Exploring Scenic Big Benches by Bike: A Panoramic Journey in Italy
Dear readers,
Step into our inviting B&B, where hospitality finds a home. Today, I invite you to join me on a two-wheeled adventure through the stunning landscape surrounding our retreat. Let the pedals weave their tale as we together explore the beauty of the surroundings.
The Big Benches project began among friends and neighbors, and it is now capturing the hearts of many who might not have otherwise imagined gazing at the Italian mountains and vineyards while sitting on inordinate pieces of garden furniture. The first Big Bench with this specific design was constructed in 2010 by Chris Bangle on the Borgata site in Clavesana (Piedmont, Italy). In recent years, more official benches have been built in the area, without public funding, solely thanks to private sponsors. Chris Bangle freely provides designs and instructions to the bench builders, with the only condition being that they are placed in a scenic location on land accessible to the public. The Big Bench must be built in a panoramic location and be freely accessible to the public.
In the vicinity of B&B Festina Lente, numerous big benches have already been placed. So, I had the fantastic idea to organize a cycling tour along various big benches. It turned out to be a long journey of over 90 km with approximately 1,700 meters of elevation gain. I had to ensure that my bike's battery would last until the end. Robby had to fuel his own energy as he undertook the journey on a racing bike.
The initial kilometers take us downhill towards Crociera, but soon we face the first steep climb towards Cortiglione. We've just begun and need to find our rhythm. Slightly out of breath, we reach the center of the village atop the hill. We still have to climb further as big benches are usually situated at a height with wide views. After about 7 km, we reach the first big bench in Vinchio, a large red bench, the same color as the Barbera wine, Vinchio Vaglio's specialty.
From the bench, you can enjoy a magnificent view, ranging from Vinchio's bell tower surrounded by the Alps with the Monviso peak, all the way to the Apennines. We rest the bikes on the bench and capture our first photo.
We continue cycling along a gently rolling path, and 8 km later, we reach our second bench in Castelnuovo Calcea. This bench is a bit off the trail and requires some searching. As we descend on SP 116, after 500 meters on our left is an unpaved road. This road seems private but is bikeable and leads to Lacourt Park where the large purple bench is installed (+ 230 m). In the park, among contemporary artworks, stands a farmhouse and a tower with a telescope.
Another 8 km of cycling takes us to the next bench in Castiglioli d'Asti. This village has 2 big benches. Our route passes by the orange bench in Bricco Lù, strategically located on a large open space at the panoramic point of Bricco Lù. While the bike recharges here, we enjoy a wide view of the valley below.
To reach the next bench, we have a bit of a journey. The salmon-colored bench is a bit off the cycling route, and we reach it on foot after a challenging climb over a rough gravel road. From the bench, you have a view of Moasca's center with the remains of a castle built in 1351. Currently, the Bottega del Vino di Moasca "Nerodistelle" and the Restaurant & Café, Garden Winery "Tra la Terra ed il Cielo," reside in the cellar.
The ride continues with undulating terrain. The day gets warmer, and the climbs get tougher. Past Calamandrana, the road climbs for 7 km to almost the highest point of the journey. The next big bench of Castel Boglione was installed in 2019 in the vineyards of Cascina Garitina, on Bricco Garitta, specifically in the "Vigna Vegia." To reach it, you walk a short distance between the rows of vines after leaving the asphalt road, SP45.
We backtrack a bit and then continue our way, gently rolling on the high plateau towards the big bench of Alice Bel Colle. Placed precisely at a panoramic point nestled between the rows of the renowned wine in La Fraschetta, we find the big pink bench bathed in glorious sunlight.
We've covered 55 km by now and head towards the second last bench, the big green bench of Fontanile. Located in a scenic spot, in the shade of three oak trees and surrounded by vineyards, we recharge our inner batteries here. We finish our last water and have a piece of chocolate for the final stretch of the journey.
We ride towards Mombaruzzo atop a hill. There, we know a small shop in the center with refreshing cold drinks (for the necessary sugars) and buy a bag of delicious amaretti di Mombaruzzo. From Mombaruzzo, it's almost a 10 km descent, which is very welcome at this moment.
From the bridge over the Belbo stream in Castelnuovo Belbo, a sign indicates the direction to the bench. The road running along the Belbo is more or less flat and becomes slightly uphill after 1 km. The road's incline increases to 13 - 14%. The asphalt road turns into a compact dirt road, and after 200 meters, we reach the "Grande Panchina del Nizza." Next to it stands the "Bibliobotte," a sign inviting you to "Take a book, read a book, leave a book."To get there by bike, you need strong legs or batteries.
The last 10 km towards Festina Lente are gently rolling. But every climb is painful now. The battery is almost depleted, making it quite nervously anticipated to reach the end. Very tired yet satisfied, we reach the B&B. After plenty of water and a quick shower, we take a refreshing dive in the pool.
It was a beautiful day that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cycling.
Best regards,
Veerle
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