@ photo Giorgio Barbato
PANORAMIC ROUTE THROUGH AUTHENTIC APENNINE HAMLETS
- Distance 40 KM
- Climb 1300 MT
- Road paved, forest roads
- Bike road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike
- Difficulty IMBA 1 (very easy)
- Time 4 h
- Points of interest Granaglione and its nastled villages, the Sanctuary of Calvigi, the Castle of Granaglione, the Molino di Nazareno.
- Water available in all villages along the way
- View points provincial road n° 55.
- Leisure Molino Beach (summer only), Beltaine Brewery (upon reservation).
THE CLASSIC ROUTE
The “Impedalabile del nonno” (the granpa’s unrideable) is a playful and fun gathering of vintage bicycles, grandpa’s bikes cruisers, but also wreckages in general organized in the summer by the Associazione Gruppo Casio.
The classic route goes from Porretta Terme to Molino del Pallone and there is also a leisure ride called the the hamlets itinerary.
THE HAMLETS ITINERARY
The start is from the square of the train station, located in the centre of Porretta Terme, from which we continue, passing in front of the thermal buildings, in the direction of Ponte della Venturina for a few hundred meters on the statal road 64 Porrettana up to the right turn direction Granaglione.
The road starts to climb gently and in a few kilometers you reach the village of Borgo Capanne first, then Lustrola, with a suggestive ride inside the village, and finally Granaglione, where we suggest to make a first stop to admire the view and refill with water from many the fountains in the town.
From Granaglione it is possible to reach the Castle of Granaglione, or, continuing a little further, you can make a small detour to visit the evocative Sanctuary of Calvigi.
The route keeps on winding along paved (except a short stretch of 2 km after Casa Lazzaroni on a forest road) and low-traffic roads with a succession of small and authentic hamlets in the Randaragna valley: Casa Forlai, Casa Calistri, Casa Lazzaroni, Casa Roversi, where the mountain culture and tradition are still very present. A stop is recommended to reach the Molino di Nazareno from Casa Lazzaroni. Molino di Nazareno (a mill) is a landmark four-story building close to a waterfall.
The route then continues with a pleasant descent towards Molino del Pallone and the Reno Valley where in summer you can cool down by the river just like in the old days. You can do that just before returning to Porretta Terme where you end.
ROUTE DETAILS
TRAIL RULES
- Ride on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures.
- Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Don’t cut switchbacks. Take your trash with you.
- Ride in control. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
- Yield to others. Bicyclists should yield to all other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly marked for bike-only travel.
- Never scare animals.
- Plan ahead. Be prepared and self-sufficient. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
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
