Story behind
Here we are again, next to a drawing board, planning the next route for the next Awesome adventure!
After the 2019’s Stella Alpina Rally, where I couldn’t get my bike all the way to the top because of the snow (just 200 meters short), I promised to myself that i’ll come back next year, and I will get my bike all the way to the top!
However 2020 came and soon all the horrible virus problems after… the rally got cancelled and unfortunately my plans got pushed even further – 2021!
After planning and re-planning my route, I came up with this simple route from Calais down to Bardonecchia, visiting a few interesting spots on the way, but not overloading the schedule like I did in 2019! (Read more about it here)
From there all the awesomeness starts! Mostly off road – using as many old military tracks/roads as possible that forms a big loop that stretches all the way down to the South French coast near glamorous Monaco! And, it most importantly – it includes the Stella Alpina Rally on the first day in Italy!
Obviously it would have been easier to use 2019’s route, however, who wants easy.. This time opted out for a bit more challenging stuff, as the route was planned for a group of riders who love offroading too!
Also the original plan was to get to Monaco, but changed my mind as i thought the place might be too expensive, also it was slightly too far off to one side..
Used multiple sources for this route, including TET France, TET Italy and GLR. (Trans Euro Trail Routes can be found here, and Going Limbo Routes here)
Trip Plan
09/10.07.2021, Fri / Sat, (eurotunnel leaves at ~10am on Friday) Calais -> Colle Sommeiller (orange).
1211km = avg 75km/h 16h 37 + 4h = 21h (15min added for every hour of travel)
Explore: Colle del Sommeiller
11.07.2021, Sun, Stella -> Pramollo (purple).
174km avg 30 km/h 6h+1.5=7.5h (alternative route – red- (Dell-Assietta-detour))
Explore: Testa dell’Assietta, Colle della Ciabra
12.07.2021 Mon, Pramollo -> Valderi (orange).
299km avg 30km/h 10h+2.5h=12.5h.
Explore: Valdieri, Lou Viol d’la Cresto
13.07.2021, Tue, Valderi->Olivetta (blue).
161 km avg 30km/h 5.5h+1.5h=7h
Explore: Panchina Rossa Gigante,
14.07.2021, Wed, Olivetta -> Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage (green)(extra loop of 30km – grey).
250+30=280 km, avg 30km/h, 9.5h+2.5h = 12h
Explore: Le Fort des Salettes,
15.07.2021, Thu, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage->Cascade de la passerelle. 218 km 7.5h+2h=9.5h
Explore: Cascade de la passerelle, Lacets de Montvernier
16.07.2021, Fri- Sat – Sun, Cascade de la passerelle -> Calais via Lacets de Montvernier – one of the balcony roads in France (Aim for 1pm return to Eurotunnel time.) (book Return ticket for 3pm or so). 1080km, 14.5h+4h=19h.
Just an Idea
*** It’s just an idea, obviously it all depends on kilometers covered each day, but I have tried to make an easy plan that is not overfilled, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the area while sticking to trails most of the time. Fuel stops and food stops not included in the plan – so as and when needed.
*1 day to spare for whatever (breakdowns, punctures or simply spending more time taking in mountain views.
*2 days can be saved by using Tolls in France, but that would be extra 80-90 Euros and 2 painfully boring days on the motorway.
Download Gpx File: (*.zip – compressed “zipped” file)
Please check the route before use! and if used – use it at your own risk!
