A route linking the Val di Cornia valley with the Pisan hills and the Etruscan Coast. From inland, you reach a high point at Casale Marittimo and then descend towards the countryside, farms and cypresses of Bibbona, an icon of an ever-beautiful Tuscany. You cycle past the beautiful Macchia della Magona, a protected nature reserve and forestry estate closed to motorised traffic and accessible only to adventurers on bicycles, on foot and on horseback. The route continues through the legendary vineyards of Bolgheri, before climbing towards Castagneto and Sassetta, where the superb descent towards Suvereto begins.
Route: Suvereto, Canneto, Valle della Sterza, Casale Marittimo, Bibbona, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Sassetta, Suvereto.
Distance: 86 km
Elevation gain: 1000 m
Time required: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: challenging
Route surface type: asphalt
Bikes: Road and Gravel
Refreshment stops: Suvereto, Canneto, Casale Marittimo, Bibbona, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Sassetta
Notes: a route whose distance and elevation profile call for a reasonable level of fitness and familiarity with lengthy bike trips. The most challenging climbs are those towards Canneto and Casale Marittimo; those up to Castagneto and Sassetta are more easily pedalled. Also ideal for people who like technical routes on road bikes. There are opportunities for refreshments on the route, but it is a good idea to bring sufficient drinking water (1 or 2 flasks), energising supplements and snacks.