Toward Radicofani through spectacular landscapes
Starting from Abbadia San Salvatore, you can take numerous bike routes to discover the beauty of Monte Amiata. The more trained will definitely want to take the one that proceeds in the direction of Radicofani. This is a route with spectacular landscapes characterized by an elevation profile with three ascents: Radicofani, Celle sul Rigo and Piancastagnaio; the gradients are never too steep and allow pedaling in relative agility but require a balanced dosage of energy.
Absolutely not to be missed is a visit to the Rocca di Radicofani and in particular the climb up the tower, from where there is an extraordinary 360-degree view of Amiata, Val d'Orcia, Siena and, on clear days, Gran Sasso, Bolsena and Trasimeno lakes.
From the center of Abbadia San Salvatore follow the signs for Siena on Provincial Road 18. You ride first uphill and then on a slight slope; after 4.6 km, the Provincial Road 18 bends right downhill towards Siena - Radicofani; another 500 m and again to the right towards Radicofani. The road descends sharply from the slopes of the Monte Amiata toward the wide open spaces of the Val d'Orcia for 8.3 km to a T-junction where you turn right to Radicofani.
After a hilly section (1.5 km) the climb to Radicofani and its fortress begins: you ride steadily uphill for 3.2 km reaching the detour to the town center. We recommend climbing up to the fortress (about 1.3 km) and then descending into the narrow streets of the medieval village.
Leaving Radicofani follow the signs for Chiusi - Sarteano downhill. After 2.9 km turn right onto the Provincial Road 54 "Valle del Rigo" in the direction of Celle sul Rigo - San Casciano dei Bagni continuing the fast descent to the the bridge over the Rigo (5.8 km), where you go uphill for 3 km to Celle sul Rigo. Again downhill after 1.3 km there is a T-junction: continue right downhill towards Siena; turning left instead you can reach San Casciano dei Bagni (4 km) and the Baths (5.2 km).
The steadily descending road (9.4 km) reaches the State Road 2 Cassia (direction Siena) just before the bridge over the Rigo; past the hamlet of Ponte a Rigo you leave the Cassia turning left in the direction of Piancastagnaio - Abbadia San Salvatore riding on the Provincial Road 18 of Monte Amiata that crosses the Paglia River. After an initial valley stretch (just under 4 km), the climb towards Piancastagnaio begins, characterized by wide hairpin bends and a constant gradient except for two short more challenging stretches at 10% and 12% respectively. After 6 km you reach Piancastagnaio and the climb continues for another 1 km to the junction with the Provincial Road 18 where you turn right towards Abbadia San Salvatore - Siena, which you reach without any difficulty in 4 km.