Monte Ragogna da Muris

A steep short climb with great views and history. From a distance Monte Ragogna looks like a peaceful tree-covered standalone hill on the bank of the Tagliamento River. But on closer examination, it's a World War I fortress, a mountain honeycombed with tunnels, troop quarters, ordinance storage and large artillery emplacements. http://www.grandeguerra-ragogna.it/eng/storia.html

I climbed Monte Ragogna from Muris. It averages 10.7% for the first 2.2 km, with stretches of 16%. I started off standing, then climbed seated when the grade dropped to 11%. I alternated this way repeatedly as the steepness kept varying. The road is cloaked by forest, a lovely place. At the top is a ridge crest road, gently descending through the forest. There are a couple of openings with great views of San Daniele, the river, the towns on the opposite side of the river, and the plain. The road then descends steeply to San Pietro, and on toward home. It was an Italian holiday so no trucks and lots of bikes. Also a roller blade race in Montreale Valcellina- streets were all closed and dozens of racers took part.

The Monte Ragona climb from Muris is also part of Italian cycling history. According to Passi e Valli in Bicicletta- Friuli, in 1991 this climb saw the splendid rise of Gianni Bugno, who in the steepest stretch, opened a gap on Giro d'Italia winner Franco Chiocciolo, Claudio Chiappucci, and Moreno Argentin, arriving at San Daniele to be crowned Italian national champion.

Castello di Ragogna

Castelnovo del Friuli

Pinzano

Tagliamento River

Entrance to WW I fortress within Monte Ragogna

Restored section of castello di Ragogna

Map (climbed counterclockwise)

The gradient of the climb