Populonia Enduro

Populonia Enduro Toskana

The port town of Piombino is located on the south side of the peninsula around Populonia, an ancient town above the Golfo di Baratti. Numerous trails maintained by local mountain bikers lead from the 300-metre-high hills to the sea and offer the opportunity for short but crisp descents. Thanks to the mild climate and stony ground, the trails can usually be ridden all year round.

Description

From the parking lot of Marina di Salivoli on the west side of Piombino, you start the ascent to Monte Gigante and the other hills of the peninsula. On gravel roads and finally on a trail, you reach Monte Massoncello, where several crisp single trails start in different directions. The 609 trail initially leads northwards over gentle berms, but turns west after a few meters and becomes a little steeper, rockier and therefore rougher. However, the descent remains smooth and offers plenty of fun right at the start of the tour. You then ride along the coastal path to the right, turn left onto another trail and follow it down to the sea.

A trail takes you to the gravel road around 150 meters higher up, which leads to the next trail descent on the north-east side of the hill. The ground here is mostly forest floor, so the trail is not very demanding, apart from a short, steeper section. At the edge of the forest, you pass a gate, bear right and reach a trail designed as an ascent, alternating between a road, country lane and forest paths. Once you reach the gravel road, keep left and immediately turn off onto a trail that traverses the slope. This later crosses the gravel road at Campo alla Sughera and leads to the final descent of the tour on the south-east side of the peninsula. The crisp and sometimes rough trail leads down to a small bay. You then return to the starting point along the slightly higher coastal path.

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