Travel·12 January 2026

Strada degli Eroi by gravel bike

The Gravellata loop from Recoaro Terme to Rifugio Papa.

Author

I Gravellata

Elite Ambassador

Index

1.Strada degli Eroi by gravel bike: the Gravellata loop from Recoaro Terme to Rifugio Papa
2.The Komoot track
3.Rolling out: Recoaro Terme and the “just right” climb to get into the ride
4.Pian delle Fugazze: an entrance that tastes like history
5.Rifugio Papa: fog is common—and it’s part of the game
6.What bike you need: MTB or the “right” gravel setup
7.Gravellata’s setup

Strada degli Eroi by gravel bike: the Gravellata loop from Recoaro Terme to Rifugio Papa

Gravellata have been Elite ambassadors for 5 years, and this Pasubio loop is a perfect snapshot of their style: solid routes, big views, and the right amount of adventure—the kind that stays with you.

Some rides, even just talking about them, make you smell the forest and feel that subtle freshness that comes with altitude. Strada degli Eroi is exactly that: a route that gets under your skin and that, if you love riding in the mountains, you’ll end up putting on your list sooner or later.

What you’ll find here is the story of the loop ridden by Gravellata (authors of the video and the original description): it starts in Recoaro Terme and reaches Rifugio Papa, in the heart of Monte Pasubio, between the Piccole Dolomiti and open views toward the Carega Group.

The Komoot track

To ride it yourself without overthinking it, Gravellata also published the track.

Rolling out: Recoaro Terme and the “just right” climb to get into the ride

The start is exactly what you want when you know it’s going to be a long day: a short, easy asphalt climb that gives you time to warm up and settle your breathing. You head up toward Passo Xon without drama, with the feeling that the ride is still “opening its doors.”

It’s the kind of section that doesn’t steal energy—it simply brings you into the day with the right mindset: today is serious, but no rush.

The Malunga: hardpack gravel, forest, and punchy ramps that remind you who’s boss

From Passo Xon you point toward Staro and then take the Strada della Malunga. This is where everything changes: asphalt stays behind and you get the forest road, the trees, the sound of tires on gravel.

Malunga is a dirt road with hardpack surface, but it’s not “flat and gentle”: there are punchy, demanding ramps that force you to choose your rhythm—and especially your gearing—wisely. It’s not cruelty for its own sake: it’s the kind of climb that pulls you into the mountain for real, one step at a time.

And as you climb, the day opens up: through the branches you catch windows of landscape, and you understand why this loop is one of Gravellata’s favorites in the province of Vicenza.

Pian delle Fugazze: an entrance that tastes like history

When you roll out at Pian delle Fugazze, something simple but powerful happens: you find yourself right in front of the entrance to Strada degli Eroi.

It’s one of those spots where you pause for a second even if you don’t need to—just to take in where you are. This is where the signature section begins. This is where you realize it’s not just “a nice route,” but a piece of mountain that carries memory and character.

Strada degli Eroi uphill: the highlight

Gravellata rode it uphill to reach Rifugio Papa. And it’s easy to see why: Strada degli Eroi is the heart of the ride—the stretch that makes you think, “yep, I’ll remember this.”

It’s a climb you experience more than you measure: corners, views, fatigue arriving in waves. It’s not simply “hard or easy”: it’s intense, scenic, and it carries you up to the refuge with that feeling typical of iconic climbs—when even the effort becomes part of the beauty.

Rifugio Papa: fog is common—and it’s part of the game

Up at Rifugio Papa, in summer it’s pretty common to find fog. It doesn’t ruin the experience—it changes it. Maybe the panorama disappears, but the atmosphere becomes even more “high mountain.”

Here Gravellata’s advice is spot on: bring a windbreaker. If it’s damp and cool up top, you’ll feel it on the descent.

The Scarubbi descent: scenic and satisfying

To close the loop, the choice was this: Strada degli Scarubbi downhill to Passo Xomo.

It’s a descent that gives back: it makes you ride, it makes you look around, it makes you smile. After the Eroi climb, it’s the perfect counterbalance: the ride doesn’t “end,” it shifts energy.

From Passo Xomo you descend toward Valli del Pasubio, then climb back toward Passo Xon on asphalt to complete the loop.

What bike you need: MTB or the “right” gravel setup

This loop is highly recommended, but it’s best enjoyed with the right setup. Gravellata say it clearly: better with

a mountain bike, or
a gravel bike with generous tires, at least 50 mm.

They rode it on a gravel bike set up in a very sensible way for this terrain: more stability, more margin, more comfort.

When to ride it: better midweek

Last practical detail, but important: in summer, Sundays can mean lots of hikers on foot. Totally doable, but it requires more attention and you lose some flow on shared sections.

If you can choose, Gravellata recommend (and it makes sense): go midweek.