Since 1967, a National Truffle Festival by the name of La Trifola d’Or has been held in the village of Murisengo, in the province of Alessandria, on the border with the province of Asti. This deeply rooted agricultural and commercial tradition dates back to 1530, along with the fair of San Martino.
A large part of the route covers smaller minor roads and trails, and a mountain bike is recommended. This is due in particular to a couple of tricky stretches on the Crotin trails and Valmanera XC route, with its gradoni, or big steps, and descent at Sant’Andrea.
Start from Murisengo, on Via Asti in front of the police station. There is convenient parking here. Take Via San Pietro then continue on Strada della Bova towards Villadeati, where you will come to the highest point on the route. Continue on Strada Vecchia per Zanco then Strada dell’Albarella and Strada Valle Goretta to the small village of Corsione. You can see the beautiful little church of the Madonna di Aniceto here, in a scenic location. Continue, always on trails that cross municipal and provincial roads, to San Carlo, a village near Villa San Secondo. Continue to the hamlet of Madonna d’Olmetto, near Cossombrato, with its shrine of the same name. Head towards Bricco Roasio then come to the Oasi di Valmanera conservation area, known for its trails, which are popular with local motorbike riders. After following the GPX track through the woods and down the gradoni and the descent at Sant’Andrea, it’s time to head back.
Those who wish to put themselves to the test on the many tracks on this stretch, some of them used every year in the XC Piemonte MTB Cup, are bound to have a good time. After fully testing your technique, start the trip back. There’s still more than 20 km to go.
The track continues to Callianetto. After around 5 km on the small, peaceful SP 36, you come to Frinco and its imposing castle.
Leave the village, but stay on the SP 36 for about 1,000 m. After the residential area of Molinasso, turn right onto a track and turn left through the farms, following the local road to Tonco. A historical event takes place in this village in spring; following protests from animal-rights activists, the Giostra del Pitu (turkey joust) now features a cloth turkey rather than a real one.
The route from Tonco continues past the sports pitch and the hamlet of Casapaletti. Come to Cardona, a village near Alfiano Natta. This takes you back to the province of Alessandria. Come off the tarmac onto the San Rocco trail up to Trittango, a hamlet near Villadeati. From here, take Strada della Spina up to Sorina and then it’s straight ahead for the last stretch towards the main location until Murisengo.