Route LUNIGIANA GRAVEL

WHAT IS THE LUNIGIANA GRAVEL: the Lunigiana Gravel is a multi-stage itinerary to be tackled in “bikepacking” style with Gravel or E-Gravel bikes, which runs in a circular way (clockwise) throughout the Lunigiana area. Similar to the Lunigiana Trail but for narrow wheels it is 210 km long and it is a great way to discover the territory of Lunigiana through its most fascinating and hidden corners.
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL: the suggested route departs from Pontremoli, but another useful place could be Aulla, both towns are easily reachable by the A15 motorway or by train on the Parma-La Spezia line, however, as the LG is a circular route, everyone will be able to start wherever they prefer.
The ROUTE: the Lunigiana Gravel is a large loop, which offers an authentic and exciting experience.. Along its 210 km trail, it will take you across mediaeval villages, castles, streams in which to dive, thermal pools, tunnels in the rock, ridges and infinite panoramas.
An itinerary that radically changes its appearance, vegetation and accent every 30 km, so much so that it can be divided into 3 distinct parts; the one to the North-East made up of ancient and narrow streets that will allow us to connect the most beautiful mediaeval villages in the area; the one to the South, harder, where a good level of fitness will be needed to overcome the exciting ups and downs between the severe peaks of the Apuan Alps and the one further to the West where we will climb in altitude until we reach the gentle ridge of the Ligurian Apennines, in a wild environment with open panoramas from the hinterland to the sea.
Note: Occasionally from the main ring of the track, short outward/return variants will detach, which, if you want to follow them, will lead you to places worthy of being visited for their naturalistic or historical particularities.

DIFFICULTY AND PREPARATION OF THE GRAVEL: the LG measures approximately 210 km x 5250 Alt.diff. About 80% of the route is divided equally between dirt roads and paved secondary roads with low vehicular traffic, while the remaining 20% ​​has medium/easy paths. There are no carrying sections (intended with the bike on the shoulder) but only a few short stretches that could force you to push the bike by hand for no more than 50 metres (such as steps in villages, fords, old cobblestones, etc.)
However, it is important to underline that Lunigiana, although geographically located in Tuscany, is very different from the Tuscan stereotype that we all know. Here, dirt roads become dirt tracks that can sometimes be rough and the hills quickly become mountains, therefore a set-up with tubeless tires and a large size from 40 mm upwards is recommended, as well as agile gears.
There are no trail markers on the route and it is therefore necessary to download the GPX track.

SLEEPING / CAMPING: on the LG route there are numerous accommodation facilities, from the cheapest hostels to farm guesthouses, from B&Bs to hotels, and being distributed evenly along the entire route, everyone can plan the stages according to their needs. Some accommodation facilities are included in the track (see waypoints with relative telephone numbers) but others are present in the vicinity.
Even for those who want to face the LG in total self-sufficiency with the tent, we have indicated in the track the Waypoints named “Staying Areas” which we believe are more suitable for the bivouac (by clicking on the Waypoint NOTES you can see the characteristics of the area and where the nearest water supply is), however, free camping is well tolerated and you will find many other places where you can stop at your leisure without particular problems.

NOTE FOR E-GRAVEL: the LG lends itself to being tackled with pedal assisted Gravel. As already indicated in the DIFFICULTY section, there are no portage sections on the route (intended with the bike on the shoulder) but only a few short sections that could force you to push the bike by hand for no more than 50 metres and without particular problems (such as steps in the villages, fords, old pavements, etc.). To recharge the battery, you will have to rely on the accommodation facilities, all equipped with an electrical network with a domestic socket, however it will be necessary to bring your own battery charger with you as they are not equipped with specific universal charging stations. Many of the accommodation facilities indicated along the way, and others not indicated but which you will find along the way, also offer a restaurant service for lunch, which can therefore be used to recharge the battery while eating a meal.

WATER/FOOD: In this proposed route, water points are indicated every 15/25 km (see Waypoints) useful for refuelling, however, you will find other fountains along the route and you will certainly find one in each town you pass through, if you have any difficulties, ask a local who will be happy to show you one. In the most important centres you can find groceries stores and refreshments.

TRAIN + BIKE: the F.S. Stations of Pontremoli, Aulla, Equi Terme and Monzone are connected daily by Regional Trains with bike transport service. Thanks to this service, you can interrupt the stages at your convenience and return by train to the starting point. For info consult the trains website: www.trenitalia.com

BIKE ASSISTANCE AND RENTAL SERVICE:

• VILLAFRANCA L: Due Ruote shop and assistance tel. 0187 495541 – 335 223917

• AULLA: Biciclo shop and assistance tel. 0187 408020

• FILATTIERA: Sigeric assistance and rental services tel. 333 6502210

• FIVIZZANO: AlterEco rental services tel. 338 5814482

CONDITIONS OF USE: The proposed route has the mere purpose of suggesting an idea to bikepacking enthusiasts with gravel bicycles. The information and the gpx track (downloadable for free) have the sole purpose of giving general indications of the places that will be visited, of the structures present on the route, of the type of surface, of the altitude and of the length of the itinerary, in order to allow each potential biker to evaluate, based on their experience and physical / technical ability, whether or not to tackle the Trail. Therefore, anyone who decides to follow it assumes all the risks and responsibilities of the activity carried out, also considering that the practicability and state of the roads and paths changes over time. Before each stage, check the weather conditions and road conditions, for this you can also ask local residents, respect the road signs and the rules on the use of public and private land, bring the right clothing and safety equipment and adequate navigation. For the above, we decline any responsibility for consequences related to the use of the track or information.
Bikepacking Guidelines https://bikepacking.com/plog/seven-principles-for-bikepackers/

SOME PROPOSALS FOR THE STAGES: