Path of the Gods: Bologna to Monzuno Loop

This mountain bike loop is considered difficult. It requires excellent physical preparation and advanced riding skills. You'll encounter steep climbs and exciting descents on varied terrain, including dirt roads, singletrack, and rocky sections. Some parts can be at the limit of rideability, especially in humid conditions.

The terrain is highly varied, featuring flowing dirt roads, engaging singletrack, steep climbs, and rocky descents. You'll also ride on ancient Roman pavements of the Flaminia Militare, dating back to 187 B.C. Be prepared for some segments where you might need to dismount and push your bike. Tubeless tires with a width of at least 2 inches are recommended for mountain bikes due to the technical nature of the route.

The route offers several notable points of interest. You'll pass by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca, ride through the Ascent Through the Contrafforte Pliocenico Forest, and potentially reach the Monte Adone summit. Other highlights include the Cà Bianca–Montagnole Trail Variant, the DH of the Young Marmots (MONZUNO), and the Ancient Savena Mule Track.

You'll be immersed in diverse and captivating natural landscapes. The route winds through dense beech forests, open ridges, and silent valleys, offering continuously changing views. Expect panoramic vistas of the Apennine mountains and sandstone cliffs, particularly around Monte Adone. You'll also pass through small Apennine villages, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty.

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to ride this trail due to milder temperatures. Summers can be quite hot, and winters might bring snow or very wet, muddy conditions, making some sections even more challenging or impassable.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to mountain bike this route. However, as parts of the trail pass through the Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve, always respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

While there are no explicit restrictions against dogs, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially when passing through populated areas or nature reserves like the Contrafforte Pliocenico. Given the trail's difficulty and technical sections, ensure your dog is fit enough for a long and challenging ride.

The loop starts and ends in Bologna. You can typically find parking in or around the city center, though it might require paid parking. For specific trailhead parking, consider areas near the initial sections of the Via degli Dei or consult local parking maps for Bologna and Monzuno.

Yes, this route utilizes sections of several other official trails. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the 'Via degli Dei MTB' (48%) and also includes parts of 'Via degli Dei: Tappa 1' (30%), 'Via degli Dei: Tappa 2' (18%), and 'Percorso CAI 913' (17%). You'll also find smaller segments of trails like 'Via Mater Dei tappa 1' and 'Percorso CAI 019'.

The Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve is a protected area known for its unique geological formations and rich biodiversity. When riding through the reserve, it's crucial to stay on designated trails to protect the environment. There are no specific entrance fees for the reserve, but always adhere to any posted regulations regarding wildlife, vegetation, and noise to preserve its natural state.

Yes, while the route largely follows the original hiking path with adaptations for mountain biking, some segments are explicitly forbidden for bikes. Always pay attention to signage on the trail to ensure you are on permitted sections for cycling. You may need to dismount and walk your bike through these areas.