Stella Alpina?

[Possu]

First heard about this a couple of years ago & would appreciate help with the following questions:

Where exactly is it - near Bardonecchia?

Is it an organized event, costs etc?

If an event, when does it take place?

Thinking of going down there next year.

Also thinking of going to Mount Chalberton (sp?), just across the border from Briancon. Heard that it's difficult to get to the top even by bike although I've met someone who's done it on a KLR - any thoughts?

 

[DrAlf]

"Where exactly is it - near Bardonecchia?"

The event takes place in bardonecchia which is just over the French border near Susa

"Is it an organized event, costs etc?"

Kind of. You are supposed to register with the local motorcycle club - this is free and can be done on the day before the event. You normally sign on in a building opposite the railway station

"If an event, when does it take place?"

2nd weekend of July. The ride up the mountain takes place on the Sunday but there are loads of amazing trails in the area that could keep you busy for a few days. Aim to arrive Friday night or Saturday morning. The whole town is normally taken over with dirt bikes - just walking around and looking at all the old BM's is worth it alone.

The big trail bike club organise a trip down each year which is a always a larf check
here for details.

 

[Possu]

Big Trail Bike Club - tried contacting them via their website a couple of times re: other topics, never received a reply. Not impressed with the site overall. I'm sure I remember (but could be wrong) them charging £600+ to attend the Stella Alpina with them. It probably included ferries & accomodation but still seemed a bit steep?

 

[DrAlf]

Excellent site here which contains downloadable PDF roadbooks showing all the local trails. Well worth a look even if you aren’t planning on going to the Stella.

 

[Possu]

Excellent site here which contains downloadable PDF roadbooks showing all the local trails. Well worth a look even if you aren’t planning on going to the Stella.

Thanks for the excellent link, I was in the area last week & came back via Col De L'Iseran (sp?) up at 9,000ft

 

[Noddy]

Agree with you about the excellent link, thanks.
Last week of August I was in the same area and tried the road from Susa up through Frais and then the track around the Gran Serin. Got very narrow and a bit rough fully loaded, and then the route was barred to unauthorised. Teach me to uptodate my area maps. Anyhow I found an interesting trail up to the Col de Furfande @ 2500m which was not on my map but visible on the way down Col D'Izoard towards Guillestre. I am often in this area
as we have family at Tallard and we are very often back and forth to Lake Garda. Very beautifull area and so different to flat old Norfolk where we live.
Loads of photos but can't attach yet. get in touch if you want to swap stories.

 

[Shurv]

Yes,the Big trail bike club trip does include ferries and hotels ( good'uns too), so it's not a bad deal as it's over 7-10 days I think. Lots of GS's go too.

Marcus