This route follows the loop originally shown/described in a March, 1985 Airone magazine article featuring the first Italian MTB, the '85 Cinelli Rampichino, sold only in small numbers via the magazine itself.
Scans from the Airone feature are here: https://bit.ly/44izA1D
I've included the original stages as described in the article (dubbed 'Airone Day 1', etc) as well as the stages I used when riding (dubbed 'Day 1', etc). For further details on each stage as ridden, click the corresponding waypoint.
Notes:
- This loop is meant to be ridden as plotted here: clockwise. The ascents are all via sane grades (though still steep in parts and unrelenting for extended periods) while the descents are usually technical foot trail, highly rugged and feature plenty of hike-a-bike (at least on similar vintage MTBs, especially if laden with a full camping kit).
- The route can easily be ridden sans camping gear, with the rider opting to sleep inside rifugi, bivacchi and/or B&Bs/hotels/albergi, etc. However, bringing your own gear is a good way to save money (for instance, pitching a tent at Rifugio Gardetta is free if dinner is purchased; it can be utilized at Camping/RV parks in towns, etc) as well as piece of mind if a convenient stopping point is up in the high country away from any establishments. Note: minimally, it is recommended to bring a sleeping liner for sleeping in rifugi and bivacchi (the latter usually have wool blankets, as Bivacco Carmagnola has, though not guaranteed).
- Water is highly available on the route, except for perhaps the very tops of mountain passes. In Italy, fountains are abundant, both in town and often along the roads that climb into the high country. Keep an eye out for them by churches; chances are, one will be flowing. The fountain icons shown on my GPS app proved accurate and dependable on my ride. I’d still suggest bringing a filter for piece of mind when off the beaten path and pulling straight from natural water sources.