A “classic” bike tour of the Apennines between Bologna and Modena is the one that reaches the Sassi di Roccamalatina, a naturalistic peculiarity of this part of the Emilian territory.

The proposed route is accessible to everyone, including Tandem and Handbike users-we are not talking about road-oriented vehicles but also suitable for mountain bike trails.
The ride is on purposefully lightly traveled roads, with several passages on dirt roads that are suitable for less experienced people.

Undisputed protagonists of the area, the Sassi di Roccamalatina are decidedly distinctive natural elements: they emerge like stone spires from the mountain, taking the shape of typical dolomite rocks.

Technical description:
The route starts in Vignola and is largely on dirt roads. The entire valley floor, which runs along the Panaro River, is on a trail or bicycle path, so it is very easy.
The variant we propose to get to the “balcony” of Guiglia sees a very steep climb on asphalt, which exceeds 20% gradient, so it is suitable for assisted mountain bikes or very trained people.
For those who want to avoid such a steep climb, it is possible to choose the other roads leading to the top, which are gentler but busier.

Once at the Sassi di Roccamalatina Park, the route alternates between asphalt and dirt roads, with little traffic. Downhill you return to the valley floor and then to Vignola.

Route type: loop
Length: 43 km
Height difference in ascent: 650 m
Downhill elevation gain: 650 m
Highest point: 560 m
Lowest point: 100 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Vignola
Starting location: Vignola
Municipality of arrival: Vignola
Place of arrival: Vignola

Recommended period:
All year round, of course with appropriate clothing for seasonal temperatures.

Where to park:
The parking lot at Vignola station is large and free.