Lore @Romagna Trail 2025
The Romagna Trail, 200 kilometers in two days. But for us, for me and my group of friends, the goal was one: to complete it in a single, long, incredible day. The challenge was set, and preparation had begun well before Saturday. We had studied the maps, prepared our bikes, and, above all, we had sharpened our determination.
Saturday morning, the crisp air of Rio del Sol welcomed us. Our energy levels were high, our water bottles were full, and our hearts were pounding with anticipation. Our wheels began to turn, heading straight for the Apennines. The first stretch was a familiar trail, between Monte Paolo and Dovadola, places we knew like the back of our hands. But soon, the adventure took an unexpected turn. We ventured into unfamiliar places, paths that, though close to home, none of us had ever ridden. It was like discovering a new world just around the corner.
The day was picture perfect: sunshine, blue skies, and a climate that seemed tailor-made for our venture. Without too much difficulty, we reached our first stop, in the hills near Predappio. A quick coffee, a laugh, and then back in the saddle. The adventure had just begun.
Around lunchtime, we were deep in the Casentino Forests. The views were breathtaking. Pristine landscapes, where the only presence was ourselves and the sound of our bikes. Some sections were challenging, with our gravel bike struggling on trails that were more technical than expected. But with patience, and above all, incredible team spirit, we made it.
Santa Sofia was our oasis. A well-deserved lunch revitalized us after the first leg of the ride. After saying goodbye to friends heading home, we—Nic, Mac, Gerry, and I—kept moving. We were at the halfway point, ready to tackle the second half. The first climb after lunch was a real challenge: long, steep, and testing our legs. Everyone found their own pace to tackle it, pushing themselves to the max.
Once we'd made it through the climb, the feeling of being on the right track began to sink in. The final climbs, however challenging, had the feel of a finish line. We passed through Meldola, with our sights set firmly on Bertinoro. We waited for each other after every difficult stretch, and finally, we reached the top of the village for a final snack. A quick piadina, a final boost of energy before the final push.
The stretch to Forlì, along the river, seemed trivial on paper. But after 140 kilometers and 3,800 meters of elevation gain, even the simplest trail becomes a challenge. Finally, in the dark, along country roads, we returned to Rio del Sol. Awaiting us were cold beers, laughter, and the incredible feeling of having made it.
It was a challenging experience, one that makes you feel alive. And, above all, it makes you realize the wild and unexpected beauty our land has to offer, if only you have the courage to explore it.
Words: Lorenzo Solaroli
Photographs: Lorenzo Solaroli, Luca Ferri, Marco Casadio
