Italy: Road bike tours through Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany - Four stages through the lonely mountains of the Apennines

The Apennines are the longest mountain range in Italy. It begins in northern Italy on the southern edge of the Po Valley and stretches 1,500 kilometres south to Calabria. Our tour runs along the northernmost part of the mountain range. Starting in the Ligurian Apennines, the route then winds along the main ridge, always on the border between the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. On the last stage, which leads towards Massa by the sea, you cross the Apuan Alps sub-mountain range with the famous marble quarries of Carrara. Compared to the more extensive Ligurian section, the mountains there are rocky, rugged and steep.
Half-heartedly patched tarmac, deserted roadworks, sharp-edged chippings and dilapidated signposts. The road conditions in the Apennines are extreme and can change around every bend. A foresighted and defensive riding style is particularly advisable on the descents, especially as there is little chance of rapid assistance after a fall in this remote area. The route runs for long stretches on narrow to very narrow roads with very little traffic. The profile is extremely hilly, with longer climbs of 1,000 metres in altitude at a stretch that can compete with Alpine passes. Although extremely steep ramps are rather rare (at least on our route), a good mountain transfer is recommended: luggage and the rough tarmac take additional energy out of your legs.

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