DRONERO, RACCONIGI, VOTTIGNASCO
CYCLING TRAIL ALONG THE MAIRA
55 km
The Maira trail is a tourist route that will take us from Racconigi to Dronero, passing through the towns of Cavallerleone, Cavallermaggiore, Savigliano, Vottignasco, Villafalletto and Busca. It is an itinerary that can be travelled by MTB or gravel bike, complete with signs indicating the route and providing information about the environment. Along the way, you will come across different kinds of surroundings: we will flank cultivated fields on dirt roads and go through the riverside vegetation that is all that remains of the ancient river forest. The route does not present particular technical difficulties and is suitable for all cyclists.
Please note that itineraries may include roads where motor vehicles are allowed. Authors and trail testers are not responsible for the information contained.
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The route is about 55 km long, with an elevation gain of almost 400 metres. From the Castello di Racconigi, a splendid Savoy Residence, you immediately reach the banks of the Maira river that you begin climbing immediately. You soon reach the centre of Cavallerleone, where you will admire the two circular towers of the Castle, dating back to the fourteenth century. You will cross a number of cultivated fields on a dirt road until you skirt the stream and, after a short asphalted stretch, you’ll reach Cavallermaggiore on the opposite side of the Maira.
You’ll begin riding the “Franco Pacifico” path, continuing along the Maira, among its thick riverside vegetation, rich in fauna and birdlife, where you can often spot mallards, herons and wild rabbits. With a series of fun ups and downs and curves, you will reach the town of Savigliano, an ideal stopping place where you can catch your breath in its beautiful historic centre.
After crossing the city, continue pedalling on the orographic right of the Maira on the relaxing “Bruno Tortone” path in the shade of the trees and on a very easy road up to the Bridge of Solere, where the trail becomes a fun serpentine track leading through the undergrowth of the stream and the cultivated fields. At Vottignasco, turn onto the “Olga” path, made especially for mountain bikes, which will lead you to Villafalletto. We recommend a visit to the ruins of the castle, which date back to the year one thousand. Cross to the other bank and, on a comfortable paved road in the middle of the countryside that runs along the stream, you will reach the gates of the municipality of Busca, where the beautiful streets of the historic centre are perfect for a refreshing break in their bars and bistros.
Leaving Busca, get back in the saddle and resume your trip on the beautiful dirt roads until you reach Morra San Giovanni. Here you will cross the Pedancola sul Maira, an amazing Tibetan bridge. Withone last effort you will reach the entrance to Dronero, passing over the Ponte del Diavolo, which will take you to the historic centre, where your wonderful adventure comes to an end.
The itinerary can be travelled in both directions and can be shortened at will. It retraces almost all of the original Maira Trail, with some variants more suitable for cycling.
Download Cycling and Cycling Tourism Itineraries in the Province of Cuneo