GHISALLO PASS BY MOTORCYCLE: RIDE ON TWO WHEELS BETWEEN THE BEAUTIES OF THE LARIANO AND LAKE COMO.

The Ghisallo Pass by motorbike is one of the most famous and popular itineraries in Lombardy. Easy to reach and practicable from multiple starting points, it is a pass located in the so-called Larian Triangle, the area circumscribed by the two branches of Lake Como. The Ghisallo motorcycle tour (together with the Stelvio Pass) is considered one of the most fascinating itineraries on two wheels in Lombardy and represents a typical Sunday destination for Milanese motorcyclists. This is due to its evocative mix of mountain and lake views and the fact that it can be traveled without problems all year round.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo, famous among cyclists (it was several times a stop in the Giro di Lombardia and Giro d'Italia), is a small religious complex of medieval origin set in a wonderful landscape setting at 750 meters above sea level. The Madonna del Ghisallo has been the Universal Patron of Cyclists since the late 1940s. Are you ready to face the most beautiful ups and downs and hairpin turns of the Lariano Triangle, through the route selected by Roadsitalia?

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GHISALLO PASS BY MOTORCYCLE: THE ROADSITALIA ROUTE

As anticipated, the Ghisallo Pass is a motorbike itinerary that can be traveled from multiple angles and starting points; it depends on whether you are more comfortable facing it from the Lecco branch or the Como branch. The latter is usually more popular: this is why we at Roadsitalia will go against the tide, following the classic principle of the biker who always tends to avoid traffic. Starting point Lecco - city of the Betrothed - with a pleasant historic center closed to traffic and fascinating views of the lake. If you've never been there, we recommend that you visit at least Villa Manzoni and the Polo Museale of Belgioioso Palace.

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Traccia GPX - Clicca per scaricare

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Helmet on your head and turned on the engines, we continue towards Valmadrera moving on the opposite eastern side from Lecco. Following the SP639 and SP41 we reach Canzo, skirting first Lake Annone and then Lake Segrino (both perfect in the summer months for nature walks and sunbathing or for a totally relaxing picnic). The latter in particular deserves a stop because it is considered the cleanest lake in Europe by virtue of its underground sources and the absence of industrial pollution over the centuries. Still little known for tourism, it remains the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility. After taking a few usual photos, we resume the slight hairpin turns towards Canzo, a Como village in the Lombard Prealps. Its small center hosts numerous places of interest such as the Basilica of Santo Stefano, the Church of San Francesco, the Theatre Sociale, the Tentorio Palace and the Villa Parco Magni.

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Leaving Canzo, we pass Asso and the Vallategna waterfall to arrive at the main destination of our motorcycle trip: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo. Its construction in medieval times is due to the vote of a traveler who apparently managed to escape the assault of a group of brigands. Historically frequented by cyclists, this area has become a true cult for lovers of two wheels - with or without an engine - for the Madonna del Ghisallo, Universal Patroness of Cyclists since 1949. Bartali and Coppi also came to the inauguration event of the same year, carrying the bronze torch blessed by Pope Pacelli. Having visited the nearby sanctuary and the Cycling Museum, let's get back on the saddle along the Via Provinciale per Civenna, aiming the wheels towards the descent that reaches Bellagio, on the northernmost tip of the Lariano Triangle.

With its picturesque streets, breathtaking views and elegant gardens close to the center, Bellagio is perhaps one of the most famous villages of the entire Lake Como, better known as "the pearl of the Lario". Lido di Bellagio (on the Lungolario Marconi) and the free beach a stone's throw from Villa Melzi, are the ideal spot to stop, lie down for a while and relax after grinding KM. If you are not tired yet, you could visit Villa Melzi - surrounded by a garden with rare and exotic plants - or Villa Serbelloni and its park, open to the public only with guided tours of small groups. From Bellagio, you can take the coastal road (SP583) along the entire eastern side of the Como branch, reaching Como. Alternatively, you could retrace Roadsitalia's itinerary on two wheels of the Ghisallo Pass in reverse.

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USEFUL ADVICE ON THE ITINERARY OF THE GHISALLO PASS

Passable all year round, the Ghisallo Pass remains an easy motorcycle route with simple roads and gentle curves. Apart from a few narrow stretches, you must always pay close attention to the many cyclists who travel it, especially at the weekend. For those wishing to travel more km alone (or simply vary the route), they can opt for Pian del Tivano, where a beautiful less traveled state road connects the road that leads to Ghisallo with the western branch of Lake Como up to Nesso. At Asso, turn left and immerse yourself in a beautiful dense forest and many curves up to the Sormano Astronomical Observatory. And you? Have you ever traveled the Ghisallo Pass with your motorbike? Tell us about it or post some photos in the comments below.