The best cycling routes around Desana
4.3
(100)
1,047
riders
132
rides
Touring cycling routes around Desana are situated in Italy's Piedmont region, within the Vercelli Plain. This area is characterized by predominantly flat terrain, vast rice paddies, and the presence of the River Sesia. The landscape offers tranquil journeys through agricultural fields and connects to historical villages and ancient sites.
Best touring cycling routes around Desana
- The most popular touring cycling route is Torrione (Costanzana VC) – Rive "country of street art" loop from Asigliano Vercellese, an easy 19.8 miles…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
3.0
(1)
2
riders
24.1km
01:47
70m
70m
Cycle an easy 14.9-mile (24.1 km) loop through the Parco Naturale delle Sorti e della Partecipanza di Trino, exploring ancient forests and r
5.0
(1)
24
riders
52.1km
03:08
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
16
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
48.1km
03:12
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The parish church of San Lorenzo is the main Catholic church of Camino Monferrato, a village in the Monferrato hills (province of Alessandria). It is located in a panoramic position on a gentle hill near the town center, with views of the Castle of Camino and the surrounding hills.
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Pontestura is a small Piedmontese municipality in Monferrato, with a long and rich history, but there is no mention of a monument to the "cavatore" in the sources recently consulted.
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The Ciclovia della Bassa Risicola Vercellese is the perfect itinerary to discover the rice plains along the left bank of the Po River by bike. A territory where rice cultivation has profoundly shaped the landscape, written its history, and marked its economy, also representing a habitat of great naturalistic value. Framing the route, which winds through fields and historic closed-courtyard farmhouses, are the colors of the landscape that change with the seasons: in March the brown of the plowed fields, in April the blue of the sky reflected in the rice paddies, in May, June, and July the green of the rice, in August and September the yellow of the ripe rice, in October the beige of the straw left on the ground after harvest. The route connects the municipalities of Villanova Monferrato, Rive, Balzola, and Morano sul Po and was created thanks to the "Bici in Comune" call for proposals promoted by the Ministry for Sport and Youth and by Sport e Salute. Balzola is a village surrounded by rice fields and crossed by a dense network of irrigation channels. It is worth cycling through the streets of the center: the town hosts a path dedicated to Alberto Bertazzi, a great artist originally from the village, with reproductions of his works scattered throughout the streets. Alongside these is a street art itinerary on the electrical cabins, transformed into a small open-air gallery. The municipality of Balzola is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at: https://dinaclub.repower.com./ To discover the territory, an itinerary ready to ride: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2843038778?share_token=a7eR4u4l5xCnUjbkZfjSmPwMPoCyKtH6X0GEbMrdZdgZtF7Jmc&ref=wtd
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The Ciclovia della Bassa Risicola Vercellese is the perfect itinerary to discover by bike the rice plains along the left bank of the Po River. A territory where rice cultivation has profoundly shaped the landscape, written its history, and marked its economy, also representing a habitat of great naturalistic value. The scenery along the route, which winds through fields and historic closed-courtyard farmhouses, is framed by the colours of the landscape that change with the seasons: in March the brown of the ploughed fields, in April the blue of the sky reflected in the rice paddies, in May, June, and July the green of the rice, in August and September the yellow of the ripe rice, in October the beige of the straw left on the ground after harvest. The route connects the municipalities of Villanova Monferrato, Rive, Balzola, and Morano sul Po and was created thanks to the "Bici in Comune" call for proposals promoted by the Ministry for Sport and Youth and Sport and Health. Morano sul Po overlooks the banks of the Po and the woods of the Piedmontese Po Park nature reserve. The village also holds a gem for industrial archaeology enthusiasts: its cement factory was one of the most important in Italy. Don't miss the famous Parabolic Arch of the cableway that connected the raw material quarries to the factory. Morano sul Po is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at: https://dinaclub.repower.com./ To discover the territory, an itinerary ready to be cycled: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2843038778?share_token=a7eR4u4l5xCnUjbkZfjSmPwMPoCyKtH6X0GEbMrdZdgZtF7Jmc&ref=wtd
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The Ciclovia della Bassa Risicola Vercellese is the perfect itinerary to discover the rice plains along the left bank of the Po River by bike. A territory where rice cultivation has profoundly shaped the landscape, written its history, and marked its economy, also representing a habitat of great naturalistic value. The colors of the landscape, which change with the seasons, frame the route that winds through fields and historic closed-courtyard farmhouses: in March, the brown of plowed fields; in April, the blue of the sky reflected in the rice paddies; in May, June, and July, the green of the rice; in August and September, the yellow of the ripe rice; in October, the beige of the straw left on the ground after the harvest. The route connects the municipalities of Villanova Monferrato, Rive, Balzola, and Morano sul Po and was created thanks to the "Bici in Comune" call for proposals promoted by the Ministry for Sport and Youth and by Sport e Salute. What makes the village of Rive unique is the DeRive – Public Art in Rural Space project: every September, artists from around the world paint the facades of the village, transforming it into an open-air gallery where the murals dialogue with the surrounding rice landscape. The municipality of Rive is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at: https://dinaclub.repower.com./ To discover the territory, here is an itinerary ready to be cycled: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2843038778?share_token=a7eR4u4l5xCnUjbkZfjSmPwMPoCyKtH6X0GEbMrdZdgZtF7Jmc&ref=wtd
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Rive is known as “the town of street art” for the numerous murals that characterize the town center.
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An imposing parish church with a neoclassical façade and bright interiors. A landmark of the town, it's worth a quick stop if you're passing through the center.
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murals, some very interesting on the buildings of the town
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general terrain like for touring cycling around Desana?
The Vercelli Plain, where Desana is located, is characterized by predominantly flat terrain. This makes it ideal for touring cyclists of all skill levels, including families and beginners. The routes primarily traverse vast rice paddies and often follow the banks of the River Sesia, offering tranquil journeys through a unique agricultural landscape.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Desana area?
There are over 120 touring cycling routes recorded around Desana on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 52 easy routes, 49 moderate routes, and 26 difficult routes.
What kind of scenery can I expect to see on touring cycling routes around Desana?
You can expect to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside, dominated by the unique 'Squared Sea' of rice paddies. The scenery transforms with the seasons, from flooded fields in spring to golden rice panicles in autumn. Many routes also wind through poplar groves along the River Sesia and connect historical villages.
Are there routes suitable for families or beginners in Desana?
Yes, the predominantly flat terrain of the Vercelli Plain makes it very suitable for families and beginners. Many routes are easy, such as the Torrione (Costanzana VC) – Rive "country of street art" loop from Asigliano Vercellese, which is an easy 19.8-mile (31.8 km) trail guiding cyclists through the distinctive agricultural landscape of rice paddies.
What historical sites or landmarks can I explore along the cycling routes?
Cycling routes frequently link historical villages and ancient sites. You might encounter well-preserved castles, such as Desana Castle, or visit the Principality of Lucedio, an area rich in history where Cistercian monks initiated the Vercelli rice tradition. The ancient village of Olcenengo is also a charming stop.
Can I see wildlife or birds while cycling in the Desana area?
Yes, the extensive rice paddies attract a variety of bird species, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. You might spot grey herons, purple herons, great egrets, and squacco herons during your ride.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Desana?
The scenery of the rice paddies transforms throughout the year, offering unique experiences in different seasons. Spring, when the fields are flooded, and autumn, just before harvest when the rice turns golden, are particularly picturesque. The flat terrain makes it enjoyable for much of the year, but checking local weather is always advisable.
Are there longer or more challenging routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, there are routes with varied terrain and some elevation gain. An example is The Iron Cutter Pub loop from Tricerro, a difficult 29.5-mile (47.4 km) path. Another option is the Ciclovia VenTo Paved Section loop from Tricerro, a 30.0-mile (48.2 km) trail with significant elevation.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Desana?
The touring cycling routes around Desana are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique landscape of the rice paddies, the tranquil atmosphere, and the opportunities to explore historical sites.
Are there circular routes available for touring cyclists?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Desana are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Torrione (Costanzana VC) – Rive "country of street art" loop from Asigliano Vercellese and Historic Center of Vercelli – Torre dei Vialardi loop from Asigliano Vercellese.
Where can I find more information about the unique 'Cyclable Rice Paddies' routes?
The Vercelli Plain is famous for its 'Cyclable Rice Paddies' routes. You can find more details and specific routes that guide you through this distinctive agricultural landscape on resources like visitpiemonte.com and visitvalsesiavercelli.it.
Are there any natural parks or reserves in the broader Vercelli area that can be reached by bike?
While Desana itself is within the agricultural plain, the broader Province of Vercelli is home to several natural parks and reserves, including the High Valsesia Nature Park, Baragge Nature Reserve, Lame del Sesia Nature Park, and Piedmont Po Nature Park. These areas offer diverse ecosystems for further exploration, and some cycling routes may connect to their peripheries. More information can be found on visitvalsesiavercelli.it.
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