Mountain Biking and E-Bikes in the Sibillini Mountains
For mountain biking in the Sibillini Mountains, e-bikes are a practical way to reach high ground without having to handle big climbs on leg power alone. The area has waymarked mountain bike routes at different difficulty levels, covering both Le Marche and Umbria. The longest itinerary is the Grande Anello by mountain bike, which starts from Visso and takes several days. For a short outing there are 14 loops that can be ridden in a day. Rental of regular and electric bikes is available in several places in the Park, often with bike delivery and a guide.
The scenery changes along the routes. The Grande Anello passes the medieval center of Visso and the valleys of Le Marche, then reaches Norcia. Elsewhere the riding is at the foot of the ridge leading to Monte Vettore (2,476 m), or on the high plateaus of Castelluccio.
Mountain biking in the Sibillini Mountains: what to know
The Grande Anello by mountain bike is the reference route. It starts from Visso, home of the Park headquarters, and runs clockwise, passing among other places through Fiastra and Norcia before returning to Visso. There is also a Visso-Amandola traverse. It takes several days, depending on the stages chosen. The route leads into areas that are often off the more classic Sibillini itineraries.
A version of the Grande Anello also suited to sturdy touring bikes is described as free of significant technical difficulties. About 60% of it runs on forest roads and mule tracks and about 40% on quiet paved back roads with no traffic. Apart from a few very short stretches, it is entirely rideable. There are several variants, shorter and more demanding, so it is best to choose based on fitness and the days available.
For those who do not want to commit to a multi-day tour, the Park has selected 14 loop routes to be completed in a day, collected in the guide "Pedalando nel Parco" ("Cycling in the Park"). Length and gradients vary widely from one route to another. A few examples:
- Valle dell'Aso: 24.6 km, easy, half a day. The route descends into the valley along a section of the Grande Anello, climbs to Altino and continues among the hamlets of Vallegrascia and Rascio, below the ridge of Monte Vettore.
- Valle del Lera: 28.5 km, moderate, starting from Amandola. It crosses woods, cultivated fields and uncultivated land, in an area home to roe deer, porcupines, wild boar, wolves and wildcats.
- Caldarola: a loop visits the historic villages of the five castles of Caldarola (Caldarola, Vestignano, Croce, Pievefavera and Valcimarra). It has no particular technical difficulties and is suitable for families too. There is also a longer, moderate itinerary on dirt roads, some with slippery surfaces.
- Castelluccio di Norcia: a ride of about 25 km shows the Pian Grande and the Pian Piccolo from below and from above, returning by the high route.
Riders looking for more technical descents will find three bike enduro routes in Sarnano. They alternate pedaling transfer sections with downhill special stages, with narrow passages, rocks, stream crossings, jumps and some artificial boardwalks. One route crosses the Piani di Ragnòlo and a pine wood and passes the Calente spring. Another offers views of the peaks, from Monte Castel Manardo to Sassotetto. A bike shuttle service also operates in Sarnano.
Other activities in the area are collected on the page things to do in the Sibillini Mountains.
Mountain biking in the Sibillini Mountains: when to go
For the Grande Anello by mountain bike, the recommended period is from May to October. This is the time of year to plan a multi-day route at altitude. The short loop rides, in the valleys and hills, follow the rhythm of the seasons. The landscape changes with every season, and the Park presents them as routes to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Before setting out, it is wise to check trail conditions, which the Park reports and updates on its official trails page (in Italian), including for mountain bike routes. After the 2016 earthquake some sections of the Grande Anello were closed for safety reasons, and in the following years many were reopened. Not all passages had the same fate, however. In particular, problems have been reported on the versions of the Grande Anello that pass through the Valle Castoriana. That section should therefore be checked before planning the stages.
Mountain biking and e-bikes in the Sibillini Mountains: practical tips
Rental. Mountain bike and e-bike rental is reported in several places in the Park: Amandola, Arquata del Tronto, Bolognola, Ussita, Fiastra and Sarnano, as well as Norcia. The bikes are generally full suspension or front suspension only (hardtail). Many services deliver the bike to the requested starting point and offer tours with a certified MTB guide. Where available, the bike shuttle helps with organizing descents or transfer sections. Bike rental in the Sibillini can be booked in advance, especially for weekends and guided tours. It is best to confirm availability with the operator.
With a guide. For those who do not know the area or want a tailored outing, guided tours can last one or more days. For other guided options, see the page guided hikes and guides in the Sibillini Mountains.
Preparing for the Grande Anello. Good fitness is recommended for the full route. Carrying a map and compass is advised to avoid losing your bearings. Stages can be chosen freely according to fitness, and spreading the route over 5 days reduces the daily distance for riders with low to moderate training.
Dogs. In most of the Park dogs are allowed, but not in some high-altitude areas. Dogs are banned from Zone A of the Park, except on the official routes where they are allowed on a leash, and the Grande Anello may cross areas with these restrictions.
Gravel. The Grande Anello can also be ridden on a gravel bike, as long as the bike has a sturdy frame and suitable tires.