2nd ROUTE: Badolo – Madonna dei Fornelli (26 km)

The second stage begins to give an already more oriented idea of the central part of the route, which becomes gradually more impervious and enters the forest. The departure from Badolo involves a first part of climbs that alternate between road and trails until Monzuno – via Brento and the Mount Adonis – where then begins the more forested part that alternates between dirt roads, and really beautiful views, and single track in the middle of the forest. However, this part remains quite rideable, albeit with challenging climbs.

The climb to Poggio monte Venere is quite challenging but still rideable. Stage arrival at Madonna dei Fornelli.

In general, this stage is starting to feature some more technical climbs and a few more impenetrable single track passages in the middle of the forest, although there are no very difficult sections yet. The most important climbs, however, are rideable for those who are trained. However, the route involves an uphill elevation gain of 1,600 meters, including some on challenging dirt road, so good training is still necessary.

It is only 26 km, so having a day, anyone can travel it, albeit making some stops.

Length: 26 km
Height difference in ascent: 1609 m
Height difference on descent: 1154 m
Highest point: 936 m
Lowest point: 375 m
Type of surface: mixed

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 Monzuno there are several sections in the middle of the forest without access to water.

Place of departure: Sasso Marconi
Starting location: Badolo
Municipality of arrival: San Benedetto Val di Sambro
Finish location: Madonna dei Fornelli

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 second stage, which is usually well traveled).

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.