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Pollino in MTB: Timpa delle Murge and Monte Pelato
4 h
29 km
1345 m
Medium
Pedaling in the Pollino National Park, discovering a priceless geological heritage
Description of the route
A beautiful MTB route that connects the two UNESCO geosites of Timpa delle Murge and Monte Pelato, within the Pollino National Park.
You pedal through the tracks that run through the immense beech forest, stopping at the fairy-tale stretch of ancient beech forest of Fonte Catusa.
The route combines the fun of mountain biking – on terrain that is also technical and challenging in places – with the suggestion offered by the presence of rocks of magmatic origin, formed at the bottom of the primordial Tethys Ocean, which tell a story more than a hundred million years long.
Technical description:
Up to Casa del Conte the route is on asphalt. Upon arriving at the Unesco geological site tables, a dirt road begins, with a natural, dry, even surface. We head toward Fonte Catusa as we enter the beech forest. From here on you ride in the shade and the forest track becomes rougher (and also more fun), with the presence of ditches and occasional potholes that can be invaded by water after rainy periods.
From Three Boundaries to Bald Mountain, the Sentiero Italia trail is followed. From Acquatremola to Monte Pelato the trail is a bit muddy, even in dry weather. Arriving at the base of the mountain, the asphalt begins again.
Technical details
Route type: loop
Length: 29 km
Height difference in ascent: 1345 m
Height difference on descent: 1346 m
Highest point: 1519 m
Lowest point: 946 m
Type of surface: mixed
Technical tips:
Tackle the route with at least a mid-range mountain bike. Bring helmet, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, key kit, first aid kit.
Don’t forget the windbreaker.
There are water sources along the route, at Acquatremola and Fonte Catusa.
Departure and Arrival
Municipality of departure: San Severino Lucano
Place of departure: Mezzana Salice
Municipality of arrival: San Severino Lucano
Place of arrival: Mezzana Salice
Useful tips
Recommended period:
May to October. Until April there are snow and mud problems in many areas of the trail.
Where to park:
At Mezzana Salice (or even at Casa del Conte, scaling back the route a bit)
Useful links:
http://www.comune.sanseverinolucano.pz.it/csanseverinol/home.jsp
http://www.comune.terranovadipollino.pz.it/
Pollino in MTB: Timpa delle Murge and Monte Pelato
Touristic Area
Basilicata, Potenza, Pollino National Park
