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, well 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 islands
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, well begin to
proceed in slight ascent amidst a vegetation
comprised primarily of Pine, Robinia and
Mimosa trees. After 10kms well 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,
well 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
islands 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 well 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