Earlier, we reported on the Italian Tourism Ministry's new project, ENIT. It wants to encourage cycling holidays, of any kind, and they have done so in the most epic way you can think of. Le Vie del Bike (the bike lanes) route. A total of 5300 kilometres of roads for cycling in Italy. Then cycle north through the Dolomites, through to central Italy, including the popular Tuscany and then you descend further to the heel. In the very south of the country you take the ferry for a short crossing to Sicily and once you have cycled across that island, Sardinia also awaits you. Explorer Femke had a sneak preview and after her infectious account of Tuscany you immediately want more. Here is Umbria, the next stage in Italy's cycling streets.
Text Femke Rotteveel, Photos: Francesco Lasca
Umbria: unknown does not make unloved
We cross the region border from Tuscany to Umbria and slowly you see the landscape change. Tuscany's hallmark are the beautiful hills with those lovely rows of cypresses and olive trees. Umbria has much more forest and we cycle through a deep wide gorge with grey rock walls on either side. Extra beautiful in autumn colours! We also cycle the Passo Madonna della Cima here, which is not exciting for the experienced cyclist. At least compared to the hills in Tuscany, I can get into a nice climbing rhythm here.
Cycling destination Umbria
Umbria is much less known to the average cycling tourist. Perugia and capital Terni will ring a bell with few, unless you are somewhat versed in football. (Perugia is the hometown of Fabrizio Ravanelli). Like Tuscany, it is hilly, with a highest climb of around 800 metres, Monte Peglia. If you want to see another natural spectacle, descend towards the Marmore waterfall. Not unkind. So cycling in Italy is also possible in beautiful Umbria. This Vie del Bike shows that again.
Gravel bike needed
The gravel lanes in Tuscany are fine on a regular road bike, but more comfortable on a gravel bike. In Umbria, I decide that I think the gravel bike is the best way to ride the whole Le Vie del Bike tour, as the roads here are full of cracks, potholes and cracks. My German travelling companion perfectly manages to put this into words after we descend a bit bumpy, asking, "How are your teetzh doing?!". He means my teeth, not...
Gubbio and surroundings
Finally, in the distance looms Gubbio, another one of those villages you just have to ride through if you're going to cycle this route, even if you'll have to brave streets with a gradient of 15% or more to do so. Gubbio has a castle built on the slope of Monte Ingino, offering great views over the landscape. The village has a special connection with cycling: since 1981, the largest Christmas tree (30 football pitches) in the world consisting of more than 1,000 coloured lights has been made on the mountain around Christmas time. To switch on the lights, you can cycle down from the church at the top with torches to "light" the lights. We were just too early for this ritual. So you see again that cycling Le Vie del Bike can be special in autumn as well as in winter!
Lovely sleep
Still looking for a good place to sleep around Gubbio? We sleep in Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, one of 46 luxury bike hotels in Italy. By the way, the name has nothing to do with coffee, but rather with Capuchins (monks). It is a beautiful hotel in a medieval monastery with pool, spa and even a newly built padel court. So what does that make it a luxury bike hotel? All member hotels have a guarded bike room with the possibility of charging your electric bike, an extra fast laundry service so you can put on a fresh suit the next day, and for breakfast you can make special requests. So if you have a long stage ahead of you the next day, you can just get a generous portion of oatmeal!
Route Le Vie Del Bike: Umbria
Here you will find the route from the Tuscany border to Gubbio. In our collection on Komoot, you will find all routes from Le Vie del Bike. Highly recommended if you ask us. Cycling in Italy, you can wake us up for that any day.
Do you also want to go on a cycling holiday and go cycling in Italy? Then get well prepared and check the following articles:
- Basic Packing List
- The cycling holiday travel guide - how do I get to my favourite cycling destination?
