Oschiena Gravel

A ride through the heart of the Vercelli rice paddies

Oschiena Gravel is a cycling event held in the town of Desana, in the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of the Piedmont rice-growing plains. It is a guided bike tour designed for those who love to explore the area at a slow pace, immersed in the unique landscape of the flooded rice paddies that define this part of the Po Valley.

The route

The trail covers approximately 50 km of completely flat terrain, with no technical difficulties or elevation gain, following dirt roads and secondary paths. For this reason, it is suitable for a wide range of bikes: gravel, mountain bike, and e-bike. The ride is not a race but a guided cycling experience, where the pleasure of pedaling blends with the discovery of the agricultural landscape and its history.

The meeting point is in Desana, at Piazza Castello, where the group departs with the guide. The total duration of the excursion is about six hours, including stops and the social tasting experience.

The stop at Cascina Oschiena

The gastronomic heart of the event is the stop at Cascina Oschiena, one of the oldest rice farms in the area, where rice has been cultivated since the 16th century, dating back to the Benedictine monks. Today, the farm is known for its eco-sustainable rice farming within a Natura 2000 protected area, featuring wetlands created to protect migratory birds and biodiversity. Here, participants can enjoy a risotto made with the farm's own rice along with other local products.

An experience between nature and tradition

Oschiena Gravel combines gentle sport, slow tourism, and gastronomy, highlighting the deep bond between the Vercelli area and rice cultivation. Cycling through the rice paddies, with their play of water mirrors and reflected skies, is an original way to discover one of the most evocative agricultural landscapes in Italy.

• Departure from Piazza Castello in Desana (VC)
• Approximately 50 km route, easy and flat
• Suitable for gravel, MTB, and e-bike
• Accompanied by a certified cycling guide
• Risotto tasting at Cascina Oschiena

The event is organized by Vercellioutdoor, a group led by Manuel Minola Violino, specializing in bike itineraries and trekking through the rice paddies and territories of Piedmont.