Here, in the “Nove Colli Granfondo” area and land of great champion cyclists, we have discovered a new dimension for those who love pedaling: adequate time and space to enjoy exciting bike hikes, discovering the best of the countryside and the local landscape. We’ve gone on a two wheel journey with Wendy Carter, owner of an important British travel agency dedicated to “gentle cycling”.
The Romagna region is the land of “bike discovering”, tank to its soft rolling hills, favorable climate for most of the year, great environmental diversity and the always present sea view. Here, even the most slow-paced cycle traveler will be able to carry out high quality sportive and tourist routes. With Wendy we visited the various Unesco sites in Ravenna, and to reach them we chose an all nature route through the pinewoods; a close encounter with the local products of the area, like for example the Salt of Cervia and Extra Virgin Oil from Longiano. Along with the exclusive and refined hospitality of the Batani Select Hotels it all comes together in a well balanced mix, where your bicycle plays the leading role.
Here are the trails that we tried out together, all with less than 40 km mileage:
• from Cervia to the mosaics in Ravenna through the pinewoods and the Ortazzo natural reserve;
• from Cervia to Cesenatico, pedaling around the salt ponds and continuing through the coastal pine woods;
• from Cesenatico to Longiano amongst vineyards and olive groves , after covering the calm streets of the ancient Roman land division;
• from Rimini to Santarcangelo, from the Roman ruins to the artistic treasures of the most creative town of the Riviera: “Mutonia” the artistic park, the local artisan printing houses, the “Tonino Guerra fountain”, the medieval center.
In just a few days we have discovered some of the many interesting venues that the Romagna region can offer its visitors. Wendy picked the Cervia – Ravenna trail as her favorite, which is yours?
Maria Cristina Merloni, UISP bicycle guide and aspiring Tourist Guide. She has travelled all of the continents in the world with her bike, but she firmly believes that her homeland of Romagna is the most beautiful place to pedal and have fun cycling. Along with her graphic skills and territorial knowledge, she also works on communication projects and cycle-tourism events for Batani Select Hotels (www.digibike.it). For information: cristina@cristinamerloni.it – +39 338 8684258