross the border and go into the French side of the Valle Roja for to climb up again in the valleys of rock engravings, the Valle delle Meraviglie, passing for the Colle di Tenda, arrive to Cima Bertrand and returns to the starting point pedaling surrounded by beautiful rhododendron and larch.
This route is divided into four stages given the important gradient and the total length; the cultural and natural value and variety of landscape environmental lead the bikers to carve out some time to admire small villages or religious buildings such as the chapel of Notre Dame des Fontaines, La Brigue, Casterino and the fortifications along the route.

First stage:
km 45
Gradients: 1.400 meters
Point of departure: Upega
Arrival location: Rifugio F. Allavena

From Upega (1.280 mt) up to the Colletta delle Salse (1.650 mt) and continue to ride in the woods of the Navette that crosses entirely on path with solid ground towards Margaria Binda, in the shadow of the vegetation.
Alternating stretches open and grassland to the typical larch wood reaches the small town Piaggia, then Monesi, then the Valley of Tanarello before reaching Margaria Loxe (1.893 meters) and begin to climb to Tanarello Pass (2.045 m - 18 km) from which descend to Passo Collardente (1.617 m - 26 km), continue left up to the top of the climb near Cima di Marta (2.090 mt.) and then go down and lick the overhanging limestone walls in the sight of the mountains Grai, Valletta, Pietravecchia and Toraggio to reach Colla Melosa (1540 mt) where is located the refuge F. Allavena where the first stage will be completed with total 45 km.

Second stage:
Km 27
Gradients: 1.510 meters
Point of departure: Rifugio F. Allavena
Arrival location: Casterino (Francia)

The second stage begins returning to Passo Collardente (1.617 mt - 12 km), from where continue left downhill towards La Brigue, suggestive medieval town of Roja Valley, reached after being passed by the beautiful chapel, with important frescoes inside, Notre Dame des Fontaines, continued on asphalt, left up to La Brigue.
From here in 2 km you reached Saint Dalmas de Tende, continue intersected the road for Colle di Tenda tunnel, turn left and turn right after 300 meters uphill following to Castérino.
After a hard ascent on asphalt in the middle of a beautiful vegetation you will reach the Lac des Mesches and shortly afterwards the plateau of Casterino, a small village situated in the Valley of marvels at the gates of the Parc National du Mercantour, famous for its important rock engravings. In this stage there will be variations on trail for those who want.

Third stage:
km 40
Gradients: 1.340 meters
Point of departure: Casterino (Francia)
Arrival location: Rifugio Don Barbera

From Casterino starts on a dirt road that is not difficult at the beginning but becomes hard due to the steep slopes, we arrive in 7 km up to the Basse de Peyrefique (2.020 m) and along the slopes of Rocca dell’Abisso, between ancient fortifications, pastures and sparse vegetation, reaches Colle di Tenda (1971 mt - 14 km).
Continue towards the northeast in slight downhill and you will reach a crossroads after a few hundred metres, turn right crossing the impressive remains of Central Fort and follow the road on the north side there is the military route Limone - Monesi.
Bric Campanino is the ascent that makes us gain altitude, the trail continues beyond 2.000 meters passing the Col and Gias della Perla, the Col de la Boaria until the turnoff to Capanna Morgantini and Colla Piana di Malabergue (2.220 mt - 26 km).
The Colle dei Signori and the Refuge Don Barbera are reached after 5 km of dirt road rather hard (but not particularly pending) due to the conditions of the bottom of the path, the refuge is the arrival location of the third stage.

Fourth stage:
km 25
Gradients: 600 mt
Point of departure: Rifugio Don Barbera
Arrival location: Upega

From the Don Barbera Refuge, continue on the military road to arrive at 2.990 meters above sea level, with a light descent reaches Passo di Flamalgal, the grey limestone leaves space to a luxuriant green basin; a descent conducts us to the Colle di Selle Vecchie (2.098 mt).
From this panoramic point leave the military road for "to jump" on the Cannoniera that draws a parallel track more difficult and suggestive until to reach Cima Bertrand (2.482 mt).
Now there are 15 km of descent on the dirt track and cartroad that divide us from Upega which will be reached after 600 metres and 25 km.

For the duration of the tour will be accompanied by qualified guides, mechanical assistance and logistical support is provided by the guides themselves, supported by off-road vehicle that followed the bikers throughout the tour (with the exception of some sections where descents or ascents on the path not allow the passage of the vehicle).
The vehicle will transport your luggage from one refuge to another. It is admitted only one small luggage per person.
Other conditions are: sleep in shelters in dormitories where the toilets are shared with other guests. Dinner is served at the refuge and the menu is that offered by the refuge, lunch is packed.