Valchiavenna
This is a difficult climb to interpret because of the constant changes in gradient that break the rhythm. It has two very easy sections: one at the start and the other at the first kilometer, with some meters also downhill. The rest of the climb alternates between frequent ramps at 14-15% and very short easier sections. However, the average gradient is very high (9.5 percent).
The most challenging sections are already found in the first kilometer with the double hairpin bend just after the church (13%).
Subsequently, the following gradients are reached:
15% at km 1.6, 13% at km 2.3, 14% just before Paiedo, 14-15% at km 8.2 and at km 8.9 in the last segment between pastures.
In addition to the numerous hairpin bends well distributed along the route (27 in total), there are also short stretches where the gradient offers some breathing space: passages at 7% at km 4.3, km 6.5 and km 8.0.
The climb begins in Era, the capital of the municipality of Samolaco, at km 5 of provincial road 2 (“Trivulzia”). It is necessary to be very careful in the first part: you must first go along via Roma and, when you arrive at the fork after the bridge, follow the signs for the church on the left.
There is another possibility to take the ascent: continue along via Roma a Era without turning towards the church, reach the hamlet of Casenda, turn right and enter, after a 750 m tear at 11% along a narrow and winding road, the artery to Paiedo at the fifth hairpin bend.
The roadway is rather narrow, but the absence of traffic means that the cyclist has no particular problems. Some minor discomfort may be caused, in the final stretch, by grazing livestock.
The asphalt is good, but in the second part (particularly from km 5.5 and in the final, after the village of Paiedo) there are stretches with a cemented surface that have some irregularities.
Shade is abundant until km 7.2, guaranteed by chestnut and birch forests, while it is totally absent when climbing the mountain pastures upstream of Paiedo. The view is foreclosed in the first part, while it opens magnificently over the entire Valchiavenna in the final stretch.
Very spectacular is the view that unfolds at the height of the eighth hairpin bend (km 2.2), near the church of Sant’Andrea (reachable on foot in a few minutes), from where a stupendous waterfall can be admired high up on the right.
From that point there is a ban on access for non-resident vehicles.
In order to drive along this stretch, it is necessary to purchase a permit at the town hall at the beginning of the climb.
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 1:45 h
Distance: 9,05 km
Ascent: 865 mt
Descent: 3 mt
Highest point: 1073 mt
Lowest point: 211 mt
Best time of year:
Starting point: get directions in Google Maps
Piazza Caduti per la Libertà, 4
23022 Chiavenna (SO)
0343 37485
consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com
Valchiavenna
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