- 20KM
- 1200MT
- 600
overnight// casterino
day 1
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WONDERS: FROM THE SEA TO THE HIGH VALLEYS
Bordighera ⟶ Tende - Ciclovia Bicknell
Following in the footsteps of Clarence Bicknell from over a century ago, our journey begins in Bordighera, heading deep into the wild Roya Valley.
After a scenic ride on the legendary “Train des Merveilles,” we reach the medieval village of Tende. Here, a guided visit to the Museum of Wonders prepares us for the unique history of this land.
We then pedal towards Casterino—Bicknell’s summer retreat—climbing through lush pine forests before a thrilling descent into the Fontanalba Valley.
- 56KM
- 1600MT
- 2400
overnight// la brigue
day 2
ANCIENT SIGNS AND LUNAR PEAKS: RIDING THE HISTORY
tende ⟶ la brigue
After a hearty breakfast, we meet our certified guide to explore the prehistoric rock carvings.
Clarence Bicknell was the first to catalog these 40,000 ancient signs while searching for rare plants. Since the archaeological area is protected, the visit is strictly on foot.
We are redy now for a high-altitude ride toward Colle di Tenda. Moreover, the route takes us over 2,000 meters through a lunar landscape that remains accessible and flowy. Finally a scenic descent through mountain pastures brings us to the historic village of La Brigue.
- 40KM
- 1400MT
- 1400MT
OVERNIGHT // LA BRIGUE
day 3
SACRED ART AND ANCIENT MYTHS: RIDING TO TRIORA
La Brigue ⟶ Triora
Discover the “Sistine Chapel of the Alps” at Notre Dame des Fontaines, where breathtaking 15th-century frescoes reveal an eternal artistic treasure.
From here, we climb through the dense larch and spruce forests of Sanson, crossing the border back into Italy.
Our journey leads us to Triora, the famous medieval “Village of Witches.” Known for its mysterious history and herbal lore, it’s a place that Clarence Bicknell—a true lover of nature’s secrets—would have deeply admired.
- 44KM
- 1100MT
- 2400
BORDIGHERA COASTAL END
day 4
FROM PEAKS TO THE PALMS: THE ENDLESS RIDE TO THE BLUE
TRIORA ⟶ bordighera
On our final day, we ride from the mysterious heart of Triora back to the coast. To begin with, we conquer Monte Ceppo through a magnificent beech forest. From the top, the peak offers a 360-degree balcony over the Ligurian and Maritime Alps.
Afterward, we descend toward Bajardo, an ancient site sacred to Druids that fascinated Bicknell for its rare flora. As we approach the sea, the air fills with the scent of salt and the forest turns into Mediterranean scrub.
Ultimately, the sandy trails of Montenero lead us back to Bordighera, completing an enriching 160km journey.
tu. tips
tu. tip
Clarence Bicknell : THE PIONEER’S VISION
Did you know that Clarence Bicknell was one of the very first to explore these valleys on two wheels back in the late 19th century?
In fact, he viewed the bicycle as the perfect tool to catalog rare plants, such as the legendary Fritillaria, without disturbing the peace of nature.He wasn’t just searching for rock carvings; he was seeking the absolute silence of the high alpine meadows.
Therefore, as you pedal toward Monte Ceppo, don’t just watch the trail. Take a moment to breathe in the history of a man who saw these mountains as both a timeless adventure and an open-air botanical garden.