top of page
Top

Cycle Across Sicily

June 7th - June 16th, 2024
(Custom dates available for groups of 6 or more)

IMG_5113.heic

10 DAYS TOURING SICILY

all-inclusive

Less than $600/day to eat, bike, eat, tour, eat, sleep...repeat!

Overview

OVERVIEW

ROUTE

Trapani To Catania

DURATON

10 days / 9 nights

DIFFERENT TOWNS

30

MEALS IN SICILY

27

CAFE STOPS ON ROUTE

12 (at least!)

OVERNIGHTS

7 different cities

FINISHING MEDAL

1

TERRAIN

Road / Gravel

TYPE OF BIKE

GRAVEL

DISTANCE

269.2 mi / 432.1 km

AVG. DISTANCE  PER DAY

38 mi / 61 km (3-5hrs)

CLIMBING

21,281 ft / 6,486 m

DECENDING

21.404 ft / 6,524 m

PAVED ROADS (est)

259.5 mi /417.6 km

GRAVEL ROADS (est)

9.7 mi / 15.6 km

Includes

INCLUDES

  • Accommodations, all 3 and 4 star

  • On the bike 7/10 days, 2-6 hours each day

  • All meals upon arrival - 9B, 9L, 9D

  • Snacks/drinks along route (SAG)

  • Bike & helmet

  • SPD, Look Delta or flat pedals

  • Or bring your own pedals & cleats

  • Experienced cycling & ride leaders

  • Guides for off bike adventures

  • Frame/phone & saddle bag

  • Vehicles to support the ride & adventure

  • Saturday night post ride party

​​

  • ​Snorkel gear

  • Beach access and accessories

  • Online schedule with detailed trip information

  • Lead up zoom to answer any questions

  • Special event in Caltagirone

  • Park entrance fees

  • Baggage transfers and porterage

  • Airport transfers for Trapani (TPS) & Catania (CTA)

  • Add $95 if arriving into Palermo (PMO)

  • Non riders welcome too

  • Shared photo hub to upload all images

  • Bolt (mascot) travels with us 100% of the time

‎Map Across Sicily.‎001.png

​​

  • terrier water bottles (2)

  • terrier cycling kit (top & bottom)

  • Welcome bag & goodies

  • Finisher medal

  • 12 Week training schedule (Begins March)

ALSO INCLUDED!

Did you know?

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean.

Schwag!

Bikes

BIKES

MERIDA

  • Frame: SILEX lite;

  • Fork: Merida SILEX CF2;

  • Saddle: Merida Expert CC;

  • Front Brake: Shimano GRX810; Hydraulic disk;

  • Rear Brake: Shimano GRX810; Hydraulic disk;

  • Gear: Shimano GRX810;

  • Stem: MERIDA Expert CW; 31.8 DSH; -8 ASD;

  • Derailleur: Shimano GRX810;

  • Chain: KMC X11;

  • Bottom bracket: Sram Pressfit BB71;

  • Wheels: MERIDA Expert CX; 19 IWR; 24 HRI;

  • Tyres: Maxxis Razzo; 700x35C; fold; Silkworm.

SILEX 700

(INCLUDED)

TOP STONE E-BIKE

(ADD $200)

CANNONDALE

​

  • Frame: SmartForm C2 Alloy, 135mm bolt-on, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, multiple gear/bottle mounts;

  • Fork: Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru axle;

  • Saddle: Fizik New Aliante R5, 150mm width, S-alloy rails;

  • Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc, 160mm RT56 rotors;

  • Gear: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc;

  • Rims: 700 cc;

  • Display: Mahle ebikemotion iWoc ONE integrated controller;

  • Battery: Mahle ebikemotion X35 250Wh;

  • Motor: Mahle ebikemotion X35+ 250W.

E-gravelCannondale.png.webp
Itinerary

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - FRIDAY

Trapani Beach.jpg
DT Trapani.webp
Salt Flats.jpeg
Lucy Selfie.JPG

Trapani Population: 67,531

Elevation: 10ft /3m

Total Area: 105sq mi / 271sq km

Patron Saint: St. Albert

FOOD INCLUDED

Lunch: At accommodations

Dinner: at restaurant

Snack & Drinks

ARRIVE SICILY

To ensure a smooth arrival to your accommodations, it is highly recommended that you arrive in Trapani as early as possible. Please note that transportation to your accommodations is only included if you arrive in Trapani. If you arrive in Palermo, we will need to arrange additional transportation for you, which will require an extra fee of $95.

Day Events:

 - Check In

 - Sicilian lunch at accommodations

 - Beverages

 - Bike & helmet fitting

 - Mount pedals & your accessories

 - Water bottle distribution

 - Kit distribution

 - Charge all accessories

 - Adaptors provided for charging

 - Stretch sessions

 - Review week

 - Group dinner along the water

 - Sleep!  You will need it

ABOUT TRAPANI

​

Trapani is the capital of the province of Trapani and a port city located on the western coast of the island. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the Medieval walled city of Erice, and the ancient Greek temples of Segesta and Selinunte. Additionally, the charming fishing village of Marausa is a must-visit destination. 

 

The city also boasts evidence of industrial archeology in the form of windmills and saltworks. The saltworks are situated in the Natural Reserve of Saline di Trapani and Paceco, which is managed by the WWF and is home to a remarkable flora and fauna. Thanks to the Reserve's protection, the activity of saltworkers and salt production have increased, encouraging the return and reproduction of dozens of species of migratory birds, including the pink flamingo. Trapani is also famous for its delicious seafood dishes, colorful markets, and stunning beaches. It is a unique and vibrant city that delights visitors with its Sicilian simplicity.

"Cu nesci arrinesci"

Those who leave their own comfort zone succeed.

Did you
know?

Trapani sea salt is still harvested by hand.

DAY 2 - SATURDAY

Prolouge & Boat Tour

Heading East Trapani.JPG
Boat Diego.JPG
Favignana-.jpg.1200x800_q85_crop.jpg

Favignana Population: 4,314

Elevation: 30ft /6m

Total Area: 300sq mi / 120sqkm

Patron Saint: St. Pennino

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: At Accommodations

LUNCH: Favignana (Sit down)

DINNER: Restaurant in Trapani

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Prologue Map.png

DISTANCE: 15.0mi / 24.0k

CLIMBING: 580ft / 177m

MAX INCLINE: 5.1%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 0

DESCENDING: 577ft / 175m

MAX DECLINE: 4.6%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 0

PAVED: 100%

GRAVEL: 0%

STOPS: 0

TOTAL TRIP: 15.0m  / 24.0k

THE DAY

MORNING PROLOGUE

Let’s start with an easy ride from the accommodations to warm up, get to know the group and adjust to your bikes. Our goal is to ensure your comfort, so final adjustments will be made during the ride. We will group you based on your skills to ensure a more personalized experience for each of you.

BOAT TOUR TO FAVIGNANA

Favignana, an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, was known as Aegusa during ancient times. The name Aegusa means “goat island” in Greek. The present name, Favignana, is derived from an Italian name for the foehn wind called Favonio. The Phoenicians established an outpost on the island to use it as a stopping point on their trans-Mediterranean trading routes. However, this came to an end after the defeat of the Carthaginian army during the First Punic War.

"Cu nesci arrinesci"

Those who leave their own comfort zone succeed.

DAY 3 - SUNDAY

Trapani To GibEllina

STAGE #1

Day 1
Group heading east.JPG
M27.JPG

Gibellina Population: 4,028

Elevation: 764ft /233m

Total Area: 17.98sq mi / 46.57sq km

Patron Saint: St. Roch

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: At Accommodations

1st STOP: M25 (Sit down lunch)

DINNER: Restaurant in Giballina (Sit down)

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Day 1.png

DISTANCE: 36.0m / 58.0k

CLIMBING: 2,894ft / 882m

MAX INCLINE: 9.9%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 2

  - 2.8mi / 585ft / 3.5% -- 4.5k / 178m / 3.5%

  - 4.4mi / 904ft / 4.1% -- 7.1k / 275m / 4.1%

DESCENDING: 2,192ft / 668m

MAX DECLINE: 13.3%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 2

  - 3.6mi / 702ft / 3.6% -- 5.8k / 213m / 3.6%

  - 1.6mi / 546ft / 7.1% -- 2.5k / 154m / 7.1%

PAVED: 93%

GRAVEL: 7%

STOPS: 1 at mile 25 / kilometer 40

TOTAL TRIP: 51.0m  / 82.0k

THE DAY

A gradual climb as we make our way east. We slowly ascend as we head towards the east. We pass by the salt pans of Trapani, lakes, vast fields, and ancient Sicilian towns. Our final destination is Nuova Gibellina, nestled at the base of Monte Cofano and surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves. This city holds immense historical significance, having been destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1968 and then reconstructed by some of the world’s leading modernist architects. There are several noteworthy attractions in the city, which include the 16th-century San Calogero church, the archaeological museum, and stunning Baroque buildings in the old town.

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Trapani, Ardigna, Vita, Salemi, Gibellina

 

"Chi apparisci a nui vantaggiu, tanti voti è molestia o disaggiu"

​

 What appears to us to be an advantage, is often a nuisance and a pain.

DAY 4 - MONDAY

Giballina To Sambuca Di Sicilia

STAGE #2

Sambuca Di Sicilia.png
Gib To Sambuca (1).png
IMG_1732.JPG

Sambuca Population: 5,878

Elevation: 1194ft /364m

Total Area: 37.21sq mi / 496.37sq km

Patron Saint: St. George

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: AAccommodations

1st STOP: M14 / K23

2nd STOP: M24.5 / K64

DINNER: Restaurant In Sambuca (sit down)

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Stage 2 Map.png

DISTANCE: 32.1m / 50.2k

CLIMBING: 3654ft / 1114m

MAX INCLINE: 13.2%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 5

  - 4.3mi / 1096ft / 4.0% -- 7.0k / 334m / 4.0%

  - 0.9mi / 344ft / 6.7% -- 1.5k / 104m / 6.7%

  - 1.0mi / 223ft / 4.0% -- 1.6k / 68m / 4.0%

  - 5.5mi / 1020ft / 3.7% -- 8.9k / 310m / 3.7%

  - 1.4m / 400ft / 5.8% --  2.3k / 121m / 5.8%

DESCENDING: 3235ft / 986m

MAX DECLINE: 11.8%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 3

  - 2.8mi / 648ft / 4.3% -- 4.5k / 197m / 4.3%

  - 3.7mi / 948ft / 4.8% -- 6.0k / 289km / 4.8%

  - 1.6mi / 271ft / 3.3% -- 2.8k / 87m / 3.3%

  - 2.8mi / 630ft / 4.4% -- 4.5k / 192m / 4.4%

PAVED: 99%

GRAVEL: 1%

STOPS: 2

  - 1st at mile 14 / kilometer 23

  - 2nd at mile 24.5 / kilometer 39

TOTAL TRIP: 83.1m  / 132.2k

THE DAY

Today is a climbing day as we make our way through the middle of Sicily. Along the way, we will encounter a few steep segments that may challenge our legs but rest assured that at the top of every climb, we will be rewarded with another spectacular vista of the remote Sicilian countryside. Many of the towns we pass are abandoned, yet they are full of history. You will notice many of the $1 homes that you may have heard about in Sicily, so it’s best to bring cash. Who knows, maybe we could even buy a whole town? Would you like to join in?

SAMBUCA DI SICILIA

The origin of the name Sambuca can be traced back to the Arabic name of the castle built by the emir Al-Zabut. The name means “the splendid” in Arabic, which reflects the value of the castle. The castle was built as a fortress to protect the Arabs from their enemies. Some believe that the name was inspired by the elderberry plant, while others think it was derived from the architectural style of the village, which resembles a musical instrument called sambuca - a small harp. 

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Gibellina Nuovo, Gibellina Vecchia, Poggioreale, Salaparuta, Santa Margherita Di Belice, Sambuca Di Sicilia

"Molto rumore per nulla" 

​

Much Ado About Nothing

DAY 5 - TUESDAY

Sambuca Di Sicilia To AGRIGENTO

STAGE #3

Sambuca Di Sicilia.png
IMG_1791.JPG
WInd Turbines.jpg

Agriento Population: 59,791

Elevation: 750ft / 250m

Total Area:

   94.72sq mi /

   245.32 sq km

Patron Saint: St. Gerlando

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: At Accommodations

1st Stop: M14 / K22

2nd STOP: M40 / K64

DINNER: Accommodations

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

Did you know?

There are 1,574 wind

turbines in Sicily.

THE RIDE

Stage #3 Map.png

DISTANCE: 58.9m / 94.7k

CLIMBING: 4872ft / 1485m

MAX INCLINE: 19.6%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 9

  - 1.8mi / 654ft / 7.2% -- 2.9k / 200m / 7.2%

  - 0.8mi / 233ft / 4.8% -- 1.3k / 71m / 4.8%

  - 2.5mi / 516ft / 3.5% -- 4.0k / 157m / 3.5%

  - 1.0mi / 225ft / 4.6% -- 1.6k / 68 / 4.6

  - 2.9mi / 639ft / 4.4% -- 4.6k / 194m / 4.4%

  - 0.7mi / 110ft / 2.7% -- 1.2k / 34m / 2.7%

  - 0.7mi / 105ft / 2.9% -- 1.2k / 32m / 2.9%

  - 0.9mi / 240ft / 4.6% -- 1.5k / 73m / 4.6%

  - 1.1mi / 240ft / 3.2% -- 1.7k / 73m / 3.2%

DESCENDING: 5684ft / 1735m

MAX DECLINE: 11.6%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 10

  - 1.7mi / 493ft / 5.1% -- 2.7k / 150m / 5.1%

  - 2.8mi / 948ft / 6.9% -- 6.0k / 288m / 6.9%

  - 0.7mi / 150ft / 3.3% -- 1.1k / 45m / 3.3%

  - 0.8mi / 167ft / 4.2% -- 1.3k / 51m / 4.2%

  - 1.2mi / 293ft / 4.2% -- 1.9k / 89m / 4.3%

  - 2.1mi / 394ft / 4.0% -- 3.3k / 119m / 4.0%

  - 2.8mi / 575ft / 3.8% -- 4.5k / 175m / 3.8%

  - 1.6mi / 312ft / 3.6% -- 2.6k / 93m / 3.6%

  - 0.8m / 168ft / 3.7% -- 1.3k / 51m / 3.7%

  - 1.3m / 248ft / 4.9% -- 2.1k / 75m . 4.9%

PAVED: 94%

GRAVEL: 6%

STOPS: 2 

  - 1st at mile 14 / kilometer 22

  - 2nd at mile 40 / kilometer 64

TOTAL TRIP: 142m  / 226.9k

THE DAY

Today’s stage is the longest, but it has more downhill than uphill. We will leave central Sicily and head towards the southern coast of the Mediterranean sea. You should expect to encounter some gravel on the way, so patience will be key. The vistas are breathtaking, with vineyards and valleys that have been farmed by the same families for centuries. This region has remained unchanged and is one of the most authentic places you can visit in Sicily.

AGRIGENTO

Agrigento is a beautiful city perched on the hilltops of Sicily’s southwest shore. The city is famous for the historic ruins of the ancient city of Akragas, which are located in the Valley of the Temples. This vast archaeological site houses well-preserved Greek temples that are a must-visit for history enthusiasts. On the outskirts of the modern city, you’ll find the Museo Archeologico Regionale ‘Pietro Griffo’, which features a wide range of artifacts, including a giant male figure known as telamon. Towards the west, you can visit the Scala dei Turchi, a stepped white cliff that offers a stunning view of sandy beaches.

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Sambuca, Sciacca, Ribera, Montallegro,Punta Grande, Porto Empedocle, Agrigento

"Cu mancia fa muddichi" Whoever eats makes crumbs.

DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY

AGRIGENTO

DAY OFF

Valle-dei-Templi-di-Agrigento-1.jpg
8adb6063dfb99bbbc728aa2d567c4585.jpg
Valley-of-the-Temples.jpg

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: Accommodations

LUNCH: At Beach

DINNER: Accommodations

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

VALLEY OF TEMPLES

The Valle dei Templi or Valley of the Temples, is an archaeological site in Agrigento (ancient Greek Akragas), Sicily. It is one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture of Magna Graecia and is one of the main attractions of Sicily. The term "valley" is a misnomer, the site being located on a ridge outside the town of Agrigento. Since 1997, the entire area has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The archaeological and landscape park of the Valle dei Templi, with its 1300 hectares, is the largest archaeological park in Europe and the Mediterrain Basin.

SCALA DEI TURCHI

The Scala dei Turchi, also known as the “Stair of the Turks,” is a rocky cliff located near Porto Empedocle. The Scala is made up of marl, a sedimentary rock with a distinctive white color, formed from the tests of planktonic foraminifera. These rocks belong to the Trubi Formation, which is a marine sedimentary unit that was deposited during the Lower Pliocene (Zanclean) age, after the Zanclean flood. The Mediterranean was refilled during this time, after having previously almost completely dried out during the Messinian salinity crisis. The cliffs are situated between two sandy beaches and are a limestone rock formation that resembles a staircase, hence the name.

"Va Eccati"

Go Throw Yourself In the Sea.

DAY 7 - THURSDAY

AGRIGENTO To CALTANISSETTA

STAGE #4

Breakfast.png
Sicily Sunrise.jpg
Caltanissetta-Ruderi-Castello-Pietrarossa.jpg

Caltanissetta Population: 62,797

Elevation: 1864ft / 568m

Total Area:

   162.10sq mi

   421.50sq km

Patron Saint: St. Michael

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: At Accommodations

STOP#1: M14 / K22

LUNCH: M30 / K48

DINNER: Accommodations

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Stage #4 Map.png

DISTANCE: 37.2m / 60.0k

CLIMBING: 4273ft / 1302m

MAX INCLINE: 11.4%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 5

  - 4.1mi / 1148ft / 5.6% -- 6.6k / 349m / 7.2%

  - 3.4mi / 813ft / 4.4% -- 5.5k / 247m / 4.8%

  - 1.0mi / 155ft / 2.8% -- 1.6k / 47m / 2.8%

  - 1.6mi / 373ft / 4.3% -- 2.6k / 114m / 4.3%

  - 1.9mi / 385ft / 3.7% -- 3.0k / 117m / 3.7%

DESCENDING: 2703ft / 823m

MAX DECLINE: 7.7%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 6

  - 1.5mi / 294ft / 4.1% -- 1.5k / 89m / 4.1%

  - 1.2mi / 276ft / 4.4% -- 1.9k / 84m / 4.4%

  - 0.7mi / 119ft / 2.7% -- 1.1k / 36m / 2.7%

  - 0.7mi / 183ft / 5.0% -- 1.1k / 55m / 5.0%

  - 1.4mi / 237ft / 3.1% -- 2.2k / 72m / 3.1%

  - 0.7mi / 233ft / 5.3% -- 1.1k / 71m / 5.3

PAVED: 98%

GRAVEL: 2%

STOPS: 2 

  - 1st at mile 14 / kilometer 24

  - 2nd at mile 30 / kilometer 48

TOTAL TRIP: 179.2m  / 286.9k

THE DAY

After taking a day off, we face the toughest climbing stage. Consistent effort, relaxed but strong pedal strokes, frequent hydration, and appreciation of the epic stage will be key as we move back into central Sicily.

CALTANISSETTA

Caltanissetta is a city that dominates the entire valley of the river Salso. The city is situated between three hills - Sant’Anna, Monte San Giuliano, and Poggio Sant’Elia - forming a basin that comprises part of the historical center and the southern part of the city. It is the 14th largest municipality in Italy, measured by area, and the sixth highest in Italy by elevation, with an altitude of 568 meters. It is the second-highest elevation in Sicily, after the city of Enna (912 meters). The city’s history dates back to 406 BC when Admiral Nicia of Hamilcar’s siege force from Carthage established a fort at the site, later called Castra Nicia (Fort Nicia).

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Agrigento, Favara, Castrofilippo, Caltanissetta

​

​"Non Ni Manciu Chiacchiri"

I Don't Eat Gossip

DAY 8 - FRIDAY

CALTANISSETTA To CALTAGIRONE

STAGE #5

Rooftops Sicily.jpg
Caltagirone,_S._Maria_del_Monte_-_panoramio.jpg
Traditional-sicilian-ceramic-heads-1032054.jpg

Caltagirone Population: 62,797

Elevation: 1864ft / 568m

Total Area:

   162.10sq mi

   421.50sq km

Patron Saint: St. Michael

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: At Accommodations

STOP#1: M13 / K21

LUNCH: M30

DINNER: Accommodations

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Stage #5 map.png

DISTANCE: 41.0m / 66.0k

CLIMBING: 4240ft / 1292m

MAX INCLINE: 21.2%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 6

  - 1.5mi / 959ft / 11.4% -- 2.4k / 292m / 11.4%

  - 0.7mi / 134ft / 3.1% -- 1.1k / 40m / 3.1%

  - 3.3mi / 726ft / 3.6% -- 5.3k / 221m / 3.6%

  - 0.9mi / 238ft / 6.2% -- 1.4k / 73m / 6.2%

  - 1.4mi / 304ft / 3.8% -- 2.3k / 92m / 3.8%

  - 1.1mi / 287ft / 4.9% -- 1.7k / 87m / 4.9%

DESCENDING: 4457ft / 1358m

MAX DECLINE: 15.8%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 7

  - 0,7mi / 262ft / 6.4% -- 1.1k / 80m / 6.4%

  - 2.0mi / 1001ft / 9.4% -- 3.2k / 305m / 9.4%

  - 0.9mi / 310ft / 5.8% -- 1.5k / 94m / 5.8%

  - 2.8mi / 560ft / 3.5% -- 4.5k / 170m / 3.6%

  - 1.7mi / 352ft / 3.3% -- 2.7k / 107m / 3.3%

  - 1.3mi / 279ft / 3.7% -- 2.1k / 85mm / 3.7%

  - 0.7mi / 316ft / 8.3% -- 1.1k / 96m / 8/3%

PAVED: 93%

GRAVEL: 7%

STOPS: 2 

  - 1st at mile 13 / kilometer 21

  - 2nd at mile 30 / kilometer 48

TOTAL TRIP: 220.2m  / 352.9k

THE DAY

This stage of the journey will be challenging, with more climbing and exciting gravel trails. You can expect to have a picnic and enjoy stunning scenery between the two larger Sicilian towns. We will leave early to reach Caltagirone and have time to explore the city. 

Caltagirone

A castle was built here by Arabs in 1030. However, it was attacked by Ligurian troops under the Byzantine General George Maniakes. Interestingly, the current dialect still has traces of Ligurian language. The city experienced prosperity during the Norman and Hohenstaufen rule, and became a well-known center for the production of ceramics. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1693 almost completely destroyed the city. However, many public and private buildings were reconstructed in a Sicilian Baroque style. The city and its surrounding area are now protected by the UNESCO World Heritage program, and boast an impressive array of architectural resources.

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Caltanissetta, Pietraperzia, Barrafranca, San Michele Di Ganzaria, Caltagirone

"Mangiarono Con La Salvietta"

They Ate With Napkins.

DAY 9 - SATURDAY

CALTAGIRONE TO CATANIA

STAGE #6

caltagirone-stair.jpeg
Vineyards.jpg
St. Agatha.jpeg

Catania Population: 311,584

Elevation: 23ft /7m

Total Area: 70.63sq mi / 182.9sq km

Patron Saint: St. Agatha

FOOD INCLUDED

BREAKFAST: Accommodations

STOP#1: Lunch M20 / K32

DINNER: Post-Ride Party

SNACKS & DRINK: Daily

THE RIDE

Map Stage #6.png

DISTANCE: 49.0m / 79.2k

CLIMBING: 768ft / 234m

MAX INCLINE: 5.1%

NOTABLE CLIMBS: 0

  - NO MORE CLIMBS

  - THANK GOODNESS!

DESCENDING: 2556ft / 780m

MAX DECLINE: 9.6%

SPEEDY DECENTS: 1

  - 5.0mi / 1000ft / 4.0% -- 8.0k / 304m / 4.0%

PAVED: 93%

GRAVEL: 7%

STOPS: 1 at mile 25 / kilometer 40

TOTAL TRIP: 269.2m  / 431.1

THE DAY

On the last day of our journey, we have the easiest stage to ride through. We will be passing through the open planes of east central Sicily and eventually arrive at Catania. This city is located on Sicily’s east coast and lies at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna. The Greeks from Chalcis founded Catania in the 8th century BC in Magna Graecia. The city has survived many natural disasters, including a catastrophic earthquake in 1169 that almost completely destroyed it. In 1669, a major eruption and lava flow from Mount Etna nearly swamped the city, and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake.

CITIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Caltagirone, Palagonia, Catania

"Cantami suoggira,

sentimi nuora"

 

Sing to the mother-in-law,

listen to the sister-in-law”

DAY 10 - SUNDAY

cincocento.jpg