The Apennines may not immediately spring to mind when you think of cycling but that’s what makes it even more appealing. Rides here are never congested and the area is full of little-known treasures. To help you discover Beyond Biking’s mighty Altopiano Short Bike Trail, we’ve compiled a list of bike videos from the trails you’ll be riding on.

LA VALNERINA – SPOLETO NORCIA TRAIL

In this video, pro biker Richie Schley says of the abandoned railroad turned gorgeous trail: “It’s pretty crazy…all these bridges and tunnels through all this interesting terrain that’s very undulating.”

LA VALNERINA – MONTE COSCERNO LOOP

For the superfit die hards, watch the extension that you can make on the Valnerina Greenway, adding the Anello di Monte Coscerno.

LA VALNERINA – GREENWAY DEL NERA

You will be able to bike sections of the Greenway del Nera to reach the high plains of the Sibillini Mountains near Norcia. This video will get you in the mood for the area’s gorgeous views of fortresses, medieval villages, endless woods and crystal-clear streams.

SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS

Mountain bike enthusiasts that are in great shape and who are looking for a pure MTB adventure will find a natural playground in the stunning Monti Sibillini National Park.

CASTELLUCCIO DI NORCIA

The plains of Castelluccio are reminiscent of the paintings of the Dutch abstract artist Piet Mondrian: colourful fields of lentils, wheat, meadows and wildflowers. At the very top of the pass, you’ll bike to the basin of Pantani di Accumoli, a cluster of tiny lakes where herds and horses drink and rest. Don’t miss it!

CAMPO IMPERATORE

Check out this drone movie from a bunch of bikers on the spectacular Gran Sasso Mountains, and the Campo Imperatore, a vast, high mountain plateau also known as Italy's ‘Little Tibet’.

GRAN SASSO NATIONAL PARK

Have a look at this MTB couple enjoying a great day out in the high plains surrounding the mountaintop fortress of Rocca Calascio in the Gran Sasso National Park.

SIRENTE-VELINO REGIONAL PARK

You might find plenty of MTB movies of Sirente-Velino online, but none of them are filmed by drone. Enjoy this helicopter view of the high plains that you will be crossing – it’s almost as good as being on your bike!

SIRENTE-VELINO REGIONAL PARK

The ride trip from Rocca di Mezzo to Piano del Pozzo has it all: long climbs, downhill singletrack fun, open grasslands and technical forest trails

TRAVERSATA MONTI SIMBRUINI

The Monti Simbruini area is sometimes known as ‘Le Montagne del Silenzio’, or ‘The Mountain of the Silence’. Check out this silent movie –featuring a bike ride towards Piano Morbano – and enjoy the sound of nature.