A naturalistic, historical, religious and sporting experience to be enjoyed on a bike tour that in just a few kilometers embraces the beauty and local cuisine of the area between Biella and Oropa Valley.

It starts from Biella by bicycle, in the charming old town, and through the Piazzo district to the Burcina Nature Park, with its magnificent blooms. Along the Biella-Oropa train route we climb to the Sanctuary of Oropa, the most famous place of pilgrimage in Piedmont and home of the Black Madonna, where the Oropa cable car also arrives.

After a visit to the Basilica and an inevitable “concia” polenta, we descend back toward Biella, passing by the old Oropa Bagni hydrotherapy establishment, which is now abandoned and arouses more than a thrill in those who wish to visit it.
The loop closes by returning to Biella, where we enjoy a well-deserved beer at the award-winning Menabrea Brewery.

Technical description:
Medium-high difficulty route, mainly divided into two parts. The first includes some stretches on asphalt to reach the dirt tracks of the Burcina Park: from here we enter the route of the now disused Biella-Oropa railway, characterized by the bumpy but rideable surface leading to Oropa.
The second part, for the return to Biella, has technical sections on single tracks and the crossing of small bridges, sometimes to be tackled on foot, as well as some sections of the Gorgomoro boardwalk.

Route type: loop
Length: 37 km
Elevation gain: 1724 m
Height difference on descent: 1724 m
Highest point: 1220 m
Lowest point: 401 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Recommended a full suspended mountain bike and appropriate clothing for a tour that takes place in a mountainous area, with possible changes in weather. There are several water sources along the route.

Municipality of departure: Biella
Place of departure: Biella
Municipality of arrival: Biella
Place of arrival: Biella

Recommended period:
March to October. Spring, especially to benefit from the colors offered by the blooming of Burcina Park. In summer in Oropa, you can enjoy the coolness of the Biellese Pre-Alps. Autumn amazes with its golden colors. It is not recommended, but not impossible, to ride in the winter period, especially because of the possible presence of snow and ice along several areas of the route.

Where to park:
At the starting point in Martyrs of Liberty Square and/or in Biella. Free unattended parking

Useful links:
http://www.atl.biella.it/