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Through the twists and turns of the Giogo mountain pass

A motorcycle trip through the Mugello

The Scarperia Passo del Giogo is a long and windy road that, at certain points, has a 10% incline. This is a great way to dive into the Mugello, an area that was much loved by the noble Medici family. The itinerary begins at the internationally renowned Autodrome and stops only once before reaching the peak at 882 meters above sea level.

Set your GPS: San Piero a Sieve, Scarperia, Passo del Giogo, Rifredo, Firenzuola

1.
First leg
Evidence of the Medici in Mugello

The Mugello area is full of historical evidence of the Medici family and all these sights are worthy of a visit, even just a quick one! Setting out from San Piero a Sieve, before you have dedicated you heart, soul and rubber to the route along the SS503 there are some sights that are easily taken in. There is the convent of Bosco ai Frati, considered to be one of the oldest in Tuscany; the Villa di Cafaggiolo, designed in 1415 by Michelozzo; the spectacular Trebbio castle, that dominates the valley; and the impressive San Marino Fortress, among one of the most extensive fortresses in Italy.

The Mugello area is full of historical evidence of the Medici family and all these sights are worthy of a visit, even just a quick one! Setting out from San Piero a Sieve, before you have dedicated you heart, soul and rubber to the route along the SS503 there are some sights that are easily taken in. There is the convent of Bosco ai Frati, considered to be one of the oldest in Tuscany; the Villa di Cafaggiolo, designed in 1415 by Michelozzo; the spectacular Trebbio castle, that dominates the valley; and the impressive San Marino Fortress, among one of the most extensive fortresses in Italy.

2.
Second leg
Among the master knife-makes of Scarperia

Now that we have taken care of culture, let’s turn our attention to the road. First stop: Scarperia, home of master knife makers and the 14th century Palazzo dei Vicari. Now, this may be your only chance, so pay a visit to the International Autodrome of Mugello. This is the stage for epic contests between professional Moto GP racers who compete along 5245 meters of sharp turns and rolling hills, all of which are beautiful, and yet sneaky: they are not to be underestimated.

Now that we have taken care of culture, let’s turn our attention to the road. First stop: Scarperia, home of master knife makers and the 14th century Palazzo dei Vicari. Now, this may be your only chance, so pay a visit to the International Autodrome of Mugello. This is the stage for epic contests between professional Moto GP racers who compete along 5245 meters of sharp turns and rolling hills, all of which are beautiful, and yet sneaky: they are not to be underestimated.

3.
Third leg
Giogo mountain pass

Leaving Scarperia behind and moving on towards Ponzalla, 10km of road stretches out ahead. Look for a sharp right turn, followed by two bends to the left. After a few more gentle bends, the real challenge begins. This is a climb for experts; reaching the top is tussle between the road and motorcycle buffs, ending when you pull up in front of the sign: Passo del Giogo (882 meters above sea level). Back in the 1800’s there was an inn here and today there’s the hotel restaurant called Il Gioco – time passes but some things never change!

For bikers and pilgrims alike, Tortelli mugellani and a warm bed are pleasures that cannot be denied. Like all meeting points worth their salt, the Giogo Pass has its own motorcycle rally in September. Take a minute and sit on a bench facing the Apennines and contemplate your route. Then off you go, down a giant slalom starting with a chicane, followed by an S bend, a brief straight stretch and a gentle left. This is where the GSSS (Guide for Secure Road Safety) instructors come into their own, punishing those who cut the course and rewarding those who drive safely: express your style as best you can!

Leaving Scarperia behind and moving on towards Ponzalla, 10km of road stretches out ahead. Look for a sharp right turn, followed by two bends to the left. After a few more gentle bends, the real challenge begins. This is a climb for experts; reaching the top is tussle between the road and motorcycle buffs, ending when you pull up in front of the sign: Passo del Giogo (882 meters above sea level). Back in the 1800’s there was an inn here and today there’s the hotel restaurant called Il Gioco – time passes but some things never change!

For bikers and pilgrims alike, Tortelli mugellani and a warm bed are pleasures that cannot be denied. Like all meeting points worth their salt, the Giogo Pass has its own motorcycle rally in September. Take a minute and sit on a bench facing the Apennines and contemplate your route. Then off you go, down a giant slalom starting with a chicane, followed by an S bend, a brief straight stretch and a gentle left. This is where the GSSS (Guide for Secure Road Safety) instructors come into their own, punishing those who cut the course and rewarding those who drive safely: express your style as best you can!

4.
Fourth leg
The Badia di Moscheta

Turn after turn start to come at you thick fast, enough to make you want to have another go. At the sign for Rifredo, look out for the right hand turn off, going down toward Osteto-Moscheta. The road, now single track, snakes through the forest until it comes to Badia di Moscheta and its hotel restaurant: after the triumph of the tortello mugellano and/or the tagliatella ai funghi, here the menu has a clear message: “we don’t serve well done steak here, we respect our traditions”.

As a treat, once back on course, follow signs for Firenzuola which offers you lovely hairpin bends to get back to the SS503 and finish the trip with a smile across your chinstrap. One last suggestion: the Giogo mountain pass should be travelled in both directions.

 

Information: www.provincia.fi.itwww.mugellotoscana.it, www.mugellocircuit.it, www.mugellotoscana.it

 

Turn after turn start to come at you thick fast, enough to make you want to have another go. At the sign for Rifredo, look out for the right hand turn off, going down toward Osteto-Moscheta. The road, now single track, snakes through the forest until it comes to Badia di Moscheta and its hotel restaurant: after the triumph of the tortello mugellano and/or the tagliatella ai funghi, here the menu has a clear message: “we don’t serve well done steak here, we respect our traditions”.

As a treat, once back on course, follow signs for Firenzuola which offers you lovely hairpin bends to get back to the SS503 and finish the trip with a smile across your chinstrap. One last suggestion: the Giogo mountain pass should be travelled in both directions.

 

Information: www.provincia.fi.itwww.mugellotoscana.it, www.mugellocircuit.it, www.mugellotoscana.it

 

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