Mountain biking through herds, art and hamlets

For some, it is a way of testing yourself and always looking for new and harder routes. For others, it is a means of marrying physical exercise with the discovery of hidden areas of the region, which are difficult to reach, but rich in fascinating history and rural culture, religious mysticism and nature. Sometimes, in the Tiber Valley it’s possible to combine all of this in a single journey; in other cases, the technical aspect, physical exercise, art or nature prevail over other experiences.

It is without a doubt fascinating to follow the same roads and trails of the farmers from the mountains of the ancient Massa Trabaria, who each autumn, brought down their herds—slowly and dustily—to look for winter pastures towards the Maremma region. It is possible to cycle on footpaths, mule paths and cart paths that had been left unused for months until in spring. The Massa Trabaria is a vast mountain area rich in traditions and paths that are hardly used: a place where keen mountain bikers find a slice of paradise. Amongst the many possibilities, are the mule and cart paths, which go from Badia Tedalda and Sansepolcro towards the beech and turkey oak woods and the covered Nature Reserve of Alpe della Luna (1,453 m). There are only the tracks and sounds of animals, which occasionally break the silence.

Pedaling in the Tiber Valley is also a great way of visiting places of art and history, like the routes which surround Monterchi, where art lovers can follow in the footsteps of Piero della Francesca, the great Renaissance painter who was born and painted extensively in this area, creating unique works of art. If you prefer routes which are not too tiring but rich in charm and imagination, near Anghiari you can visit small hamlets like Casale and Verrazzano. Here, you’ll find other villages which are almost deserted and where it feels like time has stood still. Discover the remains of a castle or a church of medieval origin.

Organizing a day or week of excursions on mountain bike in the Tiber Valley is not problematic. You can work out a route on your own, maybe using the detailed information in the website www.valtibike.it. Here, you’ll find descriptions of 550 km of routes divided into 18 itineraries, including maps, altimeters, route length and riding time, technical data and significant points where it is worth stopping off. Or you could decide to explore some of the many routes hidden amongst woods, hills or mountains of the Massa Trabaria by consulting with one of the four sport associations for mountain bike lovers. These associations periodically organize guided excursions on the most beautiful, or most technical routes. Moreover, through these associations and not only, you can hire mountain bikes and guides for bigger groups as well.
Source: http://www.lavalledipiero.it/