Acqui Terme→Spigno Monferrato

Description of the route

From Acqui Terme to Spigno Monferrato the Strade di Aleramo follow the corridor of the Bormida valley for 33 kilometres. With 224 meters of climb and an approximate duration of 2 hours and 35 minutes, this fourth half-stage is designed to allow a peaceful departure from the spa town and an arrival with sufficient time to discover the village of Spigno. The landscape stretches along the river and gradually prepares the passage towards the Apennines.

Before leaving Acqui, a visit to the historic center and the references of the Roman city completes the story begun the previous day. Leaving the town, the route takes on a more linear course compared to the vineyard hills. The valley becomes the natural guide of the ride: the climbs are limited, while attention is focused on crossings, changes in direction and the sections in which the local road network approaches the course of the Bormida.

Monastero Bormida is the most relevant cultural passage. The medieval castle and the bridge over the river recall the historical importance of this transit point; the official description underlines how the bridge was a crossing that could be used throughout the year and therefore connects it to the possible crossing of Aleramo. It is a place where legend meets the concrete geography of the territory, showing why the valley routes have guided travel and trade for centuries.

Spigno Monferrato finally appears perched above the Bormida. The medieval village, once a fiefdom of the Del Carretto family, creates a direct link with Finale Ligure and anticipates the final destination of the entire itinerary. Stopping in Spigno means closing the sweetest part of the journey: from the next half-stage the altitude and difference in altitude increase. It is therefore a good idea to use the afternoon to recover, check your bike and equipment and prepare for the 706 meter climb that leads to Altare.