Gubbio bike tour, between art and nature

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Gubbio bike tour, between art and nature

Cycling amongst nature and art, in search of ancient settlements

This tour, in the company of our professional guides, is dedicated to discovering the beautiful landscapes in and around Gubbio, the city of the Corsa dei Ceri (a procession-cum-race carrying the ‘Ceri’ statues), whose rich array of artistic and cultural treasures makes it one of the most famous places in Umbria. Although it’s not a particularly long itinerary, we class it as moderately difficult due to the uphill stretches along the route which also crosses into the Marche for a while. Departure is from the parking lot of Gubbio’s municipal stadium, not far from the Roman Amphitheatre and the city centre. We will cycle towards Scheggia, an ancient settlement of Roman origin near the ancient Via Flaminia, but before reaching it we’ll tackle the uphill stretch that will take us up to the Valico del Bottaccione. This lovely climb is quite demanding in the last stretch up to the Gole del Bottaccione (Bottaccione Gorges), a site of great naturalistic and scientific interest in which it is believed that one of the key events that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs took place. After crossing the pass and going downhill, we will pass Scheggia and find ourselves cycling – amongst dense vegetation – in the Marche region from where we will press on towards Cantiano to resume our uphill route along the narrow gorge on the slopes of Monte Catria. Once we reach Cantiano, our itinerary will take us without too much effort to the Scheggia pass, after which we will have re-entered the Umbria region to take the Valico del Bottaccione pass again after a few kilometres, this time climbing it from the opposite side compared with the first time. This will be the last tough patch to overcome before returning to our starting point, Gubbio, after cycling downhill for about 5 km.

Plan

1
briefing

h. 09:30
2
first part of the trail

h. 09:40
3
lunch break

h. 13:00
4
second part of the trail

h. 14:00

Recommended clothing

For this activity we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Bring a windcheater/anorak with you, even if the activity takes place in the summer months.
We recommend wearing the right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use.
We strongly recommend the use of a crash helmet suitable for biking.

We also recommend you bring:

A comfortable backpack suitable for cycling/walking
A warm sweater, such as a technical sports shir, for sudden drops in temperature
A change of clothes (especially socks) in case of sudden rain
Hat with a sun visor
Warm hat
Gloves
Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide
Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.
In most cases a car will be on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories are not included in this itinerary.

If you wish, you can choose bike hire from amongst our additional options. We will provide you with the bike that’s best suited to the type of route, taking your preferences into consideration, including helmets, pedaling accessories and spare parts for ordinary repairs. We have various types of bikes available, including e-bikes.

Time

The activity will last about 7 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian
English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Children

This activity is also open to children provided they are accompanied by their parents.

Pet policy

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Additional information

This activity includes a lunch break, so we advise you to bring a packed lunch or to select the option ‘packed lunch’ so that we can provide it for you. Don’t forget to tell us about any allergies, intolerances or other special dietary needs: we will be happy to adapt your lunch to your needs.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.
This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.
The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Data sheet

Recommended clothing

We recommend comfortable clothing

Warm hat

Hat with a sun visor

A change of clothes (especially socks)

Crash helmet suitable for biking

Windcheater/anorak

Gloves

Right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use

Backpack suitable for cycling

A heavy sweater, a technical sports-style sweater is ideal

Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide

Car on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled

Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories

Everything that’s not listed under the heading ‘what is included’.

Time

The activity will last about 7 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian

English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Requirements

This is a recommended activity for those in good physical shape and with a good level of training

Suitable for children

Provided they are accompanied by their parents

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.

This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.

The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Always communicate through Exploring Umbria to ensure you receive the best bespoke service to suits your requirements. In order to protect your payments, never transfer money via channels outside the Exploring Umbria website.

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