In Versilia: the bicycle between the Alps, the woods and the sea

In 2008 a special issue of the Meridiani monthly magazine dedicated to the Apuan Alps found that “in no other part of Italy there is such a concentration of cyclists as on the slopes of this massif”. Groups of professionals (including world champions) trained (and train) for these roads between the most total indifference, as if they were (and do) part of the landscape, a small concentration of what awaits them in the Giro d’Italia or at the Tour de France. Imitated by the rest of humanity on two wheels. An amateur cyclist can find with relative ease assistance and refreshment or a varied scenario to cross, as well as to watch.

The Meridians suggested routes: some in similiar Tourmalet or Cima Coppi: hard and long. And this was the box to get attention. Instead there is a circular route, round trip, on a human scale. It foresees, after Forte dei Marmi, a passage from Ruosina (100 meters above sea level), on the Vezza river where trout jump and the water is green. From there go up to Levigliani, 582 meters s.l.m. with a few hairpins bends legs: woods, archaeology and an excellent restaurant, the Raffaello.