Monte Mario da Pianoro

A new and interesting compilation through the trails of Monte Mario. It starts from Pianoro Vecchio (or, for those who prefer, from Bologna following cycle paths) and climbs up the beautiful but steep road that leads to Guzzano from the valley floor. At Guzzano, keep left and continue with a few ups and downs to Ca di Cò. Here, turn right onto a dirt road and then a trail with some technical climbs up to the dirt road that leads to the wildlife protection center. Here, turn right and follow the trail that leads to Monte Mario. At the end of the dirt road, turn left to take the first Vagabunder trail, now a classic in the area: a smooth track with a few climbs but with some challenging technical passages on rock. Among other things, it has been improved at the beginning to avoid a section that is always muddy (detour to the right).

Once you reach the asphalt, climb up to Battedizzo along the trail and then to the Monte Mario saddle and from there towards the Commenda. Before you get there, turn right towards Nuvola Rossa. Another beautiful trail, more technical with rocky passages, steep sections, compressions, and relaunches to return to the provincial road. Climb back up to Battedizzo and the saddle, then proceed towards the Commenda and from there take the Gorilla trail towards Via delle Orchidee. Return towards the cliffs and turn right onto the short but fun track (Madone loop) that returns to Via Valverde and from there you will soon reach Brento.

Here, climb up to Monte Castellazzo (short climb on a trail) and then take the final "Brento" trail. A beautiful single track, with steep sections and hairpin bends (be careful on the right, some sections are exposed), to be done in one go! Definitely a lot of fun (recently repaired by some bikers). The trail then continues along the Savena, until it reaches just before the bridge over the Savena and from there to Pianoro Vecchio.

Difficulty S3 with some S4 sections.