Tuscany Singletrack

8 days - from $1450

Plenty of exhilarating singletrack trailsExcellent homemade cuisine Comfortable accommodation with swimming pool
One of Italy's best-kept secrets has to be the hidden valley of Garfagnana, where ancient forests and mediaeval paths create perfect mountain biking territory. Nestled between two distinct mountain ranges, the jagged Alpi Apuane and the Apennines, we cycle through chestnut woodland to open mountain tracks, where we are rewarded with incredible sea views. As this area is off the beaten track, we sometimes enjoy this evocative landscape of glittering lakes, streams and pretty hilltop villages all to ourselves. These serious mountains boast an extensive network of testing trails and country roads as well as some fantastic singletrack, especially on the final day where we descend almost 1500m down to the valley floor. With excellent access to the scenic trails of Apuane and Orecchiella national parks, our base for the week is a traditional farm that has been a hugely popular spot for many Exodus groups. There is also plenty of time to enjoy a glass of local Lucchese wine or take a swim in the pool after a tough day's ride.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start at Agriturismo Le Casine di Braccicorti. 2 Short transfer to Sasso Rosso, ride through Orecchiella National Park to Pania di Corfino summit (1609m); descend through traditional Garfagnana landscape of chestnut forests and mediaeval towns. 3 Scenic off road ride through the spectacular Alpi Apuane to the beautiful Lake Vagli. After lunch at local shepherds' village of Campocatino, we descend along paved and dirt roads to reach Serchio River. 4 Transfer to Casone; ride along main ridge to Passo Forbici (1815m), passing hamlets, lakes and stunning vistas into the Carrara Marble Mountains. 5 Free day to relax by the pool, play golf, visit Lucca, or take a self-guided ride. 6 Valley ride through woodland paths passing the mediaeval villages and castles of Castiglione and Collemandina. 7 To complete the week, we enjoy an exhilarating 1500m descent from San Pellegrino to Sillico, with wonderful views over the valley. 8 End at Agriturismo Le Casine di Braccicorti.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 50km (31 miles) No. of days cycling: 5 Vehicle support: transfers to start and end of rides, no vehicle support during rides Terrain and route: 70% off road, 30% tarmac. Rides on varying terrain, with most on vehicle track and waymarked biking trails. Off road experience essential and a reasonable level of fitness required as the region is mountainous and some climbs are to be expected.
Group size: Normally min. 6, max. 16, plus one cycling leader.
Accommodation: 7 nights Casine di Braccicorti with swimming pool (weather dependent). The accommodation comprises of five lodges and the main farmhouse. Some rooms are en suite (please request when booking) and others have shared facilities, sharing with a maximum of three other clients.
Food: All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Trip Reference: MWT
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Focus Fatboys mountain bikes with front suspension GBP110, paid on booking.Single supplement throughout is 'Free of Charge', as bathroom facilities are shared. Additional single rooms with en suite facilities can be booked paying a supplement of GBP220.
Trip Reference: MWT