The precinct
Biking in the cradle of the Renaissance - Tuscany casts a spell over millions of visitors every year. But it's not just tourism that is booming in Italy's fifth-largest region, mountain biking is also more popular than ever, and a remarkable network of trails is growing on the hills and ridges.
Arrival
Massa-Carrara and Rincine (near Florence) are located in the north of Tuscany and are similarly easy to reach by car. They are a good two hours apart. Monte Amiata is two and a half hours further south.
You can download the complete "Tour Guide Tuscany" from BIKE 4/2022 as a PDF in the download area below.
The Revier-Report costs 1.99 euros. Inside you will find the BIKE web code, which will take you to the download of the free GPS data for these tours.
Overnight stay
The best way to combine these three spots is with a road trip, where you spend two to three days in one place and explore as many different trails and locations as possible. Tip for those who prefer to stay in holiday flats: Peace and seclusion can be found in the mountains in Pariana at Casa Vacanze Albachiara, looked after by very warm hosts who run a typical rustic bar called Silvio in the same house (15 minutes by car from Massa). Also beautifully situated on the Rincine Trail area, with a pool and delicious breakfast: Agriturismo La Noce di Francesca (www.lanocedifrancesca.com). On Monte Amiata, the Albergo Le Macinaie is located directly next to the bike park (www.lemacinaie.it/de).
There are campsites in almost every town in Tuscany. If you want to visit the bike park on Monte Amiata, you can even camp for free in the bike park car park with your car, camper van or tent. The car park is in a quiet location in the middle of the forest and there are two bars and restaurants.
Bike shops
There are always well-equipped bike shops in the larger towns. In the hinterland, however, you should have all spare parts with you. There are bike shops near the three tours in Massa: Il Giocatore D'Azzardo, www.mtbshop.ms.it; directly at the Monte Amiata Bike Park: www.amiatafreeridebikeresort.com and in Florence: ProBike, www.probikefirenze.it. However, the Rincine trail area is just under an hour away from Florence.
Guided tours / camps
At all three locations, the respective trail builders also offer guiding, technique training and shuttle tours: Bikepark-Crew around Amiata Freeride (www.amiatafreeridebikeresort.com), Firenze Freeride (www.firenzefreeride.org) or with the West Coast Trails Association in Massa (www.west-coasttrails.eu)
Eat well
Tuscany is considered the gourmet capital of Italy. So basically you can't go wrong. A real highlight for us was the Pizzeria Pizzarda in Seravezza near Massa-Carrara. The builders of the Folgorito downhill trail offer unusual pizza creations such as ricotta aubergine and artichoke and are very happy to welcome bikers. The La Vetta bar sits enthroned at the summit of Monte Amiata: homemade pasta, traditional dishes and a fantastic panorama right at the exit of the bike park chairlift make for a quick stop.
More Tuscany spots
Tuscany is slightly larger than Hesse in terms of area. Trail construction is now taking place in many regions. The scenery ranges from the 2000 metre high Apuan Alps to rolling hills with beech and chestnut forests, extinct volcanoes, wine-growing hills and sandy beaches by the sea. The best bike spots in Tuscany also include:
Calci On Monte Pisano, magnificent technical trails await in the Pisa hinterland. Elba The small island with great trail potential for advanced riders. You can find more information about Elba here ->. Garfagnana The Garfagnana attracts bikers with its secluded forests, rugged terrain and summit tours up to 2000 metres above sea level. Massa Marittima A large and well-maintained trail network, the classic for bike tourists. There is plenty of flow here for all skill levels. Orbetello Hidden trail areas, island hopping and flamingos - tours in Talamone, on Monte Argentario and the island of Giglio offer a very special biking experience. Piombino The small area on the Etruscan Riviera offers sandy flow trails, descents right down to the beach and plenty of holiday flair. Punta Ala The Enduro World Series was founded here in 2013. Since then, the area has been popular with trail bikers longing for sun, beach and sea.
