Andrea Bruno is a three-time Italian champion of the Enduro Mountain Bike race. So, we don’t think there is anyone more qualified than him to help us understand the extensive bike trails of the Alta Langa.

Andrea Bruno played a critical role in the success of the BarToBar bike path. It is currently the Langhe’s most important, and extensive, bike circuit, comprising 124km of trails, divided in 7 stages that links Barolo to Barbaresco by passing through the Alta Langa. The Enduro MTB champion charted the course, segmenting by difficulty level and sharing suggestions such as the best type of bike, technicality and target audience for each segment. His navigation of the route aids tourists to the Langhe safely enjoy the BarToBar and discover the beauty of this hilly landscape..

Who is Andrea Bruno? What’s your backstory and what do you do now? 

I am bike enthusiast who has been practicing this beautiful sport since my childhood. I was fortunate to be able to gain experience and compete in all the main off-road disciplines: BMX, Four Cross, Enduro and Downhill. I won many national and international competitions and have been lucky to take home the Italian jersey. In addition to competing, I have combined my love of the mountains and of biking to explore some really unique places that can only be journeyed by bike. Today, I work in the sector as the owner of a company that distributes bicycles (Flyer e-Bikes and Transition Bikes), as well as guiding tours, tracking routes and working with companies to develop products.

 

Why would you recommend the Alta Langa as a cycling destination? What sort of feelings does it invoke? 

Undoubtedly because it is a unique landscape. Although I have had the honour of seeing many stunning locations around the world from my bike, I must say that the views of the Langhe, with Monviso standing sentinel at all angles, is unlike anywhere else. The true beauty of this territory lies in its ability to ‘live’ the seasons; the colours change, the light changes, the entire experience changes from season to season. The landscapes are varied due to the hilly terrain which makes every excursion different. The problem for an enthusiast like myself, is stopping every few minutes to capture the never-ending beauty in photos. 

Is it better to stick to the path or head off-road? 

It depends on the type of cyclist you are. For those on racing or rental bikes, the Langhe is a great place to discover on path; roads are easy to cross and before long, you won’t even remember passing traffic. The off-roading options are easy in terms of technicality, and so are generally accessible to most everyone. However, it is always important to keep in mind, that with off-roading the terrain is very hilly and there are some very steep climbs.

Who are the bike paths of the Alta Langa designed for? 

Truly, for everyone. The beauty of these paths is that even a family can enjoy a few kilometres of cycling together as a wonderful activity. The routes are varied in level and entirely unique, meaning everyone can find a path to suit their needs.

Let’s talk about the BarToBar. What are the advantages and difficulties of this course? 

The technical difficulty is low enough for almost everyone to be able bike the route. However, the physicality of it can be felt in certain stages, there are a few really steep climbs. On a traditional or Gravel (hybrid between a Mtb and a racing bike) bike, a few of the sections should only be completed by experienced bikers. For everyone else, an e-bike is recommended, which makes the entire BarToBar route accessible for everyone! The route was thoroughly segmented and divided into stages to aid people in finding the paths that would most interest them. The entire BarToBar can be completed in a journey of a few days, which allows people to take advantage of the chance to enjoy the world-renown food and wine of the area.

What type of bike would you recommend for the BarToBar? 

E-Bikes for the majority of people.

Gravel for experienced bikers and those who may want to go off-course and chart their own path. The terrain is perfect for this type of bike, especially in the dry season.

MTB for those who have time to move slowly and are very experienced bikers who want to enjoy the course to its fullest.

When do you think is the best time for a bike trip in the Langhe?

All year round, snow permitting. Spring for the contrast of the snow-capped Alps against the explosion of nature and wildlife in the hills. Summer for the long days, it is a great time for early morning rides and relaxing evenings. Autumn for the abundance of colour and spectacular sunsets. Winter is questionable, but during normal snow conditions, it can be wonderful to bike in the peak hours of the day and take in the fresh air.