Itinerary in the green heart of Umbria

There is a place in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains that will leave you breathless, where time seems to stand still and one can enjoy without limits: it Castelluccio, with the three highlands that surround it and the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains above it. A unique setting, where the bike is the ideal way to discover the territory and enter into symbiosis with nature.

The most magical moment, and perhaps best known, for travel this route is from mid-June to late July (but beware, the period can vary from year to year depending on weather), when the phenomenon takes the form of flowering and green Pian Grande allows for lentils, poppies, lilies, daffodils, buttercups, generating an incredible kaleidoscope of colors: the show is unique and unforgettable.

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During this period, however, than the rest of the year, also explodes the influx of tourists, so if you want to really enjoy the show you want to organize the ride during the week, avoiding the Saturday and Sunday.

The route that we propose the right from the center of Castelluccio but, even if it develops in the mountains, is actually quite easy and suitable for all those who have a basic training, as the only 450 vertical meters.

During this period, however, than the rest of the year, also explodes the influx of tourists, so if you want to really enjoy the show you want to organize the ride during the week, avoiding the Saturday and Sunday.

The route that we propose the right from the center of Castelluccio but, even if it develops in the mountains, is actually quite easy and suitable for all those who have a basic training, as the only 450 vertical meters.

Starting from the center of Castelluccio descend on asphalt towards the Pian Grande, following the signs for Norcia. It cross the asphalt around the Pian Grande and the 5.9 kilometer climb begins that leads to the Rifugio Perugia, which is also the most challenging roughness of the whole journey.
Mtb of Castelluccio NorciaLa climb ends at km 9.2, when you leave the main road and turn left: a stop here is a must to enjoy the incomparable view that opens onto the Pian Grande, Castelluccio and Mount Vettore.

From here continue downhill for a few meters and at kilometer 9.6 you leave the asphalt turning on the dirt road that you meet on the right. At kilometer 10 the descent leading to the Pian Lost (attention to some stony sections), where you continue to pedal holding the left in the direction of Mount Carrier.
Source exceeded Vetica (13.8 km), turn left back on the Pian Grande and on the slope in front of us we recognize the profile of Italy “designed” thanks to the clever arrangement of trees.e sul pendio di fronte a noi potremo riconoscere il profilo dell’Italia “disegnata” grazie ad una sapiente disposizione di alberi.

Back on the tarmac, turn right towards Ascoli Piceno and at kilometer 21.3, before the start of the climb of Forca di Presta, you take the dirt road turning left.
leaving the Mount Vettore to our right and at kilometer 22.7, at an intersection, you take the third street on the right around the hill Castelluccio.
At this point we just have to get over the climb in a little over a kilometer brings us back to the center of Castelluccio, where, choosing from the many local products typical of this charming town, you can not miss a taste of delicious local cheese and the famous products of butchery.

Editorial Staff