Distance: 38,5 km
Difficulty: difficult
Overall gradient: 1.871 m
Uphill gradient: 937 m
Downhill gradient: 934 m
Asphalt stretches: 12,5 km
Dirt track stretches: 23 km

The tour begins in Piazza Rossini in Mercatino Conca. As the impressive six-arch bridge on the road to San Marino, Carpegna and Urbino shows, during the Middle Ages the village of Mercatino Conca belonged to the Malatesta family. The ancient castle was built in 1272 but was destroyed by Federico da Montefeltro in 1462 when his troops conquered it. Just outside Mercatino, once across the bridge and after about 2 km, the itinerary starts to climb gently first towards Ripalta and then through a wood with sheer gradients to the village of Montealtavelio. Following signs for the “Osteria del Mirecul” restaurant, the itinerary takes a stretch of asphalt road that after about 4 km of climbs and descents leads to Piandicastello church. From here, the itinerary heads downhill following signs for Auditore-Tavoleto and leaves the Conca Valley for the Ventena Valley in Torricella at 15.4 km. After a dirt track stretch, at 18 km a medieval stone path leads uphill to the medieval villages of Castelnuovo and Piandicastello. This time, turn right towards the cemetery then downhill to the Onferno Caves where there is an interesting natural history museum housing beautiful bats, amongst other things. Leave the caves and head downhill before climbing again along an asphalt road that leads to Molino Renzini (31 km). Turn left before the bridge onto a dirt track running along the Conca River and then at 32 km near a barn turn right. After 200 metres, head back onto the outward route in the opposite direction. Once back at the bridge in Mercatino Conca, continue straight on Via Tretolo and 500 m away, opposite the sports ground, cross the wooden bridge and take the cycle path. At the end of the cycle path turn left towards the village and after 100 metres turn right, returning to the departure point (Piazza Rossini) after 35.8 km.


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