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Founded
in 1200 AD by Federico II, L’Aquila (alt 720 mts - pop 80000) is the
historical capital of Abruzzo. Very appropriately the name of the town
means The Eagle. Wherever your stare goes you’ll see mountains. The
highest ranges in the Appennini mountains are within reach of a day
ride. Quiet roads lead you along enchanted landscapes and across
medieval villages. Churches and castles are scattered around in the
luscious green and the rocky wilderness. Back in town enjoy the evening
stroll with the locals, the aperitivo drink or the gelato before dining
in one of the many good restaurants downtown.
Day
1, Sun: Arrival
We have an optional van shuttle service to/from Roma Airport. The cost
of the round trip is
Eur 60. Alternatively
we will provide you all the indications to reach L’Aquila by bus.
The
welcome dinner at the hotel is included in the tour price.
Day
2, Mon: Campo Felice (66km -1400mts tot climb)
A short loop but with a long climb up to the renowned ski resort of
Campo Felice (alt 1650 mt)
Day
3, Tue: Campotosto & Amatrice (120km – 1500mts)
The loop starts with a long climb in the woods to Passo Capannelle (1300
mt). Follows a flat section along the shores of Lago Campotosto (1450 mt)
whose cool waters mirrors the mountains around. Then a long descent into
Amatrice (950 mt) and lunch with the local specialty: Pasta
all’Amatriciana. A long but easy way home will assure a perfect
digestion.
Day
4, Wed: Parco del Sirente (102km – 1500mts)
Easy start admiring the medieval features of Fontecchio (660 mts) and the
other villages along the Aterno River Valley. The big climb starts at
Secinaro (820 mts) and takes you to the splendid highland of Monte Sirente
(1400 mt). Lunch break at Rocca di Mezzo (1340 mt). Along the long and
twisted descent back home don’t miss the photo opts to the Castle of
Ocre and the Monastery S.Angelo perched on high rocks.
Day
5, Thu: Capestrano
& Rocca Calascio (87km – 1700mts)
After an easy start the first climb will take you to the towered villages
of Bominaco (950 mts) and Caporciano. We stop for cappuccino in the shade
of the castle in Capestrano (470 mts). A little ahead we start the 25k
climb to Castel del Monte (1300 mts). Lunch is in the astonishing setting
of the castle of Rocca Calascio. After lunch we drive home by van
(30 min).
Day
6, Fri: Gran
Sasso (75 or 116km – 2200mts)
We left for the final day the biggest challenge of the tour: the climb up
the highest peak of the Appennini. The first section of the climb ends at
Fonte Cerreto (1120 mts), the last chance for a cappuccino break before
the bare moonscapes ahead. The second summit is Monte Cristo (1800 mts),
only a brief descent before resuming the climb up to the 2200 mts of Campo
Imperatore, the highest paved road south of the Alps and set of many
memorable Giro’s stage arrival. On the way down we stop for lunch in the enchanted village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio
(1200 mts). After lunch get a lift on the van or get more kicks riding
down to L'Aquila. A few toasts and a complimentary farewell dinner will top the
tour.
Day
7, Sat: Departure
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Difficulty: 4
DATES 2009:
weekly (Sun to Sat)
May, June, July, Sept, Oct PRICE:
Eur 550 (self-guided)
Eur 650 (guided) INCLUDES:
- 6
nights and breakfasts in double room w/bath in Hotel 3 stars
-
welcome and farewell dinner
- daily maps & cue sheets
- van transfer on day 5
- cycling guide
(only guided tours)
EXTRAS:
Single suppl.: Eur 150
Van transfer to/from Roma
Airport: Eur 60
pp/round trip
Bikes
for rent : Eur 130
Bike cases have to be
stored at left luggage.
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