GIVI Magazine - Novembre 2017
Story and Images: Alessandro Piersigilli AN EPIC INLAND ADVENTURE A JOURNEY THAT BEGINS FROM THE REGION OF MARCHE, AN AREA THAT LIKE ITS NEIGHBOURING REGION OF ROMAGNA, IS RENOWNED AS THE HOME OF MOTORCYCLES AND THEIR RIDERS AND THE ITINERARY ALSO INCLUDES THE PICTURESQUE AREAS OF TUSCANY AND UMBRIA. VIA PANORAMIC ROADS, WHITE-WATER PATHS AND JOYFUL BENDS….. TOGETHER WE WILL DISCOVER FASCINATING PLACES THAT WILL GENERATE AN ENDLESS STREAM OF EMOTIONS! W e are in the middle of autumn so prepare yourself for the rich, uni- que colours that only this season can bestow. Especially in locations where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast overlo- oking the sea and then, after spending just a few miles in the saddle, finding yourself immersed in natural wilderness. The proposed route departs from the coast of Pesaro and its surroundings, a heady mix of picturesque roads, historic villages, un- spoilt nature, fantastic cuisine and beautiful art. In short, there is something for everyone to enjoy and in recent years Pesaro has re- ceived numerous awards. From the “City of Music”, thanks to the fa- mous composer Gioachino Rossini who was born here, to the “City of Bicycles”, due to the numerous cycle routes available. But what interests us most is the label of “Mo- torcycle City” due to the long-standing tra- dition of motorcycles, remember; Molaroni, MotoBi, Benelli, TM and Morbidelli. The in- tention is to support the passion and signi- ficance of the motorcycling past of these areas from which the project “land of riders and motorcycles” originated, the result of a collaboration between the Municipality of Tavullia, the Municipality of Pesaro and the region of Marche. DEPARTURE FROMPESARO . ARRIVINGATPIOBBICO (266KM) Pesaro is cradled between two natural hea- dlands: the Ardizio to the south and Monte San Bartolo Nature Reserve to the north. Following a splendid breakfast with Rossini (a small, red pizza dedicated to the well- known composer and enriched with boiled eggs and mayonnaise), I jump on my KTM 990 Adventure equipped by GIVI and head in the direction of San Bartolo. This is the start of a tour that will see me cross four re- gions and several provinces. The Panorama Route across the entire natural park is the SP44 but it is most commonly known as “La Pano”, a favourite route for local motor- cyclists. There could be no better starting point for a pleasant ride: the road connec- ting Pesaro to Gabicce Mare which is, in fact, a succession of diverse curves and bends and breathtaking views over the sea, vineyards and beautiful villages. Among them is Fiorenzuola, Castel di Mezzo and Baia Vallugola which are all worthy of a visit, but feel free to explore every corner of the park. Top Tip: Take a stroll on the paths that run along the fabulous cliff that lead down to the beach. When I finish the initial stretch I head to- wards Gradara, a small medieval village famous for its historic Malatesta Fortress. The village can be covered on foot in no time. From here, I travel along the SP39 and arrive at Tavullia, best known for being the hometown of Valentino Rossi and I then continue along a hilly path. From here I take an undulating path through the valleys of the historic Montefeltro which was once a point connecting Northern Europe with Rome. After passing the villages of Monte- gridolfo, Mondaino and Tavoleto you need to follow the signs for Sassocorvaro. Once here, it is important not tomiss the “La Cac- cia” brasserie at Mercatale di Sassocorvaro, which will delight not only your palate but also your eye as it is located high in the hills and produces excellent food and views! Try the bruschetta served on a typical “endless” chopping board. Continuing along the main road you will pass Frontino, one of the most beautiful Italian villages with its 14th Centu- ry tower covered with foliage and you will eventually arrive at the entrance to the Na- tural Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello (www.parcosimone.it) with its energising air and superb views over the provinces of Pesaro-Urbino and Rimini. Continuing along the road that runs through the park, I continue to Romagna for a stop at the village of Pennabilli, located in Upper Valmarecchia and positioned in the centre of a natural majestic amphitheatre. Since 1997, between the months of May and June, its historic centre has been the venue for the annual International Street Art Festival and all the alleyways in the village play host to magic and entertainment. Discover these aged locations, immersed in the Tosco-Romagna Apennine and once ready to get back into the saddle, take the SP258 State Road along the Marecchia River. This will enable you to “warm your tyres” in preparation for the Viamaggio, across the border that separates Emilia Romagna from Tuscany. A really enjoyable long stretch of smooth road where the ben- ds are never too challenging and the views relax the soul. After the Badia Tedalda tun- nel and a dozen or so kilometres you arrive at Viamaggio and from there to San Sepol- cro, the famous city of Piero della Francesca. Framing it, is the Alpe della Luna, Massa Trabaria, the nearby Umbrian hills and the mountains of Aretino and the Alpe di Cate- naia. The historic centre, which is a limited traffic zone, is enclosed within the city walls and contains a succession of medieval pa- laces, as well as all kinds of churches and towers. If you did not stop for lunch, then try the food served at the Al Coccio restau- rant (www.alcoccio.com) located at 85 Via Niccolò Aggiunti-San Sepolcro, which can be safely reached by motorcycle. At Al Coc- cio I sampled their Taleggio and Mushroom Cappellaccio, accompanied by an excellent glass of Ciliegiolo (redwine). The tour conti- nues to the mouth of Bocca Trabaria, which, for a while, will bring me back to the region of Marche. Over the years, the roads around these bays have generated emotions for a countless number of motorcyclists . At San Giustino take the Trabaria, a road that connects Um- bria to the Marche, crossing the Alpe della Luna and in the blink of an eye you will be immersed in a series of joyous asphalt ben- ds and you will reach a height of 1,049m. (B. Trabaria’s valley). Continuing along the SS73B you will pass along the hamlet of Lamoli, arriving at Borgo Pace. Entering this small mountain village, you can visit Parcu- le, the birthplace of the Auro stream where you can stop and admire the Madonna’s na- tural pools. For your stopovers or overnight stays, I would recommend two farmhouses in the area where you can spend some va- luable time: Jostaria (www.agriturismo- jostaria.com) at Parchiule, and the Cave of the Goblins at Borgo Pace, with rooms and a small wellness centre (www.lagrottadei- folletti.it) . The route continues along the SS73 BIS, the main artery connecting various counties and sometimes it can be busy. I pass throu- gh Urbania and Mercatello on the Metauro Sant’Angelo in Vado, (which in October holds the International Truffle Motoradu- no which claims bikers from all over Italy. Email: motoclub.santangelog@gmail.com ). Urbania, which is caressed by the Metauro River, is home to another charming little place: Casa Tintoria, a restaurant on the river banks located just below the walls of the village, where an old farmhouse dating from the middle of the 16th century and a former laboratory for dying and fixing, has been transformed into a local venue for ex- cellent local cuisine, art and events (www. casatintoria.com) . From Urbania, our itinerary continues along the SS 73 in the direction of Urbino. This stretch is known as the Caputi and is the road where the great Eugenio Lazzarini, winner of 3 world titles in 1975, 1978 and 1979 trained for competition. The bends lead to Urbino, a city of immense historical and artistic wealth. Its historic centre, with its rampart walls is built entirely of brick and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A place where winding streets, alleyways and long staircases alternate with fascinating views. The capital of Montefeltro as well as the city of Raffaello, is a piece of history and art that every year draws myriads of tou- rists from all over the globe so, if you have EVENTS IN THE REGION Within an area rich in history and good food like the one explored here, there are many dedicated events that take place throu- ghout the year. We have poin- ted out just a few, so the tour could be organised as part of a festival or country fair. PaliodellaBalestra Sansepolcro (2nd Sunday of September) www.balestrierisansepolcro.it/index.php An event from the 15th Century that has been passed down through generations where the Champions from the City of Sansepolcro face their rivals from the City of Gubbio, within the fascinating backdrop of the Tower Square of Berta. PaliodeiCeri Gubbio(May15,2018 )www.ceri.it One of the oldest folklore events in Italy which has been repeated everyyearsince1160. Ittakesplace along the streets of the medie- val centre and is characterised by three candles in the form of a prism which weigh 4 quintals (400Kgs) and are surmounted by the statues of S. Ubaldo, S. Gior- gio and S. Antonio and carried on the shoulders of candlemakers. Paliodell’oca Cagli(August )www.giochistoricidicagli.it For the Palio of the Goose which dates back to 1400, the four hi- storic districts of Cagli wear the colours that represent them. The palio takes place as the classic game of the goose with 54 boxes representing arts, crafts and cha- racters of the Renaissance of Cagli. AcqualagnaTruffleFair (29October/12November):www.acquala- gna.com/50-fiera-national/ This area is responsible for two- thirds of all national truffle pro- duction. There are 5000 square meters dedicated to the fair incor- porating exhibitions and sales. ChestnutFestival of Lunano (3rd weekend of October) www. festadellacastagnalunano.it When it came to the 46th Edition, it was considered themost important Chestnut Festival in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, supporting the local produce of delicacies such as jams, desserts and of course the classic……hotchestnuts. 20 Turismo SEE MORE PICTURES
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