1st STAGE: Bologna – Rocca di Badolo (25 km)

On this first stage we pass through several places of natural and cultural interest, starting in Bologna with Piazza Maggiore and Europe’s longest portico, which we walk along to the Basilica of San Luca. Along the way we come across the Dè Rossi Palace, the Roman Bridge of Vizzano, and other scenic ‘pearls’ such as the Rocca di Badolo, the stage arrival.

The first stage is the least technical, has some major climbs, however, almost all of them are rideable and has no difficult descents. However, it provides for an uphill elevation gain of more than 800 meters, many of which are also on challenging dirt road. So good training is still necessary. It’s only about 20 kilometers, so having a day, anyone can travel it, perhaps making many stops.

Length: 25 km
Height difference in ascent: 1025 m
Downhill elevation gain: 720 m
Highest point: 427 m
Lowest point: 50 m
Type of surface: asphalt

Technical tips:
There are some quite steep uphill passages, so it is best to tackle them slowly, especially if you are not very trained. In hot weather it is necessary to bring a good supply of water, because especially after Sasso Marconi there are several sections in the middle of the forest without access to water. Sometimes the passage along the Reno at the end of Talon Park is bumpy, so it is advisable to cross the bridge and skirt the right bank (with the river on the left) and then rejoin the Vizzano bridge.

Municipality of departure: Bologna
Place of departure: Bologna
Municipality of arrival: Sasso Marconi
Finish location: Badolo

Recommended period:
For May and June temperatures, however, in case of bad weather-even prior to the start-you will encounter a lot of sections in the mud (this does not apply to the first stage, which is usually well traveled).

Where to park:
Major Square cannot be reached by car. Since the return will be by train, it is therefore best to park near the Bologna Fs Station and ride directly to the square.

Useful links:
http://www.viadeglidei.it

The Via degli Dei is a very fascinating route, retracing long stretches of the ancient Roman Via Flaminia Militare, connecting the cities of Bologna and Florence along the Apennines.

It has become one of the main tourist attractions of theTuscan-Emilian Apennines: numerous trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts retrace this piece of history while fully enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these places. The name is most likely derived from some localities encountered along the way, such as Monte Adone, Monzuno (
Mons Iovis
, Mount of Jupiter), Mount Venus, Mount Luario (Lua was the Roman goddess of atonement).

There are many possible variants: this is the one that in Mtb travels the Way in the standard way, tested by our editorial staff.

In general, the entire itinerary is challenging. Even the version proposed here, which divides it into 5 stages (as per the official route), is recommended for trained bikers with good technical and athletic training.