3rd ROUTE: Madonna dei Fornelli – Monte di Fò (17 km)

This stage is undoubtedly one of the most technical and challenging, developing inside the woods and in the most impervious part of the route, with many steep sections and technical descents. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to encounter a lot of mud, so much of the climbing is to be done on foot while pushing the bike, and many of the descents may have single track passages that are often slippery and dangerous. In dry terrain, although it is rare, more trained bikers can engage in ups and downs that put them to the test. The departure from Madonna dei Fornelli immediately encounters a very steep path, which can be bypassed by taking a piece of state road…

The stage involves an uphill climb of 751 meters, which in absolute terms would not be excessive, but on such technical and often muddy passages fatigue sets in, so a good workout is still necessary. It is only 17 kilometers, so having a day, anyone can travel it, albeit making some stops.

Length: 17 km
Height difference in ascent: 751 m
Height difference on descent: 784 m
Highest point: 1204 m
Lowest point: 766 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Technical tips:
There are some quite steep 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 there are several areas in the middle of the forest without access to water.

Municipality of departure: San Benedetto Val di Sambro
Starting location: Madonna dei Fornelli
Municipality of arrival: Barberino di Mugello
Finish location: Mount of Fo’

Recommended period:
For May and June temperatures, however, in case of bad weather-even prior to departure-you will encounter a lot of stretches in the mud.

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.