Cycling in the heart of Romagna means immersing oneself in a rich and diversified landscape: from the gentle hills outlined by vineyards to the wooded folds of the Apennines, from the banks of rivers that flow through silent villages to the roads that cross the historical and cultural memory of an authentic land. This cycling itinerary in the Romagna Forlivese area, winding between the Rabbi and Montone rivers, offers a multi-sensorial experience that combines sport, nature, history and taste.
About 50 km long, the route touches on four main stages: Predappio, Dovadola, Rocca San Casciano and Premilcuore. Each village holds a unique fragment of Romagna culture, amidst evocative architecture, culinary traditions and breathtaking natural views. But more than that, this is a journey that speaks of slow pace and attention to detail, designed for those who love to discover the area on a bicycle, letting themselves be surprised by what is along the way.
More than just a route, it is an inner journey for those who choose to experience the area at the slow cycling pace, while being surprised by what they encounter along the way: a bakery that smells of freshly baked bread, an old man telling a local legend, a view that suddenly opens up after an uphill bend.
It is a route recommended for cyclists of intermediate or advanced level, or in any case for those who already have some experience on hilly and mid-mountain routes, as challenging climbs alternate with relaxing descents.
However, the use of e-bikes makes the route accessible to those who wish to take a more relaxed approach, without losing any of the charm and intensity of the experience.
It is a perfect route for sporty cyclists or for those who like to challenge themselves by alternating movement and reward: challenging climbs followed by relaxing descents, villages ready to welcome you with typical Romagna hospitality, and views worth every pedal stroke.
The route starts from the centre of Predappio, a town nestled in the Rabbi river valley, a few kilometres from Forlì.
A place rich in history, culture and food and wine traditions, it is the ideal starting point for exploring the Forlì area by bicycle.
The town consists of two distinct nuclei: Predappio Nuova, the recent part in the valley, and Predappio Alta, a medieval village perched towards the Apennines and guardian of ancient memories.
The starting point is Via Roma, the main artery through Predappio Nuova. Designed in the 1920s and 1930s by some of the most important architects of the period, this street is a living testimony to the urban development of the time and represents one of the best examples of Italian Rationalism.
Continuing in a southerly direction, Predappio Alta can be reached in a few minutes: a picturesque medieval village that rises majestically above the valley.
Its 14th-century fortress dominates the landscape and offers spectacular views that repay the effort of the climb, perfect for a panoramic stop.
To taste
You are in the heart of the land of Sangiovese, the red wine that is the symbol of Romagna's identity and pride. You can taste it in one of the many local wine cellars, relaxing after the first climb of the route.
You cannot miss a stop to taste the thick piadina typical of the hinterland, different from the thin one from Rimini: softer, full-bodied and linked to the rural tradition and perfect to accompany cured meats and cheeses.
Advice on the route
Leaving Predappio Alta, take the SP 54 in the direction of Colmano, travelling about 6.5 km along a panoramic road.
You then turn left onto via Bernardina, cross via Treggiolo and take the SS 67 to the left.
After about 4 km you reach the next stop: Dovadola
Located between two fords of the Montone river, Dovadola, is an ideal stop for cyclists travelling along the roads of the Romagna Apennines.
The village offers a perfect balance of history, spirituality and authentic flavours, making it a strategic stopping point along the itinerary. Immersed in the tranquillity of the countryside, it is the ideal place to breathe in the most authentic soul of Romagna.
To visit
Dovadola is also a perfect place for a gastronomic break while enjoying the tranquillity and charm of the Romagna countryside before getting back in the saddle.
To taste
In the trattorias and taverns in the town centre, you can enjoy typical dishes based on mushrooms, venison and handmade pasta, all accompanied by excellent local wines.
Dovadola is famous for its white truffle, the protagonist of the Truffle Festival, an autumn event that attracts gourmets from every corner of Italy.
Advice on the route
From Dovadola, the cycling route continues in a south-easterly direction for about 9 km.
After 5 km, there are two options:
Both routes lead to Rocca San Casciano, the next stop on the journey between the rivers.
Rocca San Casciano is a historic village nestled along the Montone River, known for its popular traditions and 18th-century urban layout.
To visit
Events
For cycling enthusiasts wishing to explore Rocca San Casciano in spring, the best time to visit is undoubtedly the week after Easter, on the occasion of the spectacular Festa dei Falò, an ancient traditional festival that sees the town's two historic districts – Borgo and Mercato – compete in the construction of imposing bonfires along the banks of the Montone river. After the bonfires have been lit, the competition moves to the piazza with parades of floats, firework displays and dancing that last well into the night.
Advice on the route
After the stop, the route continues along the SS 23/SP9 in the direction of Premilcuore.
The road enters the greenest and wildest part of the route, following the course of the Montone river towards the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, which will host the last stage.
The last stage of the cycling itinerary leads to Premilcuore, one of the most picturesque villages in the Romagna Apennines.
Located in the heart of the Casentino Forest National Park, it is the ideal destination for those who love cycling in nature, away from traffic and immersed in the silence of the woods.
This medieval village, bathed by the clear waters of the Rabbi river, is a little gem that will win over any cycling enthusiast.
Historic alleys, ancient churches and the Rocca dei Conti Guidi accompany the visitor on a ride suspended in time.
For those who love nature and cycling, Premilcuore is a true paradise.
To visit
Premilcuore is the ideal destination to end a cycling trip through the wonders of the Forlì area on a high note.
