Montone to Sasso. Skill 2 Stamina 3 (could include 45 min. detour to 6th century Pieve dei Saddi)
Total time :(Incl. Rest stops and meals) c.9-00 to 3.00
Cycling time : (3-4 hours) easy to moderate cycling 85% off road
Distance :25 Km
Start point : 9.00 Bar Aries in the centre of Montone
Restaurant, bar, changing booths and rock pools for swimming, together with a large children's play area are all available at trail's finish. Bring costume and towel.
view from the Montone ridge
General Description
Cycling along the Montone ridge we get amazing views of the tall rugged mountains of the Marches to the east and the more gentle green slopes of Umbria and Tuscany to the west. The going is mostly flattish with a few gradual ascents(Particularly at the beginning) We pass through some of the most uncontaminated nature and wildest countryside that you can find in Europe (The last time I cycled this trail I didn't meet a soul or hear any man-made noises for 2 hours!). A small detour can be taken to visit the remote VI century chapel, peive dei Saddi which clings spectacularly to a rock outcrop.
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In the last 40 mins. We descend into the soara valley
and stop at Bar sasso where you can drink a fresh beer, eat good food
and take a refreshing dip in the amazing rock pools and waterfalls.
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Autumn veiw of Montone from our trail
Trail Breakdown
Half an hour's hard cycling (4km) with 2 Q. strenuous ascents (4-5 mins). Plenty of shade from pine forests, amazing views across to le Marche etc. till arrive at waterfall turn.(Gravel) Easier cycling but a few long though not steep ascents. Its 5Km (40mins) to the Pietralunga turn-off. Plenty of refreshing downs and shade however. (Gravel) Half an hour of easy cycling to the Candeggio turn off on dirt track apart from 10 mins tarmac (Deserted mountain road). Some shade. 5.5 km 20 mins of deserted mostly downhill tarmac (one long but gradual ascent)till we turn off onto a dirt track again.(4 Km) Half an hour of steep off road descent followed by short length of tarmac to arrive at sasso. (6km) Could cut across and finish in Trestina for full day trail ?