Quargnento, right on the edge of Monferrato, is a village with ancient origins that still keeps up its historic traditions. Every year in the latter part of May, its streets are the setting for the Palio dell'Oca Bianca – the white goose race – a historical procession in period costume in memory of a vow the locals made to the Virgin Mary in 1630. The four neighbourhoods, or rioni – Cavalera, Crusetta e Zola, Pont and Pra Slà – compete in a crossbow tournament and an uproarious goose race to win the Palio.
This is a beautiful route over minor roads and tracks that evokes times gone by in this part of Monferrato. Tracks make up 95% of the route, which is an easy one but not advisable when it's raining. It passes by Fubine, Cuccaro Monferrato, Vignale Monferrato, Camagna Monferrato, Conzano and Lu. For the most part, it runs along wide valleys and gentle ridges facing the river Grana del Monferrato.
Set off from the sports pitch outside Quargnento and enter the village, arriving in front of the basilica of San Dalmazio. Turn onto Via Piave, then Via San Francesco d’Assisi. Go along Strada Consortile Ronco, which is tarmacked, until you reach Fattoria della Capra Regina. It's worth stopping at this dairy farm famed for its cheese from Roccaverano goats. Carry on from the outskirts of Fubine Monferrato towards Cuccaro Monferrato. Turn left at the cemetery here onto the track Strada Cavallari, which runs through the Grana valley. Come out onto the tarmac and turn left onto another farm road, which will take you to Vignale Monferrato. When you reach the junction with Via San Rocco, go downhill on your right past a large car park. Carry on down the track then pedal along the bottom of the valley until you find yourself below the village of Conzano. When you get onto the tarmac, turn right, then left onto another track. After about 1,500 m, turn right towards Lu on a fairly demanding uphill track.
At the top of the hill, there's a long descent over tracks waiting for you. This will bring you to the end of the route, back in Quargnento.