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 Trail, we’ve compiled a list of bike videos from the trails you’ll be riding on.
MOUNT SUBASIO
In this video, a biker with a helmet camera allows you to experience this panoramic hillside footpath, which climbs from Assisi’s old walls to the summit of Mount Subasio. You will feel on the top of the world.
STRADA DEL SAGRANTINO
The 41 kilometre Medio Fondo Colline del Sagrantino race has been held annually, as part of the Umbria MTB Challenge, since 2009. At 05:05 minute, watch a stunning ride through the Montefalco vineyards.
MARTANI MOUNTAINS
From the top of Mount Martani, this splendid downhill ride traverses grassland and dense pine forest.
THE 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.”
SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS
Fit mountain bike enthusiasts looking for a pure MTB adventure will find a natural playground in the stunning Monti Sibillini National Park.
CASTELLUCIO 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’.
LA TRAVERSATA DEL GRAN SASSO
A memorable downhill adventure awaits those crossing the Gran Sasso d’Italia, known to locals as La Traversata del Gran Sasso. Mountain biking doesn’t get any better than this!
LA TRAVERSATA DEL GRAN SASSO
There is a saying that goes : 'Don’t repeat yourself.’ But this Traversata is so nice, you’ll wish you could go back to the top and do it over again. So why not check another movie from this amazing Traversata del Gran Sasso.
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 Caliscio in the Gran Sasso National Park.
LA PIANA DEL VOLTIGNO
Part of the Gran Sasso National Park, Voltigno is a high plain surrounded by jagged rocky outcrops and beech woods. This vast area of unspoilt green is popular with mountain bikers.
MAJELLA NATIONAL PARK ORFENTO CANYON
The Majella National Park is known as the ‘sleeping beauty of Abruzzo’ with good reason. Its rugged mountains split by deep gorges are truly breath-taking.
THE BLOCKHAUS CLIMB
The offroad climb to the mythical Mount Blockhaus (2145 metres) offers stunning views above the deep Orfento Valley. Once on top, you’ll have commanding views over the Adriatic coast.
LA TRAVERSATA DEL BLOCKHAUS
Watch a downhill ride on the Blockhaus towards the town of Pennapiedimonte, along the deep Selva Roma canyon. You will continue your journey down singletrack forest trails to Bocca di Valle, where it becomes the perfect freeride for thrill seekers.
TRABOCCHI COAST
Abruzzo stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. The finish line is set at the Trabocchi Coast, were you’ll enjoy freshly-caught seafood on a trabocco. In the old days they were fishing installations, but nowadays they serve as charming seafood restaurants.
