The best traffic-free bike rides around Basiano

The Public Gardens of Calolziocorte (located in the province of Lecco) host a green area equipped with facilities, highly appreciated by cyclists and families due to the presence of a drinking water fountain and a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive placed as a monument

The famous Borgo del Canto is an ancient abandoned medieval settlement, located on the slopes of Monte Canto (644 m a.s.l.) in the municipality of Pontida (BG). Reachable only on foot or by mountain bike, it is a suggestive ghost village born in the 14th century to host pilgrims traveling between the monasteries of Pontida and Fontanella.

The climb to Colle Brianza from Casternago (Santa Maria Hoè) is a classic Lecchese ascent. It measures about 5 km with an average gradient of 4.5% and peaks up to 10%. It starts out rideable, becomes more challenging after passing the village, and flattens gently towards the summit. Route details and elevation profile Length: ~5 km Elevation gain: ~250 meters Average gradient: 4.5% Maximum gradient: 8% - 10%

The final climb to Colle Brianza varies depending on the chosen side. The side from Dolzago measures 4.1 km with an average gradient of 6.3% and peaks up to 10%. The one from Santa Maria Hoè features the last 800 meters very challenging, with gradients between 12% and 18%. Main Climbs towards Colle Brianza 1. From Dolzago (Classic side) Length: 4.1 km Elevation gain: 259 m Average gradient: 6.3% Description: A fairly easy and regular climb, much appreciated for the view over the plain. The first part is shaded and immersed in the woods, then opens up towards the summit where there is a monument dedicated to the Giro d'Italia. 2. From Santa Maria Hoè (Giovenzana/Cagliano side) Length: 2.9 km Average gradient: 10.5% Description: Much harder and more selective than the Dolzago side. After an accessible first part, the finale features ramps between 12% and 18%. 3. From Castello di Brianza Length: 3.6 km Elevation gain: 223 m Average gradient: 6.1%

The bridge over the Muzza Canal, located in Lavagna (a hamlet of the municipality of Comazzo in the province of Lodi), is a historical landmark for crossing this ancient artificial waterway. The Muzza is a branch of the Adda river, known for being one of the oldest canals in Europe. Lavagna Lodigiana is a small rural village immersed in the countryside that develops right next to the canal. The bridge area is frequented by cyclists and hikers who travel along the Muzza cycle path or the Muzza-Ponte di Lavagna route, enjoying the river landscape.

The Muzza Canal is one of the most important and oldest hydraulic engineering works in Europe. It is a large artificial branch of the Adda river that crosses the Lombard plain. For centuries, it has represented the main resource for irrigating the lands of the province of Lodi and southern Milan. It originates in Cassano d'Adda (Milan), drawing water directly from the Adda near the Visconti castle. It ends its course after about 39-40 kilometers (over 60 km considering the entire main network), rejoining the Adda at Castiglione d'Adda (Lodi).

Unique wildlife oasis, perhaps the last of all ecosystems in urbanized areas. An environment to be respected and carefully maintained. I think of the devastation that routes D and C of the foothill highway will cause. Let's stop useless works and preserve what our territory still offers us.

The Muzza Canal is the oldest in Europe and this year, its 800th anniversary was celebrated by the Municipality of Paullo in collaboration with the Pro Loco and other Municipalities. Its origin dates back to the year 1220, when Frederick II of Swabia, crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, issued an imperial edict that granted the people of Lodi the right to use the waters flowing through their territory. The current route, about 60 km long, receives the waters of the Adda at Cassano d’Adda, at an altitude of 120 m above sea level, crosses the Lodi territory for about 40 km up to near Castiglione d’Adda, at an altitude of 45 m above sea level, and here it releases them back into the Adda. It has a regulated water regime, with a flow rate, depending on the seasons, of about 200,000 liters of water per second; an initial width of 50 meters which reduces to a few meters at the end of its course and an average depth of 2 meters.