The best gravel rides in Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge

The Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge offers a diverse mix of terrain, primarily consisting of gravel roads and paths, with some interspersed paved sections. You'll encounter expansive heath and grassland, resembling a savannah, alongside wooded valleys and agricultural areas. The elevation gains are modest, with plateaus ranging from 150 to 350 meters, providing gentle stretches and short, never-too-steep climbs and descents.

Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there are options for beginners. The reserve offers a variety of terrain, and you can find easier loops that are suitable for those new to gravel biking. For example, there is one easy route and 42 moderate routes available, providing a good range for different skill levels.

The reserve is known as 'the last savannah of Italy,' characterized by vast meadows, sparse trees, and wooded valleys. You'll see tall grasses, oaks, hornbeams, birches, and in season, reddish heather and bracken. The landscape is particularly stunning in spring and autumn. Keep an eye out for rare plant species like the Siberian iris and the pre-glacial golden lily.

Absolutely. The Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge is a sanctuary for various wildlife. Birdwatchers can look for species like the white stork, hobby, European bee-eater, lark, and northern lapwing. Hares are common in the open habitats, and you might even spot rare insects such as beetles typical of heath/grassland environments and the endangered False Ringlet butterfly.

While exploring the reserve, you can find intriguing points of interest. The Baraggia di Candelo, an extensive plateau of clayey soil, is a significant natural monument. Nearby, the magnificent medieval village of Ricetto di Candelo offers a glimpse into historical architecture and can serve as an ideal starting point. There's also the Silent Park (Parco dei Silenziosi), an intriguing stop for reflection.

The reserve transforms beautifully with the seasons, offering spectacular views. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended, as the colors are breathtaking with golden grasses punctuated by pink heather and brown bracken. These seasons generally offer pleasant temperatures for cycling.

There are over 60 gravel bike trails available in Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker.

The gravel biking routes in Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique 'savannah-like' landscape, the varied terrain, and the opportunity to explore a protected natural area.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Riserva Naturale Delle Baragge are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Agriturismo La Biandrina – Murals of Gattinara loop from Ghemme or the Agriturismo La Biandrina – The House of the Winds loop from Romagnano Sesia, which offer diverse journeys through the landscape.

For a moderately challenging ride, consider the Strona Stream – Quasi Secco Stream loop from Cureggio. This route covers about 27.2 kilometers with moderate elevation changes, offering a good balance for those looking for a solid ride without extreme difficulty.

Experienced riders looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. One such option is the Agriturismo La Biandrina – Cavaglio Climb loop from Romagnano Sesia. This route is approximately 60.4 kilometers long and features significant elevation changes through the region's diverse terrain, making it a demanding ride.