The itinerary starts from one of the 12 fountains created in 1937 by Giuseppe Gronchi as part of an advertising campaign for Campari. Unfortunately, the asphalt road has been damaged by the winter weather and you will notice this on the series of tight curves and climbs, which require careful riding.
The route descends somewhat after Prunetta, but remains challenging, with narrow roads and a tapestry of potholes. 12 km in, you will cross the 44th parallel, just before arriving in the town of Margine di Momigno – a pretty hamlet festooned with narrow streets and tight curves. The ascent levels off, allowing the rider to catch his breath as we reach Femminamorta. At km 20 there's a turn to the right for the Serra Pistoiese, a fort town where it's worth taking the time to visit the stone church of San Leonardo. Its organ is amazing, and there are numerous concerts held there throughout the year. The French Fries festival is a delicious excuse to visit the town on the last Sunday in September.
The road climbs and descends in generous peaks and valleys, but the surface itself is rough and requires the cyclist’s full attention. Running along the crest, the mountainous Mammianese route offers a great view of the Valdinievole, and bids you a hearty welcome to the stunning Road of Flavors and Colors of the Pistoia Appenino. At km 22 Panicagliora has a surprise in store: the ruins of the medieval church of Sant'Andrea di Furfalo, or as it’s known locally, Pievaccia. It's a fascinating place, worth stopping at and taking a walk. From here there are several walking paths that go into the Pistoia mountains.
The road reaches Goraiolo and continues on; keep to the right on SP3bis. The mountains are lined with splendid fir trees. At Macchino you find a turn-off that leads to the castles of Massa and Cozzile: perfect for whiling away a few extra hours; otherwise, the road continues on to Vellano.
Arriving in town, one's full attention is absorbed on the right by the bell tower of the church of Santi Martino and Sisto, springing up suddenly as you round a curve. Continuing a short distance, you will find the entrance.
Vellano offers a panoramic view of the Svizzera Pesciantina, which owes its name to Jean Charles Leonard Simonde de Sismondi: the famous Swiss man who was struck by the mountainside’s strong resemblance to that of his home town and consequently decided to rename the area. The famous Publio Biagini mine is the subject of the Mining and Digging Museum, where there is much to learn about the various methods of stone extraction employed in the caves at Vellano during the 1800-1900 period.
Finally, the road improves and becomes more fun. There are tight turns and the road heading on to Pietrabuona is a breeze, a pleasure to drive. Surrounded by olive trees, we cross the River Pescia and cross over to the other side of the valley. The city of flowers lies straight ahead. From there, it's on to Collodi. Three reasons to turn off your engine are the Pinocchio park, the Butterfly House and the Garzoni Gardens.
For information: www.provincia.pistoia.it, www.provincia.lucca.it, www.labugia.it, www.pinocchio.it.
