GIVI Magazine - November de 2010 - EN

16 The first part of the route from San Ginesio rapidly ascen- ds the surrounding hills, passing through Sarnano, with its well-preserved historic medieval city centre, and then reaches Acquacanina and the Fiastra Lake. In spite of the modest altitude, rarely above 700/800 metres, the air is already brisk at the end of September. Only the road sur- face, scarred by a rigid winter, partially limits the pleasu- re of riding these roads, crossing Holm-oak woods and breathtaking natural scenery. On clear days, the Adriatic Sea shimmers in the distance and it is also for this reason that you frequently encounter other motorcyclists, althou- gh they may be more concentrated on that perfect corne- ring technique, rather than admiring the panorama… The perfect companion to this 70 kilometre route is the Guaite itinerary which follows the River Nera valley and reaches magical places such as the Macereto Sanctuary or towns such as Visso, or Castelsantangelo sul Nera. The sixteenth century sanctuary is a small architectural gem in a maje- stic mountainous setting and is a short distance away from some fortified boroughs, such as Visso, which is, in fact, the headquarters of the Monti Sibillini National Park. Here, through the Park Authority, you can arrange your stay in these mountains, but the town alone merits a visit, if not only for its majestic palaces and the high level of mainte- nance and restoration of the whole town. The Plateau and Sibilla Ring Carrying on towards the south, you arrive in the most spectacular point of the Park, abandoning momentarily the Marche Region and entering Umbria. But it’s worth it: after a series of juicy hairpin bends, you suddenly find yourself near Castelluccio di Norcia, in an unexpected lunar pano- rama: the Castelluccio Plain. This is a vast plateau, sur- Some snapshots of the route we took: Visso, Montemonaco, The plateau route, Montefortino.