Madonne del Ponte – Molino Chicon MTB

SUITABLE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS BIKES

This itinerary has been designed by Fondazione per lo Sport Silvia Rinaldi Onlus, an entity that promotes off road cycling in favor of people with disabilities.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND GET READY TO RIDE!

To fully enjoy a bike ride, on mountain paths or along the banks of a quiet stream, you need to know more about the planned itineraries that – in this case – meet the needs of disabled cyclists on board Handbike, eHandbike, Tandem, e-Tandem adapted for off-road use.

On this page you will find the description of the itinerary, while the feasibility is identified based on the technical characteristics of the route (length, elevation gain, type and stability of the terrain) so that one can chose the most suitable relatively to the the special-needs bike at hand.

The proposed itineraries are in hilly and mountainous areas with natural terrain as main feature; it is therefore highly recommended for all cyclists with disabilities to tackle the excursion with the company of friends or fellow riders.

In the event of mechanical problems or any request for help (for example a small push to overcome a steep uphill stretch or an unexpected obstacle, such as a fallen tree, etc.) an accompanying person – necessary on these routes – will be able to resolve the situation avoiding a rescue call.

We have created a geo-referenced, free and dowloadable topographic map showing the itineraries described. You can download it directly to your smartphone (Android, iOS) using the Avenza Maps App.

If, instead, you have a GPS for cycling / outdoor you can download the .gpx track by clicking the dowload button on the itinerary page and then upload the file to your device.

DESCRIPTION

Distance 11 KM
Climb 200 MT
Road paved, forest roads
Bike mountain bike, gravel bike, special needs bikes (handbike – tandem)
Difficulty IMBA 1 (very easy)
Time 1.50 h
Points of interest The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, the Molino Chicon (visit by appointment), the river Reno and Limentra.
Water Porretta Terme at the start, along the route only near Ponte della Venturina and in the little village of Pavana.

The start is again from the square in front of the train station, in the centre of Porretta Terme; turn left after crossing the bridge opposite the station, and left again after passing the thermal buildings crossing another bridge over the river Reno and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, saint patron of basketball.

Then continue on the paved road passing in front of the Valverde swimming pool and, after a few hundred meters, keep right past the building supplies store as the road becomes unpaved and starts to rise gently.

Arrived at the locality of Ponte di Teglia, and crossed the bridge by the same name over the Limentra, you continue on the right uphill can go uphill until you reach the statal road 64 Porrettana; from the intersection – where there are a butcher’s shop, a grocery shop, and a restaurant – you follow Pistoia on the left and proceed until you reach the intersection indicating the Molino di Chicòn on the left. This route is also suitable for special needs bicycles.

Alternatively, just past the Teglia Bridge, you can turn left and follow the Via Francigena signs. You then cross a hamlet with an old custom house to reach the Molino di Chicòn described with much love by the songwriter and author Francesco Guccini. This option involves a short stretch of no more than 50 mt with a steep slope and it is not suitable for special needs bicycles.

Arriving at Molino Chicòn, if the site is open, you can ask to visit the inside of the mill where a careful, wooden-made reconstruction of the milling system explains its operation.

Upon returning, it is possible to go back along the CAI path that starts from the main entrance of the mill and leads to the village of Pavana (5 minutes by foot) where it is possible to fill up with fresh water and visit the village narrated by its most illustrious citizen, Francesco Guccini.

ROUTE DETAILS

GPX TRACK BOARD WEB

BASIC SAFELY GUIDELINES

Riding alone could be dangerous. People with disabilities should always be accompanied, especially if the route is not well known.
Before leaving, tell others where you are going.
Make sure that you and all other cyclists are physically and technically prepared to face the desired route.
Use GPS technology in good working order (check battery status and possibly carry a spare battery), and reliable cartography. You should be able to communicate your position to others at any time.
Wear and carry suitable clothing (windproof, rainproof, garmets with good thermal insulation).
Wear helmet, gloves and sport sunglasses.
Knee and elbow protectors are recommended (especially for handbikers).
Ride a vehicle suitable for the ride planned and in good working conditions and well maintained.
Follow reliable gpx tracks.
Bring water and energy food (bars, gels). Electrolytes are highly recommended.
Bring a charged mobile phone (in some cases a dual SIM is recommended).
Bring a charged Power Bank if you plan a full-day itinerary.
Bring a mechanical repair kit.
Bring a first aid kit.
Carry emergency lights no matter the season.

FIRST AID

We strongly recommend that you bring a first aid kit with you on all of your cycling excursion. For more information on what to put in the kit, visit this link: Bike Radar

NOTE  It is also recommended that all guides and fellow riders take part in first aid training.

CORRECT USE AND LIMITS

MOUNTAIN TANDEM

Tight turns and U-turns should be considered as obstacles.
Routes classified IMBA 3 can generally be downhill (check the height of obstacles along the route) but must always be checked for the climb.
Avoid exposed sections of a trail; possibly dismount and walk.
When riding an an e-Bike, check the battery status before the start of the tour and during the ride.
Check the type of tires (in relation to the “style” of the route) and check for wear and tear.

HANDBIKE

Minimum route width: check the width of the handbike (bridges along the route could limit or prevent the passage of the cycle).
Tight turns and U-turns should be considered as obstacles.
Checks whether the route crosses rivers or bodies of water; it is generally possible to overcome shallow waters depending on the model of handbike.
Routes classified IMBA 3 can generally be downhill (check the height of obstacles along the route) but must always be checked for the climb (for example, they could be too steep or have poor or insufficient grip in relation to the slope).
Handbikes without pedal assist are suitable for routes classified IMBA 1 and in general for flat itineraries
Pay attention to off-cambers sections because a handbike tends to tip over suddenly once it has exceeded its limits.
Avoid or pay particular attention to the exposed sections of the track, an objective danger for any type of biker.
When riding an an e-Bike, check the battery status before the start of the tour and during the ride.
Check the type of tires (in relation to the “style” of the route) and check for wear and tear.

NOTE Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. For more information, please visit www.imba.com