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The northwestern grand tour

By motorcycle through the hairpin bends of the Pistoia Mountains

The itinerary is a crescendo of twists and turns with a distinctly mountainous DNA for a ride that is always on target. The route crosses the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park surrounded by enchanting landscapes and splendid natural realities, such as the Abetone Forest. Tortelli, game and “necci” (pancakes made with chestnut flour) lay the table sumptuously.

Set your gps: Pistoia, Le Piastre, San Marcello Pistoiese, Abetone, Pievepelago, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Corfino, Sillano, Busana, Fivizzano, Licciana Nardi, Corniglio, Montelungo Superiore, Pontremoli.

1.
First stage
Starting from Pistoia

For a close encounter with the bends of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines the starting point is Pistoia, where Piazza del Duomo comprises ecclesiastical and civil buildings of rare beauty. Cathedral, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Palazzo dei Vescovi, Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo di Giano: all pose for a souvenir photo, while the adjoining Piazzetta della Sala invites you to the centuries-old vegetable market. In the center its marble well - known as “del Leoncino” - is unmistakable. For the calendar: Pistoia Blues (July) and Giostra dell'Orso (July).

Flanking the Medici Fortress of Santa Barbara, you leave Pistoia to take RR66, where well-connected “Ss” leave no room for doubt: it's a motard! The village of Le Piastre is remembered as the bizarre site of the Campionato Italiano della Bugia (Italian Lie Championship) (July). Further on the focus is on the Madonnina Glacier: an ancient natural refrigerator when ice was an economic resource. 

For a close encounter with the bends of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines the starting point is Pistoia, where Piazza del Duomo comprises ecclesiastical and civil buildings of rare beauty. Cathedral, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Palazzo dei Vescovi, Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo di Giano: all pose for a souvenir photo, while the adjoining Piazzetta della Sala invites you to the centuries-old vegetable market. In the center its marble well - known as “del Leoncino” - is unmistakable. For the calendar: Pistoia Blues (July) and Giostra dell'Orso (July).

Flanking the Medici Fortress of Santa Barbara, you leave Pistoia to take RR66, where well-connected “Ss” leave no room for doubt: it's a motard! The village of Le Piastre is remembered as the bizarre site of the Campionato Italiano della Bugia (Italian Lie Championship) (July). Further on the focus is on the Madonnina Glacier: an ancient natural refrigerator when ice was an economic resource. 

2.
Second stage
Pit stop between nature and typical dishes

In San Marcello Pistoiese: pit-stop for a rest with "necci con la ricotta", then the road takes center stage again and you find yourself confronting the real mountain. Between Mammiano Basso and Popiglio the tourist attraction is suspended for 36 meters, is 277 meters long and made of metal ropes (suspension bridge). The Lima river leads the wheels to what is now State Road 12 Brenner road. Beyond Cutigliano it is the turn of riders and cyclists to pander with craft the beautiful geometries in the shade of the Abetone Nature Reserve.

The Abeti rally track starts from Casotti: nice climb! Looking up: Corno alle Scale, Croce Arcana and Libro Aperto draw a splendid mountain backdrop, while monumental fountains sprout by the roadside. At the Abetone Pass (1388 meters above sea level) the bikers' rendez-vous is beside the two Pyramids, then you will get back on your bikes toward Pievepelago.

 

In San Marcello Pistoiese: pit-stop for a rest with "necci con la ricotta", then the road takes center stage again and you find yourself confronting the real mountain. Between Mammiano Basso and Popiglio the tourist attraction is suspended for 36 meters, is 277 meters long and made of metal ropes (suspension bridge). The Lima river leads the wheels to what is now State Road 12 Brenner road. Beyond Cutigliano it is the turn of riders and cyclists to pander with craft the beautiful geometries in the shade of the Abetone Nature Reserve.

The Abeti rally track starts from Casotti: nice climb! Looking up: Corno alle Scale, Croce Arcana and Libro Aperto draw a splendid mountain backdrop, while monumental fountains sprout by the roadside. At the Abetone Pass (1388 meters above sea level) the bikers' rendez-vous is beside the two Pyramids, then you will get back on your bikes toward Pievepelago.

 
3.
Third Stage
Among the hairpin bends of the Apennines

Change road and direction: State Road 324 to Modena. The lively design remains. A junction on the Radici Pass (1529 meters above sea level) offers two choices: take the S. Pellegrino Pass, scenic but short and more linear, or remain on the route and be rewarded by the tortelli of Casone di Profecchia and the ball of hairpin bends at the end. In the fall it is a watercolor. Step on the gas and you’ll be in Castelnuovo, which is well worth a visit.

Then off on back roads to the Orecchiella Park, below Pania di Corfino: beautiful. From Sillano to Capanne di Sillano, then you will encounter Giottesque curves as far as Ospitaletto: historic uphill race. Pradarena Pass (1579 meters above sea level) and Cerreto Pass (1261 meters above sea level) are two more medals of valor for the rider ... and the tire!

Change road and direction: State Road 324 to Modena. The lively design remains. A junction on the Radici Pass (1529 meters above sea level) offers two choices: take the S. Pellegrino Pass, scenic but short and more linear, or remain on the route and be rewarded by the tortelli of Casone di Profecchia and the ball of hairpin bends at the end. In the fall it is a watercolor. Step on the gas and you’ll be in Castelnuovo, which is well worth a visit.

Then off on back roads to the Orecchiella Park, below Pania di Corfino: beautiful. From Sillano to Capanne di Sillano, then you will encounter Giottesque curves as far as Ospitaletto: historic uphill race. Pradarena Pass (1579 meters above sea level) and Cerreto Pass (1261 meters above sea level) are two more medals of valor for the rider ... and the tire!

4.
Fourth stage
Toward Pontremoli

The passage through Fivizzano is almost a pleasant stage transfer, and it's back to attacking the Apennines again with the adventurous and driven Lagastrello Pass (1200 meters above sea level). Once you are in the Alta Val di Parma at Berceto comes the turning point, which thanks to the Cisa Pass (1039 meters above sea level) quenches your thirst for hairpin bends and closes the itinerary at Pontremoli.

 

The passage through Fivizzano is almost a pleasant stage transfer, and it's back to attacking the Apennines again with the adventurous and driven Lagastrello Pass (1200 meters above sea level). Once you are in the Alta Val di Parma at Berceto comes the turning point, which thanks to the Cisa Pass (1039 meters above sea level) quenches your thirst for hairpin bends and closes the itinerary at Pontremoli.

 

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