Highlight • Viewpoint
View from the San Maffeo Church
Mountain biking
4.9
(130)
Gravel riding
5.0
(3)
Hiking
5.0
(2)
Tips
July 29, 2023
Mountain biking
When the day is sunny you can see the buildings in Milan in the distance. Even when it's cloudy you can see Switzerland to the north.
•
January 13, 2024
Mountain biking
•
December 1, 2020
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View from the San Maffeo Church
4.4
(69)
234
riders
35.3km
03:03
540m
540m
Embark on the Chiesa di San Maffeo da Malnate – giro ad anello, a mountain bike loop that takes you through varied terrain and offers expansive views. This moderate 21.9-mile (35.3 km) route features a mix of paved paths, gravel, and challenging singletrack, including steep, stony ascents to Colle San Maffeo and technical descents with roots and rocks. As you ride, you will enjoy picturesque vistas of the Italian valleys of Como and Varese, as well as the pre-Alpine morainic hills of Switzerland, all while gaining 1763 feet (537 metres) in elevation over approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes.
While some sections are suitable for all skill levels, the more demanding parts of the trail, particularly the climb to Colle San Maffeo and the technical descents, require good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions if you ride after rain. Planning your visit for dry weather will ensure a more enjoyable experience on this diverse route.
This trail is nestled within the Parco Valle del Lanza, an area rich in natural and cultural heritage. You will pass by the historic Chiesa di San Maffeo and the ruins of a medieval tower at the summit of Colle San Maffeo, a site historically important for its strategic views. The route also takes you through the Lanza canyon and past the unique Grotte di Arenaria delle Gole di Molera, sandstone caves sculpted by centuries of stonemasons, adding a fascinating historical dimension to your ride.
4.7
(7)
33
riders
17.6km
01:35
390m
380m
Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure through the Valle del Lanza Park, exploring the Molera, Lanza, and San Maffeo Caves. This difficult 11.0-mile (17.6 km) route, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 35 minutes, features a significant 1268 feet (387 metres) of elevation gain. You will navigate a diverse mix of unpaved sections, natural paths, asphalt, and gravel, including 4.15 km of singletrack, all set within the picturesque fluvial valley of the Lanza stream. The trail offers varied scenery, from broadleaf forests to the Rospante Pond, and even passes by the former Valmorea railway. You will also find a beautiful viewpoint from the San Maffeo Church, providing a scenic reward for your efforts.
Planning your visit requires a good level of fitness and advanced riding skills, as this trail is rated as difficult. Be prepared for sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike, especially on some of the more technical segments. The varied terrain, including paths and singletrack, demands your full attention and expertise. Ensure your bike is suitable for diverse surfaces, from natural ground to paved sections, to fully enjoy the experience.
This route stands out for its unique blend of natural and historical elements within the Valle del Lanza Park. You will encounter ancient geological formations, including evidence of former sandstone quarries, alongside significant wetlands. The presence of the Molera, Lanza, and San Maffeo Caves adds a distinctive natural exploration aspect to your ride. The trail's diverse character, moving through different types of paths and surfaces, makes it a comprehensive and memorable experience for mountain biking enthusiasts.
4.3
(47)
203
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Elevation 550 m
Weather
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Wednesday 10 June
25°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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