Balzo delle Rose

Beautiful cycle excursion with destination the ridge of Balzo delle Rose. Departure from Le Regine, on a typical autumn day, with a heavy rain that accompanied us in the initial kilometers. At Abetone we took the beautiful "German Trail" (SDT signs) that, in about 5km, leads into Val di Luce, ending in the parking lot reserved for campers. We cross the Rio delle Pozze on a small bridge and take the CAI 505 trail that descends to Casa Coppi. From here we continue on the Via del Duca in the direction of Foce a Giovo. When we reach the mouth, bike on our shoulders, and off on CAI path 519 to Passo d'Annibale (pedaled stretches alternate with shoulder-bike sections). Behind us the majestic Rondinaio and Giovo, above which the clouds again become threatening.

At Passo d'Annibale we leave CAI trail 519 to follow the trail of the Balzo delle Rose ridge. The first part of the trail (a few tens of meters) requires steady and sure footing. Past this first more challenging part, the terrain softens and the view sweeps over the entire Val di Luce, surrounded by the Femminamorta, Alpe Tre Potenze, Dente della Vecchia and Gomito. All made more fascinating by the autumn atmosphere and the warm colors that the blueberry heaths are taking on. The ridge, which we ride in a northerly direction, is almost completely rideable. We did not climb to the summit because the weather was deteriorating fast. Descent on the wide north ridge, breaking out again onto the Via del Duca. From here, we retraced what we did on the way up.

Track recorded in September 2021.