I will be cycling for 3 days across the Apennines in Italy to raise funds for sensory resources for the children of St Luke's.
Day 1: Gradara - Tavullia - Pesaro - Via Panoramica
Leaving Bologna I will cycle to Gradara castle, considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. I will continue to the city of Tavullia (Valentino Rossi's hometown). Then to the city of Pesaro, where I will take the Via Panoramica, 22 km of rolling terrain inside the San Bartolo Natural Park back to Bologna.
50km (30 miles) with 1,000m+ (3280ft+) of climbing
Day 2: Malatestiani castles
The first port of call on today’s cycling adventure is the town of Saludecio, passing through some of its original access gates, the “Porta Montanara” overlooking the hills, and the “Porta Marina” which overlooks any movement coming from the sea. I will then continue to Mondaino. From here I will follow the Via Roma, until I arrive at the “Caseificio Porta di Sotto” (cheese shop), after which I will follow the return route to Bologna
50km (30 miles) with 1,100m+ (3600ft+) of climbing
Day 3: Urbino - Montefabbri - CarpegnaThis will be the “challenge day”I will cycle to the magnificent city of Urbino, a UNESCO world heritage site and Raffaello's hometown. I will pass through the town of Montefabbri, which is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. I will then go on to challenge the mythical mount Carpegna, Marco Pantani’s “training ground”; reaching the top in the “Il Cielo del Pirata” (The Pirate's heaven) is something that will be a milestone in every cyclist’s life.
80km (50 miles) with 1,400m+ (4820ft+) of climbing