Bibbiano to Lerici – bike rides to the Italian coast

Located on a small but historic railway line that connects Reggio Emilia to Ciano d'Enza, in the Reggio Pre-Apennines, Bibbiano is a municipality famous for the production of an excellent Parmigiano Reggiano. Having stocked up on the cheese, she begins to go up the Enza river towards Vetto. Instead of going up to Ramiseto via the new and insipid road, I suggest you go through Gottano and Cereggio: it's about 8 kilometers of uphill around 6% on average.

A long ups and downs then takes you towards the stone village of Cecciola and beyond, towards Miscoso and the very beginning of the ascent of the Reggio side of the Lagastrello pass. Just before the pass, notice the Paduli artificial lake on the left: this is where the Enza river starts, which you have followed along for many kilometres. The first Tuscan hairpin bends of the Lagastrello, to be tackled downhill, are wonderful. Then the road enters the wood and it is possible to reach Licciana Nardi and Aulla in a flash.

Near the latter I suggest you go up towards Ponzanello and Canepari: it is a climb that does not give a break to your legs, but is perfect from every point of view. The descent towards the Magra river is a lot of fun and, once you have crossed the waterway, you are just a few pedal strokes from the wonderful Lerici, one of the most popular towns on the Ligurian coast.

To return to Emilia I suggest you get to the railway stations of Sarzana or Santo Stefano di Magra, or take the A12 at Sarzana.