Cycling Dolomiti Friulane: Monte Valinis

This was a surprise ride. I planned to climb up the Val d'Arzino to Selle Chianzutan, then descend to Tolmezzo, return along the Tagliamento River to Pinzano. But the previsione from www.ilmeteo.it was overly optimistic- after Sequals it started raining. So I turned toward Travesio, but when I saw the heavy clouds and rain above Clauzetto, I had to change plans again. I headed to Meduno, and on the spur of the moment headed up toward Forchia Meduno, 630 meters . It's pretty steep at first (10-12%) but settles down to 8-9% after awhile. The scenery is fantastic- fir trees, beech trees, karst rock formations, and beautiful panoramas in all directions. At the forchia I decided to try going to the parapendio jump-off point. The road was easy through the forest to Forchia Piccola, then turns upward, a steady 10% for a couple km, then onward at 8%. At Forchia Tamer (940 meters) the asfalto ends, but I continued up the gravel road a few hundred more meters to the end of the road on Monte Valinis, at 986 meters. Wonderful fast decent and then fast all the way home (must have been a tailwind). I want to do this climb again.

Frisanco from Borgo Bianco