Cycling - Valle Argentera

Cycling - MTB ride in Valle Argentera with friends.
This pristine valley is among the least visited and developed valleys of Piedmont. Mostly pastures with abundance of trees and flowers. There is only one option for food, drinks or accommodation at Alpe Plana which can be reached by foot or bicycles only. Very rustic. Good service isn't at home here, so better bring your own. Especially water, as due to cattle in the valley I would avoid drinking the stream water.
The Ripa stream flowing through the valley is fed by several waterfalls on both sides. The valley is crowned by a good number of peaks in excess of 3000 m, some of them marking the border with France such as Punta Ramiere at 3302 m (10,833 ft).
Free parking before the small bridge, although there is only room for some 10-15 vehicles. Otherwise, passing through the bridge is subject to a toll of 3 Euro per vehicle (as of 2018) from July first through the and of August. Such fee funds road maintenance.
The road is unpaved but feasible with the majority of most common passenger cars.

Despite the moderate total climb of 650 m (2,135 ft), this ride should not be underestimated due to some steep sections above 20% grade requiring caution and decent riding skills on loose rocks, both up- and downhill. Dismounting and pushing is always an option.
Pleasant weather until it turned to drizzle by the time we were sitting at a pic-nic table (see waypoint). Rain was then consistent on our way down and it stopped ten minutes after we reached the car. Thinking of dog-day temperatures to be later found back in town, the cold shower wasn't taken as a punishment. Weather change is a common occurrence at high altitude, rain gear and warm clothes should always be brought along.