Along the Strade Brute – the most hidden charms of Franciacorta

Strade Brute is a non-competitive cycling event organised by the Franciacorta Ramingos group. For several years now, it has been held in October, taking locals and tourists alike to discover the most evocative trails in the area between Lake Iseo, the characteristic Franciacorta vineyards, and the Torbiere reservoirs, in the north of Italy.

Having participated in two editions of the event and lived in this extraordinary place, my advice is to get in the saddle right away, because the tracks proposed below are specifically designed to allow you to discover the most fascinating places in the area in just a few hours.

The Compendium contains the two itinerary variants proposed by the organisers: the first is shorter and more accessible, with a fairly contained difference in altitude, while the second is suitable for more experienced cyclists with good fitness. Both routes take one day and can be tackled with a mountain bike or gravel bike with versatile tyres.

They’re circuits, so you’ll be able to comfortably choose where to start from, remembering to follow the tracks counter-clockwise. The proposed directions take the village of Passirano, and more precisely the hamlet of Monterotondo, as the starting point, where you can easily leave your car. Here, you find several free car parks.

If, on the other hand, you intend to arrive by more sustainable means, I suggest you take the Brescia-Monterotondo cycle path or take the train to Passirano station (Brescia-Iseo-Edolo railway line), which is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the starting point.

The routes are mainly on little-known dirt roads that are not included in the classic tourist excursions in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to cycle in this environment! Franciacorta – the famous land of wines and wine cellars – not only offers splendid views of hills, woods, trails and historic villages but is great to explore in all seasons. The climate, made mild by the presence of the lake, allows you to enjoy the magnificent landscape all year round.

In addition, you will be able to appreciate the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve, internationally recognised as a priority area for biodiversity in the Lombardy Po Valley.