The borders of the March of Monferrato often shifted over the centuries. At some points in history they embraced the region of Canavese, some of the Vercelli area and the baragge near Biella.
The suggested cycle route starts at the northernmost point of Monferrato under the Biellese Alps. It goes through some of the most beautiful spots in these mountains, which surround the Piedmontese rice plain.
The Biellese Alps are an Italian range within the south-eastern Pennine Alps. Most of them are in the province of Biella, but they also stretch into those of Vercelli and Turin and the Aosta Valley.
You will go through the land around Vercelli dedicated to rice cultivation. The rice fields flood in spring, creating a chequered sea. This is a unique landscape home to a rich range of birds, most prominently herons. It is in the baragge that Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese is produced. This is the first and only Italian rice to have been granted a PDO (protected designation of origin).
Set off from Trino, an outpost of Monferrato in the province of Vercelli. Go along Strada delle Grange, passing through Lucedio and Darola. At the roundabout on the SP 1, turn off for Bianzè then Borgo d’Ale, famous for its fine fish. Go on past the lake at Viverone and on to Settimo Rottaro and Azeglio. From here, take the roads along the route known as Alta Via dell’Anfiteatro Morenico (55 km of the total distance) and begin the first climb in the Biellese Alps, up to Sacro Monte di Oropa (1,159 m). Keep going uphill until you get to the Rosazza tunnel after 100 km (1,488 m). Go down to the village of Rosazza then back up onto the SP 232, known as Panoramica Zegna, until you reach Bielmonte. Go down to Coggiola in the Sessera valley, then back up the last rough stretch on the route, to the mountain Alpe Noveis, a point on many great walking and mountain bike trails thanks to its view. Alpe Noveis sits between the Sessera and Postua valleys. It was known as 'svizzera del biellese' – 'Switzerland in Biella' – during the wars, as its lush grass and great pine woods evoke a Swiss valley (148 km of total distance).
Begin the descent to Crevacuore. Once you meet the Sesia, you'll arrive in Gattinara and reach the flat country after another long descent. Pass through Rovasenda, whose castle is worth visiting, then Buronzo, Balocco, again with a castle, Formigliana, and Quinto Vercellese, which also has a beautiful castle. From Caresanablot you'll arrive at Vercelli. The next village on the route is Asigliano, which is known for its traditional Corsa dei Buoi – ox race. This has been held since 1436, when the villagers made a vow to St Victor to end the plague. Carry on past Costanzana before ending the trip back in Trino.