From Emilia-Romagna to Tuscany by two wheels: the Muraglione pass
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For our section dedicated to the Motor Valley we return this week to propose you a motorway, the Romagna Apennine, made of many curves, green nature and breathtaking landscapes: the Muraglione pass.
As good as I can, I can not speak about one of those paths that have always fascinated when I was a child. A mountain range that joins my Forlì (my lovely hometown) to the beautiful Florence, with a path that runs between winding curves and stretches, reaches 100km (Predappio-Florence).
If when I was 8 years – with my parents in the car – I complained of upset nausea, illuminated only by the light of my GameBoy, today I find myself in the saddle of my Triumph a certain taste in retracing these mountain roads.
THE STAGE OF THE ROUTE
The starting point is certainly Forlì, passing from Castrocaro or Predappio, choosing one of the two valleys, in the common direction of Florence. The mileage remains practically unchanged so you choose it!
PATH A | CASTROCARO E TERRA DEL SOLE
On this side the trail may look a bit longer, though it always depends on where we come from (heading north/south via Emilia), but I certainly can not find a better starting point: spa center 365 days a year, good food in every season and the medieval beauties of the ancient village of Terra del Sole.
I do not think it’s necessary to add more.
Few miles on the SS67 to arrive in Dovadola, in the valley of the Montone River, in the direction of Rocca San Casciano, surrounded by the green of the forests, and loved by every native, for his Feast of Falò that every year in early April, between allegorical wagons, colorful costumes and high fires, traces the history and origins of the village.
But our trip on our two wheels can not end here, and we head for miles and miles on increasingly winding roads, toward St. Benedetto in Alpe. Here, when the heat of summer does not let me down, I usually stop for a nice dip in the fresh waters of the river. The waterfall of Acquacheta never betrays expectations.
By the time we arrived in Tuscany, we met the Casentinesi Forest Park.
From there in less than 5km you reach Marradi, highly recommended in the autumn to make a nice chestnut stock. Just 10km from San Benedetto and the accent of people change, and in a flash of sight we arrive at the legendary Bar Cavallino.
In San Godenzo you can find refreshments just for coffee and snacks, before taking the final stretch. But by far the most is done, the passage passed, from here it goes down to San Bavello, then to see Dicomano in the direction of San Lorenzo. The game is done!
PATH B | PREDAPPIO
A path parallel to that from Castrocaro is Predappio. In fact, climbing up the valley of the Rabbi river, we can reach the passage of the Muraglione equally. The 9th provincial road leads us in the direction of Tontola, famous in summer for its pools of Tontola Beach.
The road goes up to San Zeno and on the road where you can find biker taverns where to learn what (really) is the Romagna’s food and wine. The trail, with its curves, allows you to reach without major obstacles Premilcuore.
Castel Dell’Alpe represents the intermediate stage before this path joins the one described above at the height of San Godenzo, the focal point of the route.
Historically the route has become viable during the reign of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The pass goes up to 907 meters above sea level, taking its name from the great stone wall built in 1836, which allowed – and still does – to shelter when the strong winds blowing in this area and the Mugello blow.
A searchable map can always be convenient!
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