Gravel ride along the Ticino

This Tour explores the area west of Milan and develops mainly on the banks of the Ticino river within the natural park of the same name. Starting from Porta Genova station, follow the Naviglio Grande to the gates of Abbiategrasso and then to Ponte Nuovo. These first 30 kilometers are all on the asphalted pedestrian and cycle path that follows the Naviglio Grande. If you want to avoid this stretch I recommend taking a train to Magenta and leaving from there.

Once you leave the Naviglio Grande, cross the Ticino and start pedaling on dirt roads. Along the river you will find different surfaces and roads: from vehicular and asphalted sections to narrow and gravel paths, a real amusement park for those who love gravel. There are no refreshment points until Vigevano, so remember to bring water and food with you for this first part of the ride in the Ticino park. The same goes for the stretch after Vigevano, since during the summer you can find some temporary bars, but it doesn't mean that they are always open, it's better to leave with the right supplies.

The section along the Ticino ends in Pavia, from here you could also take a train back to Milan. If, however, you feel like putting a little more dirt under your wheels, you can enjoy a sandwich in the shadow of the Pavia Cathedral and continue heading north. This first stretch follows the Vernavola canal up to San Genesio ed Uniti, from there on you will find yourself cycling through the fields and rice paddies that characterize this area south of Milan.

For the last part of the ride the route ends up on the other main canal, the Pavese one. From the banks of this canal you can admire the locks which still help boats to overcome changes in altitude during navigation. The Naviglio Pavese also ends in the Darsena of Milan, an excellent point to reward yourself with a snack and perhaps even an aperitif in one of the liveliest areas of the city.