Mare - Monti Alternative

Route for mtb, starting from the parking lot of Ciccio Lapa stadium in Nicotera. Start by riding 200 meters on asphalt and take the dirt path that is at the beginning of the straight, just after the gas station. Downhill path, entirely unpaved, with a lot of mud in winter. It is also a path frequented by heavy vehicles, so care must be taken. At the end of the trail, you will have arrived below Torre Parnaso, in Joppolo. From the Joppolo waterfront, you will climb up to the fountain in the "Calafatoni" area, and here you will take another path lined with peach trees. The last part of the path will have to be walked a with the bike on the shoulder, passing among the rocks, unfortunately this final part was destroyed by the 2018 flood. We continue uphill partly on the provincial road, partly on a dirt path, until we reach Preitoni. From here we will climb further, alternating between stretches of dirt path and stretches on very ruined asphalt.

Arriving at Monte Poro (about 600 meters), you will descend on asphalt road, very steep and fast. You arrive in the plain between Nicotera and Limbadi, and climb back up to Monte Poro, following a paved country road, with the final part on dirt road. The maximum gradient here is close to 30 percent. Arriving at the top, we will find a pine grove that we will skirt following the dirt road that corners the farm (watch out for dogs!). Continuing for 150/200 meters, we will find on the right a dirt path from which we will descend. It is a narrow path, full of thorns, ending with a very steep stretch of asphalt. When you get to the provincial road, go up to the oil mill, and turn right, going towards the Holy Cross Church (take the antennas as a reference). In front of the church is a very steep descent, on dirt road, to be done with the rear wheel locked. Continue riding on asphalt, on secondary roads until you reach Caroni, and continue to Nicotera.