The Trentino region of Northern Italy boasts untold opportunities for two-wheel adventures – I've yet to find an area that’s not great for bike touring. After creating Collections on the Green Road of Water and the Dolomites cycle route (links below), I’m taking you on a slightly different journey here.

Although this route is shorter, it’s partly unpaved and runs at high altitudes. It leads around a mountain that’s not particularly high – ‘only’ 2,847 metres (9,341 ft) – and whose summit is easy to reach on foot. All that aside, the Cima d'Asta is a legendary mountain.

According to some geographers and geologists, the Cima d'Asta belongs to the Lagorai Group. Others disagree, however, as the granite rocks of the Cima d'Asta are too different from the porphyry of the Lagorai. Around the mountain, which is called ‘El Zimòn’ in the Trentino dialect, you’ll discover some of the most remote valleys in Trentino in the south-east on the border with the Veneto region.

The route starts at Borgo Valsugana Centro station, which is well connected to the whole of Northern Italy thanks to its location on the Venice-Trento railway line. From here, it’s not far to the starting point of the Tour – in just 10 kilometres (6 mi) you reach the mountain village of Samone, to which you’ll return after two days on unpaved paths full of adventure.

Although you won't be covering that many kilometres on asphalt, I still recommend a bike that’s as comfortable as possible, ideally with profiled tyres that are at least 40 millimetres wide. You should also have a gear ratio with easy gears (at least 1:1) and enough space to attach bags. You can take a tent with you to spend the night outdoors or use the bivouac sites along the route. If you want to spend the night in the village of Canal San Bovo, it’s best to book in advance.

As the route runs through alpine heights, snow, cold weather and heavy rain make it impassable for several months of the year. On the last section, you’ll cross the Tesino plateau for around 15 kilometres (9 mi), which, at an altitude of around 900 metres (2,950 ft) can get cold if you don't have the right clothing. From the end of May to the beginning of October, the conditions are best for cycling around the Cima d'Asta and enjoying this remote and beautiful area in Trentino.

Here are links to the other Collections mentioned…

Green Road of Water: komoot.com/collection/1984432
Dolomites cycle route: komoot.com/collection/2234444