DORDONA PASS - MOTORCYCLE TOUR AMONG THE OROBIE ALPS

Located just over 2000 meters above sea level and restored a few years ago, the Dordona Pass is a mountain pass in the heart of the Orobie Alps in Lombardy, a mixed motorcycle itinerary between asphalted alpine passes and dirt tracks. The Dordona is the second best-known pass in the area after the San Marco Pass, historically more famous and more practicable as it is completely asphalted. The Dordona Pass can be reached via a dirt road (the old forest roads for agro-pastoral use) which connects Foppolo (Brembana Valley) with the characteristic village of Fusine in Valtellina.

It is suitable for those who love "off-road" motorcycle routes and it is accessible by getting a granting of a permit issued by one of the two neighboring mountain municipalities, easily available at all the bars in the village or the tourist office (cost is around 3 €). The controls of the Forestry Corps are quite frequent, we strongly advise not to be crafty to save a paltry amount upstream of high penalties.

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DORDONA PASS: THE ROADSITALIA ROUTE

Now let's get into the specifics: filled up with petrol and put on a helmet, we start from Fusine (even the Dordona Pass - like everyone else - can be traveled in both directions) following the Strada della Val Madre. From here we begin to climb in altitude, facing narrower streets and hairpin bends surrounded by dense vegetation. If traveled early in the morning or in the weekly hours with little traffic, you can taste the wood at 100% (sometimes, it is not uncommon to see a few squirrels or foxes cross the road from afar). Almost at high altitude, the asphalt gives way to the dirt road, beaten earth and stony ground (at times) with tight bends almost elbow.

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Traccia GPX - Clicca per scaricare

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This last part that divides us from the Dordona Pass is a context of rocky mountains, sparse vegetation and free grazing animals. We suggest a lunch at the Dordona Refuge, where typical local cuisine will welcome you, with the possibility of taking home a souvenir (such as fresh milk and cheeses). The summit is close at hand: A few kilometers still in the saddle to reach 2,063 meters and enjoy the wonderful 360-degree panorama and the motorcycle adventure. The difficult path is evident from the clearly visible road that winds through the mountains, cutting them in half. Always on this road, the motorcycle itinerary continues, descending from the Bergamo side, towards Foppolo along, the Dordona Pass road, downhill.

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USEFUL ADVICE ON THE DORDONA PASS

The second stretch that descends towards Foppolo is very difficult: the road (first km downhill) is practically an old mule track, bumpy and with irregular stones that easily make you lose your balance. Not surprisingly, many travel this stretch in reverse, climbing from Foppolo and then going towards Sondrio (Fusine). That said, there is motorbike and motorbike, experience and experience. It is certainly not ideal with heavier street motorbikes. Very useful tip: Either you have knobby wheels or it would be a good idea to bring a pocket gauge for tire pressure. We remind you that from Foppolo, you can also cross the road towards Taleggio Valley and San Marco Pass.