Here are the five checkpoints, where we will serve fresh dolci!
All checkpoints and the Parcours in Valle di Blenio are mandatory – but you choose the order and the route that suits you and your bike the best. Create a fast, a versatile or the most adventurous route – it’s up to you!
Bellinzona, Start & Finish
Start and Finish are in Bellinzona. Probably the most “Italian” looking city of Switzerland. Small cobble-stone alleys, markets, gelaterias, three castels, … No suprise, that the old town is part of UNESCO World Heritage.
We have a very special place in Bellinzona for Start & Finish and as our headquarters! Stay tuned for more details!
Valle di Vergeletto
Welcome to the jungle! This checkpoint will bring you to a region, that doesn’t look like Switzerland at all. Steep hills covered with a vast green forest, waterfalls, small villages with stone-huts from 1500. This is Valle Onsernone – already very sweet, but not where we’ll treat you with dolci! For your sweet reward you’ll have to ride up an even more remote side-valley of Onsernone: 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗶 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗼
The road in Valle Onsernone towards Russo is already narrow (watch out for the Bus – they seem to be on a tight schedule between coffee-breaks 😅). On the “Ponte Oscuro” – a crossroad in the middle of three bridges (only in Switzerland) – you’ll turn right into Valle Vergeletto. Before Vergeletto village the road gets tangled up in several tight switchbacks before leading straight into the remote valley. Dolci well deserved!
Valle di Muggio – Scudellate
This will be the easiest climb to a checkpoint we ever had at a DEAD ENDS event! No steep parts, a perfectly paved road, a lovely green valley, amazing views…
So where is the catch you may ask? Well, Valle di Muggio is the southernmost valley of Switzerland. And yes, the paved road enters the valley from the south – so not really the direction you’ll be coming from. 😉
Malcantone (Passo di Monte Faeta)
This “Passo” is nothing like you’d expect. No big sign, no parking, no restaurant, no hype, … Passo Monte Faeta has a fireplace and a well in the middle of nowhere. Cars are not allowed on any roads leading here. Coming from Novaggio, you’ll enjoy the lake-view at the top of the climb (Cima Pianca) and will ride on a perfect double-track gravelroad towards the checkpoint. From the other sides? Well, there are “roads” too…
Checkpoint “Malcantone” is only 7 km and five switchbacks above Novaggio. But – towards Novaggio there is one of the most famous roads for ciclistas in Ticino. The “Penudria” – 23 beautiful but very steep switchbacks to Arosio! It’s your decision to enjoy this beast of a climb – or to find another way to Passo Monte Faeta!
Val Calanca (Braggio)
For this checkpoint we’ll leave Ticino and enter Canton Graubünden (Grigioni). Don’t worry – you won’t have to cross the Alps!
Val Calanca is a quiet side valley of Misox and will get your legs going with a steep climb to Laghetto di Busena. From there you follow the Calancasca River, passing many old mills and stone-bridges. As a checkpoint down in the valley wouldn’t give you too much of a view, the dolci will be served high up in the tiny village of Braggio.
Leventina (Somprei)
Leventina valley is mostly known because it is the fastest way from North to South of Switzerland, leading towards Passo san Gottardo and the beautiful Tremola. But this checkpoint won’t be at the very end of La Leventina. In the village of Faido, there are many switchback roads towards the sunny side of the valley. All of them will finally lead towards our Checkpoint in Somprei. Calling it a village is exaggerated – Somprei is twelve tiny stone-huts and one incredible view!
(The last 2 km towards Somprei are on a doubletrack Gravelroad.)
Mandatory Parcours – Valle di Blenio
This mandatory extra loop will take you to the stunning Blenio-Valley – also called “Valle del Sole”.
We will send you sightseeing at the remains of Castello di Serravalle. A short but very impressive section to slow down and push / carry your bike through the ruins of the ancient castle.
The parcours is mandatory but can be ridden in direction of your choice!