Sarnano in bici

A good route to see some of Le Marche countryside and visit the medieval hill town of Sant'Angelo in Pontano. A short deviation brings you to Penne San Giovani and on the way back you can visit Gualdo. From Casa Carotondo turn right out of the driveway, cycle through the hamlet of Cerreto and carry straight on and up. At Sant' Angelo in Pontano look for signs to Penne/Falerone. Then take the road to Penne when it splits. The road between Sant'Angelo and Penne does have a steep gradient. All the roads are relatively quiet.

On this route you pass by the fortifications used by the Da Varanno family of Camerino in medieval times. At Calderola you can also take a guided visit around a well maintained Castello Pallotta - the original building dates back to the 9th. Century. Cycle to Cacamo, just before you reach the town turn left towards Pievefavera. The turnoff is signposted. Once at Pievefavera follow the road back road passing by Croce, Vestignano, and la Valle. There are scenic views along this road of the valley. At la Valle you can carry straight on to Montalto and the remains of a castle built on a 9th. century monastry . There is also a charcoal museum here (traditionally charcoal was made locally in the woods). Alternatively you can bear left and follow the road down to Cessapalombo and back to CC. If you go up to Montalto the main road brings you back to the Cessampalombo route.

Extend this route by leaving from Casa Carotondo. or park in Sarnano - as you leave Sarnano on the right is a large shop called Vallesi selling agricultural equipment, park up the road just after the shop on the right. The route takes you through the scenic rolling hills between Sarnano and Amandola on the one side of the main road. This bit is  compllicated by the large number of gravel tracks so a gps/detailed map is recommended. You drop down to the Lago San Ruffino, where there are a couple of restaurants. The ride into Amandola bypasses the centre of town where there are plenty of opportunities for refreshment here. Don't have too many ice-creams the hill coming out of Amandola is steep. Once up on the ridge you can enjoy lovely views of the Sibillini Mountains. The track back to Sarnano is mostly gravel and broken in a number of places.