From Arona to Mottarone — Ring tour

After two weeks of stoppage for maintenance on the bottom bracket and Covid, the desire to climb was felt and Mottarone always gives great satisfaction and unique landscapes. Today I discovered the umbrella museum 😁

Spring-flavored day on top of Mottarone. Who rides on the first of the year rides all year round!

After yesterday's rain, clear air and a splendid view from the top of Mottarone. The lakes Maggiore and Orta almost seemed to be able to touch them, as well as the Val d'Ossola. Milan in the background, on the other hand, was a bit veiled. For sunny days, I recommend going up from Gignese with many shaded stretches and descending towards Armeno, more open. Furthermore, the road from Gignese being paid for motorized vehicles has the not negligible advantage of having few cars

The title speaks for itself... :-) Some data on the climb, however, is a must, even though it is a badge of honor for cyclists in the area. We opted for the climb from Baveno, passing through Levo, Alpino, and the Strada Borromea. The first part towards Levo is not particularly difficult, the gradients rarely exceed 6-7%, but what can make it truly hellish is the sun. There is practically no shade during the entire ascent, and it is therefore important, if undertaken in summer, to have a full water bottle available to hydrate properly. Better to have two for a few "showers" and lower body temperature. Upon arrival in Levo, fortunately, the "La Strula" fountain is a real panacea. The water is so fresh that it almost makes you want to bathe in it. After drinking plenty and having refreshed ourselves properly, we set off again. From there begins a very shaded central part, full of ups and downs in which interesting stretches alternate with counter-slope sections. It's difficult to find the rhythm but it doesn't require any particular effort. In Gignese, immediately after the crossroads, we opt to go up via Arcione, a private road with not very good surfaces but which climbs regularly up to the Alpino. The arrival at the Adventure Park, after the first 15km of climb, offers us another water bottle point which will be fundamental. In fact, from there the real climb begins. The last 4km are relentless, with constant gradients between 8 and 10%, with no stretches in which to catch your breath, which can be fatal for anyone who doesn't prepare properly for the ascent. It's a 20km climb, so it's very important to take care of your hydration and nutrition throughout the entire climb. Personally, in addition to gels and bars and a water bottle with carbohydrates, I brought two small sandwiches with honey, which I consumed during the two stops at the fountains. A lot of energy is spent, and the risk of going into crisis during the last stretch exists and it is good to keep it in mind. The arrival at the top, with the classic ritual photo, is a heroic undertaking. Happy for the goal achieved, we eat an excellent sandwich and a Coca-Cola in the midst of the exaggerated traffic at the end of July. His Majesty the Mottarone is conquered!