Day 5: From Isola 2000 to Limone

We leave the well-visited ugly artificial ski resort in France already at 8:30, as we have an extensive program ahead of us today.

Somehow we were looking forward to a comfortable ascent with a little pushing at the end on the 2628m high transition Bassa del Drous. But unfortunately, after the hotel complex, we first had to go up the slope (breakfast stayed inside) and after about 100 m elevation gain, we had to carry and push the remaining 500 m elevation gain up. The alpine hiking trail is very beautiful and recommendable, including a small mountain lake.

Once we reach the top, wild terrain awaits us and a thrilling cross-like descent of about 600 vertical meters begins. A few sections are not rideable because it is not clear what happens to the rocks when you run over them 😉, but that doesn't matter. Guide Thomas, Peter and I are very happy.

After a break at a small lake, we continue downhill on a very rough military track. The (GTA) hikers who come up here are very laborious on this path. However, the landscape is wide and wild. There is also a lot of walking, both in distance and in elevation.

Surprisingly, there are a lot of hikers on the Italian side. Probably a school class is doing a project day right in the middle of the path.

At some point, the shaking comes to an end and we arrive in the valley floor of Al Gesso. We roll and ride on the road to Valdieri, where we have a cola on the Piazza.

For a change, the final ascent to Colle Prarosso (1331m), the transition to the Vermenagna Valley, is ridden uphill and finally we go downhill on a freshly mowed trail with some muddy spots through the forest into the valley to Vernante and from there on the road to Limone. A long day comes to an end. I haven't eaten enough, so I treated myself to a burger before dinner...