Lake Viverone by MTB: the bike loop, where to start and what to wear
If you search for "Lago di Viverone mtb", first clarify what kind of ride you have in mind. The loop proposed by ATL Terre dell'Alto Piemonte is easy and runs mainly on asphalt around the glacial lake of Viverone, in the centre of the Ivrea morainic amphitheatre. It is not a technical mountain bike route. You start from Viverone and cover 16.6 km in total with 360 m of elevation gain. The technical difficulty is easy, the physical effort medium.
Where to start
Open the starting point pin on Google Maps: Viverone (45.420630000, 8.047010000)
Route map
The line follows the GPX track published by the indicated source. Use it to orient yourself, but always check signage, conditions and notices before setting out.
We’ll send you links to this route’s official GPX track and its starting points.
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Highlights along the route
Route sheet
- Length: 16.6 km
- Elevation gain: 360 m
- Maximum elevation: 313 m (calculated from the GPX track)
- Loop route: yes
You don't need trail experience, but if you ride infrequently you will feel the climbs. Before setting out, check the weather, the route conditions and any updated notices. For clothing, think about two moments: when you climb towards the vineyards and warm up, and when you return towards the lake with your jersey still damp.
Cycling shorts, jerseys and cycling glasses are in the Cycling selection at Ski Sises. Below you will find criteria for choosing without buying more gear than you will use.
Lakeside, vineyards and two stops along the loop
From the Viverone lakeside the loop climbs into the hills and passes between the vineyards. The official description speaks of a striking panorama and gradients that are easy to tackle, especially on an e-bike.
Around the lake perimeter you will find two places to stop. The first is a reconstruction of a pile-dwelling landing stage, marking the remains of a submerged Bronze Age village protected by UNESCO. The second is a birdwatching tower.
Stops also influence your clothing choice. If you stop right after a climb, sweat cools quickly, especially in spring and autumn. A layer you can open and close is more useful than a heavy jersey.
On paper 16.6 km sounds short. The average effort, however, depends on the 360 m of elevation gain, not on the distance. Pace your energy on the climbs, not on the number of kilometres.
MTB, e-bike or road bike: which to load in the car
With a mainly asphalt surface, a mountain bike is not necessary. You can still use one. Wide tyres give stability to those who ride little, but on asphalt they create more rolling resistance. You can raise the pressure slightly, without exceeding the values printed on the tyre sidewall.
If the climbs worry you, the e-bike is the most relaxed choice. It is also the vehicle for which the official description considers the gradients simplest. With assistance you sweat less on climbs, but on descents you feel the air like anyone else: layers still need planning.
With a road bike one extra check is needed. "Mainly on asphalt" does not rule out some stretches with a different surface. Before setting out on narrow tyres, look at the track and assess whether you are comfortable tackling it.
What to check before you leave
Even an easy loop is a road outing. Before loading the bike, check:
- the updated weather, with wind and temperature forecast for the time you will be riding;
- the route conditions and any official or municipal notices about the roads on the loop;
- the hours of daylight, which in winter end early, and the bike lights if you risk riding back at sunset;
- brakes, tyre pressure and, with the e-bike, the battery charge.
On the road you also need to be seen: light colours and reflective details help. No garment replaces a helmet, caution and respect for the traffic code, though.
How to dress for a short ride with climbs
For the loop, the ATL indicates winter, spring, late spring/summer and autumn. You can schedule it in any season, but between January and July the clothing changes quite a lot. One rule always applies. The effort is short and concentrated on climbs, so being able to regulate heat matters more than insulation.
Shorts: padding, pockets and fit
If discomfort in the saddle comes on early, padding shows even on a short ride. The Pantaloncini Re-cycle Boxer Men Uranium Black of POC have a wide pad and are built without the compression typical of models with braces. The recycled polyester is light, breathable and dries quickly.
If you prefer a loose short, to wear even when you get off the bike, look at the Essential Enduro Men's Shorts Epidote Green. They are in light, durable nylon with a stretch component, they are water-repellent and have several pockets. Reflective elements help when the light fades. Preformed knees make them compatible with knee pads, which you won't need on this loop. If you choose them, do it for the pockets, water repellency and visibility.
For her, the Up Cyclist Women's Shorts Black of Montura are in stretch jersey and water-repellent 4-way-stretch DWR nylon, with UV protection. The elasticated waist doesn't compress, the hem has non-slip silicone and a front zip pocket holds small items. The description does not mention a chamois: if you need padding, check before choosing them.
Whichever model you consider, try it on sitting down, with your legs bent as on the pedals. Leaning forward, the waistband must not press. With every pedal stroke the hem must not ride up the thigh.
Over the top: merino wool when the air is cool
In autumn, in winter or on spring mornings the layer against the skin matters more than the jacket. The Women’s LS Half Zip T‑shirt White of Rewoolution is in 100% Reda Active® merino wool, with thermoregulation and odour resistance. The half zip here has a specific use: open while climbing through the vineyards, closed before descending towards the lake. On cold days add a windproof layer on top.
For him, when it's warm, there is the T-shirt Reform Enduro Men Turmaline Navy of POC. It is light, made from recycled materials and designed for freedom of movement and breathability. It also suits casual use, so it wears well during a stop along the lakeside. In the cooler months it isn't enough on its own and should be included in a layering system.
Glasses for the air on descents
On asphalt descents your speed rises more than you think, and air in your eyes is bothersome. The Fury Sunglasses Dark Grey/Orange Reactiv 0-3 of Julbo have a cylindrical lens with a wide field of view and good ventilation. They are light and designed to fit all helmets. Still, try them with your own helmet: the arms must not touch the rear adjustment system.
If you were looking for trails and descents in the Biellese
If searching for "Lago di Viverone mtb" you were thinking of dirt tracks and technical descents, this loop will leave you halfway: it is a scenic ride, not a technical one. For mountain biking and downhill, Funivie Oropa indicates several options in the Biellese. One starts from Oropa Sport, at about 1900 m a.s.l., and reaches Biella, at 400 m. In that case bike, protection and clothing need to be rethought from scratch. Before planning, check the operator's up-to-date information and the conditions of the day.
If you have a doubt about the fit of a short or about layers for the season in which you want to ride around the lake, visit the shop in Biella or compare the models in the Cycling selection. We help you choose based on the ride you will actually do.
FAQ
Do I need a mountain bike to ride around Lake Viverone?
No. The loop proposed by ATL Terre dell'Alto Piemonte is listed as technically easy and mostly on asphalt. An e-bike also works well, as the gradients are easier. You can use an MTB, but it creates more rolling resistance on asphalt. If you're thinking of a road bike, check the route first: "mostly on asphalt" does not guarantee that the entire route is.
How long and how demanding is the Lake Viverone loop?
The route starts in Viverone and measures 16.6 km in total, with 360 m of elevation gain. Technical difficulty is listed as easy and physical effort as moderate. The effort depends mainly on the climb from the lakeside up towards the hills and vineyards.
In which season can you ride the Lake Viverone loop by bike?
The listed seasons are winter, spring, late spring/summer and autumn. Before setting out, still check the weather and official notices for the day. Adjust your layers to the temperature: in the colder months, a merino wool base layer with a windproof layer on top works well.
What can you see along the Lake Viverone loop?
From the lakeside, the loop climbs into the hills and passes between the vineyards. Along the lake you will find a reconstructed pile-dwelling landing stage, which marks the remains of a submerged Bronze Age village protected by UNESCO, and a birdwatching tower.
Which shorts should you wear for a short bike ride with climbs?
If you start to feel discomfort in the saddle, shorts with a padded chamois increase comfort even on a short ride. Alternatively, there is a looser model with pockets and reflective details. Try them on in riding position: when you lean forward, the waistband should not press and the leg hem should not ride up your thigh. Before buying, check the product listing to see whether a chamois is included.
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