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

Technical description:
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 includes a first part of climbs alternating between road and trails to Monzuno–through Brento and Monte Adone-where the more forested part then begins, alternating dirt roads, and truly beautiful views, with trails n the middle of the forest. However, this part still remains easy, albeit with challenging climbs. The climb to Poggio monte Venere is quite challenging but still has no hazards or sections with little grip. The stage finish is at Madonna dei Fornelli.

In general, this stage is starting to have some more technical climbs and a few more challenging trail passages through the forest, although there are no very difficult sections yet. However, the route involves an uphill elevation gain of 1,600 meters, some of which is gravel, 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
http://www.vacanzattivaguide.com/it/pedalare/eremo-di-tizzano-marescalchi-mtb-colli-bolognesi.html

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 of the trail is most likely derived from some of the localities encountered along the way, such as Monte Adone, Monzuno (Mons Iovis, Mount of Jupiter), Mount Venus, and Mount Luario (Lua was the Roman goddess of atonement).

There are many possible variants: this is the one that through a multi-day trek travels the Way in its standard route, 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 those who already have good training and physical fitness. It does not have overly technical passages and never becomes ironclad; there are steep sections both downhill and uphill (sometimes slippery, especially in rainy periods), however, it is still passable by everyone, even families, as long as you are already accustomed to challenging trails.