This route runs for three-quarters on paths and dirts and for the rest on the main road Marecchiese. It is a worthy way, in spite of the long and difficult slope, placing this route among the “strong”. It is a challenge and a reason of pride to finish the trial arriving at Montebello, tiny and charming village with its “Rocca Malatestiana” (and a ghost, Azzurrina, hanging about the castle). From Santarcangelo, covering the streets on the left bank of Marecchia river, you arrive at the small embankment of Ponte Verucchio. On the right, beyond the barrier, you enter a large dirt that brings to the peak of the hill. Steep and bumpy slope, until under the Montebello fortress. There is a crossing: on the right you enter the village, on the left there is first a descent and after a slope until an abandoned cottage (quarries of Rontagnano), where by a tight track you can reach a little wood where, among hornbeams and holm-oaks, you arrive at a larger dirt. This lane on the left brings you to the valley again. To reach the main street you need to turn into the first street on the right, arriving at a restaurant and turning left. Now we are at Ponte Maria Maddalena. On the left you find the way to come back to Ponte Verucchio, this time going down to the right bank of the Marecchia river. The track skirts the beautiful river: you will leave it only at Santarcangelo, at the end of your bicycle ride. |
