It is not difficult to be a supporter of all the things to do in the Borbera Valley. I have lived here for many years and when I decided to form a family I thought that I would like to have my children grow up here. As a boy I built rafts to sail on rivers, I ate myself sick on fruits I found in the country side, and I wanted my children to enjoy a childhood in close contact with nature. When I grew up I used to love mushrooming in the woods and often I came to Castel Ratti to do jogging, right here on the road which leads to Variano Superiore, which has little traffic and is flat. When you live in a place like this just laying daydreaming in a field is something nice to do, but for those who love activity here are some interesting proposals:

Horse-riding
For who it loves the horses are many riding track near in the zone, the small country roads in the green are ideal for the riding.

Biking
Fausto Coppi was born near here and these are the roads he biked on as a boy, when training. In his honour a series of trails have been dedicated, some not difficult and suitable for all, and some more difficult, for those who like climbing. The Tourist Information Office (to be found at Vignole Borbera near to the exit of the Motorway) can supply various booklets which illustrate the itineraries suggested; here you can see a map with three itineraries passing near us (since the collapse of the bridge linking Arquata Scrivia to Vignole Borbera, it is best to start directly from Vignole Borbera).

• Itinerary easy 2 hrs. (Vignole B., Borghetto, Albarasca, Vargo, Stazzano, Vignole, Arquata).
• Itinerary medium difficulty 21 Km. long (Borghetto Borbera, Persi, Pertuso, Pallavicino, Borgo Adorno, Pessinate, Bivio Dernice, Pertuso, Persi, Borghetto Borbera).
• Itinerary difficult (Vignole, Borghetto, Pertuso, Cantalupo, Rocchetta, Sisola, Roccaforte, San Martino, Grondona, Arquata) going up to mt.550; time: 1 hrs and 30 min./ 2 hrs. and 30 min.

Excursions
I like these guys of Natura Nuova (New Nature): by their initiatives they are making known the valuable treasures of this valley: nature, exactly! Walking through these high hill sides with people who know about them, who are able to explain the geological characteristics, the particularities of the vegetation, of the animal life and of the history belonging to these places, is a wonderful experience which is not only enjoyable but enriches the spirit and supplies bits of data which allow you to understand better the land itself and the people who live there.
More informations:

Natura Nuova association
Via provinciale, 63 fraz. Persi
15060 Borghetto Borbera (AL)
Tel. +39 347 1032402 or +39 329 0845821
www.naturanuova.org

Tracks/Trails
The tracks nearest to us start a few meters from the restaurant and wind through the woods which are so big that they go into the region of Liguria. You can hike for days without finding an asphalted road. We have indicated the nearer trails which offer not too difficult hiking, suitable for all, which will help you pass and enjoyable afternoon.

• Castel Ratti - Santuario del Bambin di Praga - Castel Ratti (30 min.)
• 
  Castel Ratti - Madonna della Mercede - Liveto - Castel Ratti (1 hr.)
• 
  Castel Ratti - Cerreto - Castel Ratti (1 hr. and 25 min.)
• 
  Castel Ratti - Cantalupo Ligure - Castel Ratti (3 hrs.)

Events
The most important events which are held are:
Straborbera Marathon
Every year, on April 25th, the marathon starts from Novi Ligure to climb up the Borbera Valley. It is possible to take part in a relay.
Palio of the stilts
Once upon a time the stilts were used to cross the rivers without getting wet. At Spinola, near to Albera Ligure, the second Sunday in July, there are stilt races: there is lots of fun during this unique performance!
Italian Enduro Championship, Cadet and Junior categories, at Cantalupo Ligure.
Rally Gold Cup.

Found exhausting information and news on Alexala, Info Alessia and the magazine "a+".