La Colma and Puvie Loop from Ovada

This is a challenging mountain bike trail near Ovada, rated as a "hard mountain bike ride." It demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for some sections where you might need to push your bike.

The route features a diverse mix of surfaces, including paved roads, dedicated paths, and state roads. Expect a "fast trail" with a very uneven bottom and areas with large loose stones, especially on the descent from Puvie. There's also a short connecting stretch on a very broken dirt road and a spectacular second part with rocks, canyons, and slightly exposed segments along the Rio Granozza.

Since the trail starts and ends in Ovada, you can look for parking options within the town. Specific parking areas are not detailed, but Ovada serves as the primary access point for this loop.

Yes, the "La Colma e le Puvie da Ovada — giro ad anello" is a loop trail, meaning you will finish back near your starting point in Ovada.

The best time to ride this trail would generally be during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder. Summer can be very hot, and winter might bring challenging conditions like snow or ice on higher sections, making the already difficult terrain even more demanding.

While there are no explicit restrictions against dogs, given the trail's difficulty, technical terrain, and length, it might not be suitable for all dogs. If you do bring your dog, ensure they are fit enough for a challenging ride and keep them on a leash, especially on shared paths or near wildlife.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the La Colma e le Puvie da Ovada mountain bike trail. It is generally open for public access.

You'll be treated to beautiful panoramic views of the Ortiglieto valley and its dam, particularly during the descent from Puvie. The route also passes by a Cycle and pedestrian path, the Giant Blue Bench Cascina del Termo, and the technical Puvie 1 Trail.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers sections of the ABT Tappa 2: Rossiglione - Ronco Scrivia (26%), Molare (FS) - Varanzana - Pendici Ovest Bric del Love e del Termo - Le Ciazze - Rossiglione (FS) (22%), and the Cammino Piemonte Sud (17%). You'll also encounter smaller portions of trails like Cascina Magnoni - Fontanasse and Belforte Monferrato - Monte Colma.

While the Ovada area is known for its abundance of mountain bike trails, this specific route is considered one of the most challenging. If you're looking for easier options, you would need to research other trails in the region, as this one is explicitly for advanced riders.

Given the trail's difficulty and length (nearly 40 km), you should bring plenty of water, energy snacks, a repair kit for your bike (including spare tubes), a first-aid kit, and appropriate safety gear like a helmet and gloves. A GPS device or the komoot app with the downloaded route is highly recommended due to the varied terrain and intersecting paths.