In e-bike through villages, nature and local food

Delivery and adjustment of the bikes will take place in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where we will return after a 40 km loop, which we can extend by another 10 km if the group is motivated. After a short briefing on the use of pedal-assisted MTBs, we will set off on our route through the centre of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and then north along dirt and minor roads.
At Pieve Fosciana we will cross a tributary of the Serchio and then begin a rather demanding climb through cultivations and vineyards until we reach one of the most beautiful villages in the valley, Castiglione di Garfagnana. With our bikes we will reach the main tower to admire the panorama for which this village is renowned, the view will range from the Apuan Alps to the mountains of the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano.
It will be fun to explore by bike the narrow cobbled streets that wind their way inside the ancient walls. It will also be possible to make a short stop at Silvano’s, who runs the village’s typical bar/restaurant, for a coffee overlooking the valley. The beautiful church of San Michele is also worth a visit before continuing our route.
We continue up and down through fields of spelt and pastures of Garfagnana cattle to the village of Villa Collemandina and then to the tiny village of Pianacci after crossing one of the valley’s many reservoirs, Lake Villa.
The village that we will reach at the top of a rather demanding climb has an unusual name for these valleys: Giappone.
It is here that we begin an enjoyable descent through a beautiful coniferous forest.
After passing through the historic village of Sambuca, with one of the highest railway bridges in Europe on one side, which we cross to return to the valley, and the Pania di Corfino above it on the other, we arrive at the village of Sillicagnana. This is yet another noteworthy village with its narrow streets and old houses.
From here we begin an easy descent to the mill, where we will stop for lunch (not included).
A stop that will allow us to rest but above all to taste some typical local products.
It will also be an opportunity to recharge our batteries in case someone abouded in electric motor help.
Here we can decide whether to opt for the original route or add another 10 km to our itinerary to reach another village, Roggio, and then Lake Vagli.
The decision will have to be made once we reach Roccalberti. If we are satisfied, we can descend and cross the river on a footbridge and then gain metres through woods and fields to Poggio. From here we will see the railway bridge that after a beautiful and technical descent we will reach and cross, not without a few thrills for the height and the view over the valley.
We will complete our loop through a fun route, mostly downhill, along the Serchio river to the lake of Pontecosi and then return to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. An amusing day full of peculiarities, from the landscapes to the villages, to the winery that with tenacity produces high quality wines in the mountains of Garfagnana, a mix of extraordinary emotions to share with friends.

Type: Excursion with electric MTB.
Duration: 7 hours
Length: from 40 to 50 KM depending on the participants.
Difficulty / Commitment: 5 (on a scale of 1 to 12).
The route alternates between secondary roads and dirt roads, with the possibility of adapting the route to the characteristics of the participants.
Meeting place: Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (LU)
Meeting time: 9.30 a.m.
Height difference: +800/-800 approx.
Lunch at the mill: Tasting of the territory, not included to be paid directly on site.
Minimum number of participants: 4
Accompanying person: Environmental excursion guide
Necessary clothing: Sports shoes, small backpack (25/30 litres), waterproof jacket, sports or specific cycling clothing.
What to bring: for your comfort, we recommend that you wear specific clothing for cycling, but you can also participate in the tour wearing normal sportswear. You must wear a helmet, which will be supplied with the bike.
We suggest that you carry a small backpack with a warm, light, long-sleeved garment, sun protection, and a water bottle.

Cost: € 80.00 per person

Garfagnana Experience– tel +39 (0)583 641006 – email booking@garfagnanaexperience.com  – www.garfagnanaexperience.com