Colle di Langan
There is no higher
paved pass, closer to the mediterranean coast
around the San Remo area, and it is a very popular
ride. The major attraction are the hilltowns along
the way. The summit is of little scenic interest,
except as jumping off point for reaching higher
points, mostly over unpaved routes.
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1.(00.0km,24m)
START-END WEST: Ventimiglia
2.(08.0km,73m) Dolce Aqua
3.(11.0km,114m) Isolabona
4.(18.8km,256m) Pigna
5.(20.2km,280m) turnoff to Castel Vittorio
6.(31.4km,1130m) TOP: Colle di Langan
7.(41.1km,452m) Molina di Triora
8.(52.7km,200m) Isolalunga
9.(64.5km,1m) START-END EAST: Taggia |
Approaches
From East. The simplest, steadily climbing
route begins on the coast, on the west end of
Ventimiglia and climbs gently trough Dolceaqua to
Pigna. For me this was also the most interesting
part on this side. Both of these towns relate to
the landscape in such a way, that makes you want
to take a closer look. With Pigna, the interesting
thing is its relation to Castelvittorio. The
former hides in the valley together with a spa.
The latter keeps a lookout from above. After that,
the ride becomes a long steady climb through
forested mountains. The top of the pass can be
seen from far below on the left side of the
viewshed. When I rode this, the clouds sat on the
surrounding peaks and the route looked anything
but inviting. But I got over the top before it
started pouring. I imagine with virtually jungle
like vegetation around here, it must pour quite a
bit. On the forested top is the turnoff to
Colla Melosa. That route keeps on climbing.
Castelvittorio
From West. (described downwards). The
road is practically immersed in a tunnel of dense
vegetation. Every once in a while there is
tempting glimpse of yet another hill town. But the
forest breaks open only once to reveal a view of
Loreto before you get down to Molini di Triora.
From here on it's possible to head up over many
other named and unnamed summits. But the profile
chooses to descend as steadily as possible back to
the coast. Another jaw dropping view further down
is the hilltown of Montalto Ligure, just north of
Badalucco.
approaching Colle di Langan through Pina
Dayride with this point
as highest summit:
Colle di Langan:
Bordhigera > Dolceaqua > Pigna > Colla
Langan > Molini di Triora > Badalucco >
Taggia > San Remo > sp: 60.0miles with
4320ft of climbing over 5:17hours (VDO MC1.0
m4:12.5.28).
Notes: includes
a few food shopping detours
The last pass ride with different start and end
points on this Extended
Tour is on the page Col de Castillon
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