by Riccardo Burchianti

Capoliveri - Fattoria delle Ripalte - Capoliveri (easy)
Legnth of the journey/run: 20.5 km
Type of track: 20%a sphalt 80% dirt road.
Time necessary: 2hrs.30mins.

The course starts from the piazza del Cavatore, infront of the council building of Capoliveri. Once outside of the residential area, we’ll take the old mining road that leads half way along the south-western coast line side of mount Calamita, on a course that can be described as flat. In this, the initial part of the course, the surrounding panorama of the island’s southern coast can be admired with views of Fetovaia and in the distance, Monte Capanne.

After circa 6kms., passing the ex-mine of monte Calamita, we’ll begin to proceed in slight ascent amidst a vegetation comprised primarily of Pine, Robinia and Mimosa trees. After 10kms we’ll reach the "fattoria della Ripalte", a tourist village equipped with reception, restaurant, bar and riding range.
This place, far away from the hustle and bustle of the more central zones, seems to have been created especially for those whom enjoy a tranquil vacation in direct contact with nature.

In the area that until last year, before being devestated by bushfires, was one of the most natural and unpolluted coastlines of the island, we’ll find an area where the evidence of those bushfires is still very pronounced in an area that has been placed under environmental protection to assit the reproduction of wild fauna.

Passing numerous gates that divide the public propeties from those private, take the cart track that from 200 metres above the "fattoria della Ripalte" unwinds in a sweet descent following from above, the profile of the island’s west coast.

Cycling amidst a rich vegetation, one has the oportunity to take in some fantastic views; the north eastern side of the mountain, the Italian continent, the various creeks of the "stagnone", the small beaches of Buzzacone and Cala Nuova that remain deserted even throughout peek season.
When we reach Calagrande, where on our right we’ll find the beaches of Ferrato and Straccoligno, take the asphalted road that in slight ascent returns us to Capoliveri.

LO SCOGLIO … MTB School - This school organises mountain bike courses and excursions, immersed in the green Mediterranean bushland that offers suggestive marine paroramas. The school offers S.I.M.B. instructors that give lessons on the basic fuctions and mechanics of the bike. For further infomation and bookings:
CLICLI BRANDI, via Carducci, 33 Portoferraio Tel. 0565-914128