G.E.A. : The Great Apennine Ridge Crossing
257 km. in length, for a total difference in height of 5400 m. distributed in 6 days of challenging mountain biking over stunning panoramic ridges and through stupendous forested valleys and quite communities, little affected by tourism. The wild itinerary of this demanding mountain bike tour follows (for the main part) the established long distance walking route known as G.E.A., (which stands for Grande Escursione Appenninica), with detours specifically studied for mountain bikes.
We’ll be following routes established by long-gone invaders and traders, and trodden by pilgrims and shepherds since time immemorial, passing through nature reserves with plentiful wildlife and marvellous wild flowers, historic sanctuaries, hospitable mountain inns, incredible roads and passes.
The program Day 1 : Pracchia - Vernio - 45 km. (15 offroad) - After reaching the tiny village of Pracchia by train we’ll start climbing the Apennine ridge following a mountain road across a cool forest. Once on the ridge we’ll enjoy gorgeous views over the city of Pistoia and its plan before starting an exciting 10 km. downhill across the Acquerino-Cantagallo Natural Reserve to the little town of Vernio.
Day 2 : Vernio - Passo della Futa - 44 km. ( 26 offroad) - During this leg, (which begins with a long and steep uphill to gain the ridge), we’ll be passing a suggestive ghost town in the middle of the wood, before reaching the Futa pass. The German War Cemetery that stands right at the pass reminds us that we just rode a section of the famous Gothic Line, the last military outpost of the German Army during World war II.
Day 3 : Passo della Futa - Colla di Casaglia - 37 km. ( 10 offroad) - A long and exciting 10 km. downhill across the mountains will lead us to the northernmost town of Mugello, Firenzuola (little Florence). From there we’ll climb to the 882 m. Giogo Pass to ride another scenic section of the ridge, ending up at Colla di Casaglia.
Day 4 : Colla di Casaglia - Passo del Muraglione - 40 km. ( 31 offroad) - Today’s leg is particularly fun and wild. In fact, after riding about 20 km. single track with stunning views left and right we’ll enter the Falterona National Park descending to the Acquacheta Waterfalls Valley, fording the creek that generates the famous waterfall for 9 times.
Day 5 : Passo del Muraglione - Badia Prataglia - 37 km. ( 27 offroad) - Cycling entirely inside the Foreste Casentinesi National Park we’ll reach the scenic Poggio Scali, one of the most panoramic spots of the whole Apennine range (during particularly clear days one can even see the Adriatic Sea). A few chilometers before the end of the leg we’ll be passing the ancient Eremo di Camaldoli, a monastery founded by San Romualdo 1000 years ago.
Day 6 : Badia Prataglia - Bibbiena - 54 km. ( 18 offroad) - During the last leg of the tour we’ll reach the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna, which was built on the spot where the Saint is said to have received the stigmata. From there a long and quick descent on tarmac will lead us to Bibbiena, where we’ll get the train back to Florence.
Price Private program -The 6 days tour can be scheduled for any date of the year with at least one week in advance. You can plan with us your bike tour with your family or friends. The following price is per person and inclusive of: bike tour in English, an expert guide, bicycles, back-up van, helmets and maps, picnics and tastings on the farms, seven Tuscan dinners and seven nights accommodation in hotels in double room with bathroom and breakfast.
In Pracchia, Albergo Ristorante Melini
In Vernio, Albergo Ristorante Margherita
At Passo della Futa, Albergo Ristorante Passo della Futa
In Colla di Casaglia, Agriturismo La Fontana
At Passo del Muraglione, Albergo Ristorante Passo del Muraglione
In Badia a Prataglia. Albergo Ristorante Bellavista
In Bibbiena, Relais Il Fienile
Single room supplement Euro 125.
8 participants € 900.00
7 participants € 950.00
6 participants € 1,000.00
5 participants € 1,100.00
4 participants € 1,200.00
3 participants € 1,400.00
2 participants € 1,850.00
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